The CDC says, in 2023, black women had 50 deaths for every 100,000 live births.
"Our vision is very clear: we want no black woman to die from a preventable childbirth," said Brittany Mbong, a certified nurse-midwife. "We want no black baby to die from a preventable birth."
At the BLACK Wellness and Prosperity Center in Downtown Fresno, a cohort of soon-to-be mothers comes together to share in their birthing experience.
"We gather women who are at all pregnancy gestational ages," said Mbong. "You can be in the beginning, first trimester, second or third. Everyone is welcome."
In this space at Calaveras and L streets, expecting mothers not only learn from each other, but they also build a sense of community. Mbong helps lead the 10-week sessions.
"We like to focus on health assessment, education and then peer support," said Mbong.
The sessions are two hours long. But before it starts, moms walk in and get their vitals checked.
They also give expecting mothers a binder to help guide them throughout their birthing journey. Ta-She-Ra Manning is the Program Supervisor, as well as a doula.
"We talk about fetal development," said Manning. "We talk about self-advocacy, we talk about social determinants of health and your environment."
Doulas also walk with expecting mothers each step of the way in their birthing journey. The BLACK Wellness and Prosperity Center also uses this simulation room to help teach new moms. That's why education is key.
"This model has been shown to decrease those same outcomes that we're talking about," said Mbong, "decrease pre-term birth and increase satisfaction with their experience."
Any expecting moms who live in Fresno can join the support group.
"This group is a circle of sisters, a circle of women coming together to support one another," said Manning. "That takes away some of the fear right away."
While the BLACK Wellness and Prosperity Center doesn't offer prenatal care just yet, its future goal is to bring that service to the center.
For news updates, follow Ana Torrea on Facebook, X and Instagram.