Abundant Birth Project​

Building Blocks Mini Grants: Elevating the voices of Black mothers

About:

The Abundant Birth Project (ABP) is a guaranteed income program that provides cash during pregnancy. It was developed by Expecting Justice, research partners, and the community to make birthing healthier and safer for the people facing the greatest risk during their pregnancy journey.

https://abundantbirthproject.org/

Overview of Project Approach:

The ABP team conducted interviews and professional photo sessions to document the lived experiences of Contra Costa mothers, transforming their stories into advocacy materials that raised awareness of birth equity.

Accomplishments:

Four ABP participants shared their lived experiences through in-depth interviews and professional photo sessions with their babies.

  • Their stories helped center Black mothers’ voices in conversations about birth equity
  • Communication tools were developed to elevate their experiences and highlight policy challenges impacting mothers and families.
  • Stories and images are being used to raise awareness and support advocacy around Black maternal and infant health and economic security

The project continues to contribute to narrative change by centering the lived experiences and voices of Black mothers.

 

A woman in a hat and denim jacket holds a smiling baby wearing brown overalls. Both are laughing and facing each other against a pink background. A woman in a patterned dress wears a gold crown and breastfeeds a baby. Another young child sits beside her, gazing upward. The background is pink.

Four smiling Black women stand in front of a colorful floral background. Each quote highlights their positive experiences with The Abundant Birth Project, focusing on time spent with their babies. A woman holds a baby, both dressed in floral attire, with peach poppy flowers around them. A quote praises ABP for stress-free pregnancy and community bonding. The Abundant Birth Project logo is at the top.

Amber Addison poses in front of a pink background. Below her photo is a quote about how the Abundant Birth Project helped her meet savings goals, live more comfortably, and spend more time with her children. A smiling woman in a white top and light blue jeans stands posing against a purple background with an orange flower. A quote beside her shares her positive experience with the Abundant Birth Project.

A smiling woman in a floral dress and golden crown holds two young children, all looking happy. Text describes her positive experience with the Abundant Birth Project, highlighting reduced stress and feeling supported. A Black woman wearing a floral robe hugs a young child while another child stands smiling in front; text discusses cash support for Black maternal health by the Abundant Birth Project.

A smiling woman in a cowboy hat sits on a wicker chair, holding a baby on her lap. Both wear hats. A pink background with a floral border frames a quote about wellness and motherhood by Kawah Smith.

A thin horizontal teal line runs across the center of a light gray background.

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