Ujima On mission
The CDC ranks the state of Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, with the rate of 35 per 100,000 deaths compared to the national average or 20. Within that, the racial disparity among Black women is high. According to America's health ranking, in Arkansas, the maternal mortality of Black women is 71% compared to 27.8% of White women.
Why does this disparity exist? There are a number of causes that contribute. Some include lack of access to health care, failure to diagnose and receive proper treatment, insufficient attention to vital signs, pre-existing chronic conditions, and increase in maternal age.
How do we help? Doula support not only provides attention to physical comfort and emotional reassurance during labor, but also provides growing families with information about what happens during labor and postpartum. Doulas also provide education on procedures and help facilitate communication between the growing family an the medical care providers. Studies have shown that continuous support from doulas will aid with...
A large majority of births in Arkansas are covered through Medicaid making doula services unaffordable for the families that could benefit the most. We at Ujima are tired of waiting on a system to help us. So we offer scholarships for doula services. This funding in made possible by generous partners from The Woodson Center and Ceiba Fund. If you are expecting and would like to have doula support but it is outside of your financial means, apply here for scholarship services. We even have a list of doulas for you to chose from!
Why does this disparity exist? There are a number of causes that contribute. Some include lack of access to health care, failure to diagnose and receive proper treatment, insufficient attention to vital signs, pre-existing chronic conditions, and increase in maternal age.
How do we help? Doula support not only provides attention to physical comfort and emotional reassurance during labor, but also provides growing families with information about what happens during labor and postpartum. Doulas also provide education on procedures and help facilitate communication between the growing family an the medical care providers. Studies have shown that continuous support from doulas will aid with...
- Fewer cesarean sections
- Less anxiety and depression for expecting mother
- Less likely to need drugs for pain relief
- Shorter labor time
- More positive birth experiences and outcomes
- Lower healthcare cost
- Improved communication with medical provider
- Greater advocacy
- You are seen, heard, valued, understood
- DOULAS ARE A CRITICAL PART OF YOUR SUPPORT TEAM especially for Black and Brown mothers.
- GREATER ACCOUNTABILY from the provider during your maternal healthcare journey
A large majority of births in Arkansas are covered through Medicaid making doula services unaffordable for the families that could benefit the most. We at Ujima are tired of waiting on a system to help us. So we offer scholarships for doula services. This funding in made possible by generous partners from The Woodson Center and Ceiba Fund. If you are expecting and would like to have doula support but it is outside of your financial means, apply here for scholarship services. We even have a list of doulas for you to chose from!
Scholarship Recipients from 2023!
Doula Support Award Recipients...
Nadir Abdullah, Kirsty Akins, Shaleah Dumas, ReKla Foster, Debbie Jones, Danielle Glover, Alexsis Scott, Taneisha Mazique, Vincentia Simmons, Jasmine Smith, Lemesha Mitchell, Mia Woods, Kayla Moore, & Nicolette Stokes
This grant funding was made possible by Every Mother Counts , The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame & Mama Cat Founder of The Arkansas Birthing Project
Nadir Abdullah, Kirsty Akins, Shaleah Dumas, ReKla Foster, Debbie Jones, Danielle Glover, Alexsis Scott, Taneisha Mazique, Vincentia Simmons, Jasmine Smith, Lemesha Mitchell, Mia Woods, Kayla Moore, & Nicolette Stokes
This grant funding was made possible by Every Mother Counts , The Arkansas Black Hall of Fame & Mama Cat Founder of The Arkansas Birthing Project
Scholarship recipients from 2021!
Certified Lactation Counselor Award Recipients...
Regina Chaten. Semone Holman. Jasmine Jones. Candace Lewis. Tiara Piggee. Kenya Vernon.
Jamie Washington. Liyah Wasson. Tina Wesley.
Doula Support Award Recipients...
Chrishauna Fields. Jennisha Turner. Breanna Lanigan. Rachel White. Wensie Woodard. Breanna White-Jones. Kolbi Barton
Ujima Maternity would like to thank it's grantors, Building Better Communities Fund (BBCF); Arkansas Community Foundation (ACF); and Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative (ABPC), for the opportunity to provide scholarships in education, support and training to assist the Black community in maternal matters.
The CLC award recipients will be attending the Ujima Maternity Network, Inc's community outreach to assist mothers on their nursing journey.
Regina Chaten. Semone Holman. Jasmine Jones. Candace Lewis. Tiara Piggee. Kenya Vernon.
Jamie Washington. Liyah Wasson. Tina Wesley.
Doula Support Award Recipients...
Chrishauna Fields. Jennisha Turner. Breanna Lanigan. Rachel White. Wensie Woodard. Breanna White-Jones. Kolbi Barton
Ujima Maternity would like to thank it's grantors, Building Better Communities Fund (BBCF); Arkansas Community Foundation (ACF); and Arkansas Black Philanthropy Collaborative (ABPC), for the opportunity to provide scholarships in education, support and training to assist the Black community in maternal matters.
The CLC award recipients will be attending the Ujima Maternity Network, Inc's community outreach to assist mothers on their nursing journey.