Black Mothers Matter Doula Clinic Partnership
Greetings!
Thank you in advance for your interest in this Cross Community Collaboration initiative centering underserved mothers and babies. My name is Marpessa Allen and I am a Colorado native, a mother of 4 children, an alumni of the University of Colorado Denver, a Labor Doula and a Family Advocacy Consultant. As a social entrepreneur in the birth and family policy space, I see and experience the need for increased support for under resourced & Black mothers and babies since COVID. Before COVID, Colorado Black mothers and babies regardless of socioeconomic background are 3x’s more likely to die in childbirth. Thankfully we had already launched an intra- community initiative to reduce C-Sections, induced labors, and other common factors that stifle quality pre- and postnatal care. Along with two Doula trainers, we developed the first of it’s kind Doula Apprenticeship: Colorado CommunityDoulas
Colorado Community Doulas (CCD) provides certifying births for newly trained doulas working toward certification by providing no-cost services to under resourced pregnant moms. Personally, with each of the births of my children I faced what seemed at the time, insurmountable challenges- the biggest being mental health. It took my certification as a Doula to understand the many oversights that could have prevented my mothering hardships. I have attached interviews and public speaking opportunities that shed more insight into these personal struggles, but there are also MANY victories!!
The biggest victory being the launch of
our first cohort of CCD doulas- many of whom are certified or turning in their certifications now! In addition, we laid the groundwork for testing pilot programming. As a result...
Currently in our second phase we are developing a pilot Doula program with Salud Clinic and community partners in close proximity. Salud Clinic located in East Aurora is eager to integrate doulas in their prenatal care. Healthcare providers, community stakeholders, and birth worker support in collaboration presents a host of opportunities to improve the prenatal and postpartum experience.
This work matters because of the opportunity to shift the narrative to engage and move the needle to better outcomes. Our third phase is to be a replicable model and open inclusive Birth centers in high risk communities. I do believe this will be sooner than later.
Will you thoughtfully consider financially supporting the vision by giving me a consistent or one-time basis charitable donation?
Why?
1-Community partners in collaboration can retain their funding for operations and services.
2- So that you can partner with me in developing innovative family initiatives. I look forward to sharing how things are going!
3- Getting the word out, if you are unable to give please share with your networks, meet me for coffee, or request an awareness presentation.
Primary Cross Community Partnerships
Colorado Community Doulas
Salud Clinic- Aurora
Black Health Initiative Children’s Hospital Colorado
Sacred Seeds Doula Collective
Mahogany Mother’s Circle Virtual Support Group
2019 Media Highlights
Ignite Talk
CWEE Silver Flame Award
Supergivers Podcast
Voyage Feature Article
Doula & Consulting Business Website 
