08.26.21
Baby Dove has announced it has created the Black Birth Equity Fund, to provide Black expecting mothers with immediate financial access to doula services.
The new fund is part of Baby Dove's long-term commitments to advance superior care, with and for, Black moms in partnership with leading advocacy groups like Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA).
Black expectant mothers face significant disparities in care before, during and after childbirth. This gap in care has created a world where Black women are dying at 3-5x the rate of white women – and 60% of those pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.1 As a brand born to provide superior care to new families, Baby Dove is committed to accelerating efforts to close the gap in care and health outcomes for Black mothers and their babies.
"At Baby Dove, we believe Black moms have the right to superior care at every step of their journey. But for too long, Black moms have not received the care they deserve, and the consequences are significant -- we are committed to helping change that. Expanding access to doulas through the Black Birth Equity Fund is just the beginning and in partnership with organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance, we will work towards systemic change that will improve the birthing journey for Black moms and their babies," explains Sally Brown, Global Brand Director, Baby Dove.
Beginning today through the end of the year, Black birthing people - Black individuals who will be giving birth2 - can visit BabyDove.com/BlackMaternalHealth to apply for direct, one-time grants up to $1,300 through the Black Birth Equity Fund to help cover the cost of doula services. Doulas are on the frontlines with expecting moms and can help advocate for better care throughout pregnancy, at the birthing moment, and into the Fourth Trimester. Research shows that with the support of a doula, moms are two times less likely to experience birth complications, four times less likely to have a low-birth-weight baby and are more likely to experience overall positive health outcomes during the birthing journey.3
"We are proud to see the Black Birth Equity Fund become available today to Black expectant moms and birthing individuals across the country," notes Angela D. Aina, Co-Founding Executive Director at Black Mamas Matter Alliance and Baby Dove Strategic Advisor. "For Black and other traditionally marginalized communities, Doulas have been proven to help reduce health disparities, as well as bridge language and cultural gaps between families and health providers. With notable support from global brands like Baby Dove, we will be able to raise greater awareness of Black maternal health, promote advocacy, and shift culture to support reproductive justice."
In addition to advancing care for Black moms, Baby Dove is on a mission to advance care for babies with melanin-rich skin and curly hair.
In speaking with parents, Baby Dove recognized that products formulated to deliver the needs of moisture and nourishment for melanin-rich baby skin and curly hair are often unavailable within the baby aisles of mass retailers. In collaboration with Walmart, Baby Dove is proud to introduce the new Baby Dove Melanin-Rich Skin and Curl Nourishment Collection – a full range of skin and hair products specifically developed for babies with melanin-rich skin and coils, curls, and waves. The new Baby Dove collection will be available nationwide exclusively at Walmart and on walmart.com beginning this month.
Alongside the new product range, Baby Dove collaborated with illustrator Keturah Ariel Nailah Bobo on a limited-edition gift set also available exclusively at Walmart and walmart.com, and 100% of profits will go to the Black Birth Equity Fund.
We are just getting started. Together, we can change the story of Black birth in America, one family at a time.
To apply for a grant or learn more visit BabyDove.com/BlackMaternalHealth
#ChangeTheStory
About Dove
Dove started its life in 1957 in the US, with the launch of the Beauty Bar, with its patented blend of mild cleansers and ¼ moisturizing cream. Dove's heritage is based on moisturization, and it is proof not promises that enabled Dove to grow from a Beauty Bar into one of the world's most beloved beauty brands.