  Happy 3rd Year Anniversary We have a lot to celebrate, as of September 13, 2025, we celebrated THREE years of the Urban Perinatal Education Center. Our last tally showed we have served over 600 families, around 200+ families and each year with over 30+ provider referral based organizations for our services: childbirth education, doula, lactation services, and our Easy Access Clinic. We continue to grow and support workforce development in all areas of community led and based perinatal care fields. With Gratitude. This work is demanding, yet rewarding. We have seen significant financial ramifications in funding loss towards community health. We know the community impact is one way we can continue our efforts. Become a Monthly Donor New Changes to the Midwifery Initiative  We have some new changes for the Midwifery Initiative. This year 2025-2026 we will be implementing scholarships for all three licensed Midwifery workforces regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Health. This changes shifts focus beyond the growing Certified Professional Midwifery (CPM) workforce include Certified Midwifery (CM) and Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM), two hospital based focused integrated Midwifery professions. CNM and CM are often found in our local community health centers, and five birthing hospitals. Changes with the initiative will include financial assistance with prerequisites (CPM & CM) and books/equipment scholarship for current RI resident Midwifery students. A listening ear and a compassionate heart.  You asked. We listened. Reminder: Our Call A Midwife line is available through our Easy Access Clinic for people who would like a clinical consult to review their information, a conversation over their results with consent in their MyCharts, and another perspective to assist in their advocacy for their childbirthing rights. Please reach out and schedule a call if you need it. Our line is for consultation is directed by Licensed Midwife, Amariee Collins of Radicle Midwifery LLC. A homebirth Midwife, who serves Rhode Island. 50 by 50: Beloved Birth and Community Midwifery     Thank you to all of our vendors and providers who attended the Beloved Birth event. We are grateful to everyone who came to share their businesses, support families, and learn more about the work in community. Thank you to Birth Center Equity, who provided us with a small sponsorship grant to host this event. The 50 by 50 is an initiative to increase access to midwifery care in the United States, designed by Birth Center Equity (BCE). The goal is for 50% of all births in the US to be attended by midwives by the year 2050. The movement envisions a future where all families have access to safe, culturally relevant, and community-based birth options, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities in maternal healthcare. The Urban Perinatal Education Center is an integral member of the community birth network with BCE. Elevating Community Midwifery is a shared common thread of both of our organizations and highlights accessible, individualized, person-centered care as a primary focus towards a just and beloved community. When speaking on Community Midwifery, as a community standard, it is defined as private and/or shared independent Midwifery practices for out-of-hospital birth settings such as home birth and/or freestanding independent birth center providers. ** Shirts are still available for purchase** Each shirt promotes Community Midwifery awareness and support the Community Midwifery initiative. PVD Fest with The Black Marketplace   Thank you PVD fest! We had a great time a the annual PVD Fest at the Black Market. We were able to link up Irth in community. It was great to be in community and support our local ecosystem of culture and celebration. We look forward to seeing you again, next year. Community Events and Information  THE DOULAS ARE GROWING, THE DOULAS ARE GROWING!
We have seen an increase in our doula requests. Congratulations to all the families we serve. Our referral network through our hotline and online form is seeking to expand to more doulas who support RI EOHHS state insurance providers as a priority to equitable care. Seeking medicaid approved doula providers, diverse lingustics skills (Urdu, Chinese, Russian, etc.) and cultural backgrounds (Muslim, Buddhaism, Catholicism, etc.). Special thank you to our 30+ providers community are continuously supporting families with calls and referrals. Also, a humble thank you to our perinatal peer support specialists for filling in for communities most at risk when systems referrals fall through the cracks and we need immediate support. Community Baby Shower with Sistafire RI  Sistafire is hosting their third ever Community Baby Shower at John Hope on October 4 from 1-5 PM! Their Community Baby Shower welcomes birthing families of color who are pregnant or have given birth within the last year to come out and celebrate their growing family. They connect families with doulas of color and local community organizations that provide services that our families need. They also hold a raffle and baby shower games with prizes for participating families. Additionally, families are encouraged to check out our Freedom Boutique where they can select used baby and maternity clothing. RSVP below to let us know you and your family will be attending (not required). Register Bengkung Belly Binding Birth Matron: Mama Q  Our optimistic learning community enthusiast, Mama Q, completed the Birth Matron training for belly binding in the Malay tradition this past weekend with Salwa Salim in Virginia. Mama Q says once she has all her supplies she will be willing to offer this postpartum care package learned by the Malay tradition to families in the early postpartum period. Benefits of belly binding include, but not limited to: Addressing the Neglected Postpartum Period
Holistic Well-being
Enhanced Postpartum Care
Reducing Postpartum Depression and Complications Serves are provided in home of families, stay up to date in the newsletter to learn more.     215 Cottage Street Pawtucket RI 02860 unsubscribe |
