Let’s be honest for a second. While maternity care has come a long way, there are still inequalities baked into the very systems we use today. The Black maternal death rate is over twice as high as it is with other populations. Black women have a harder time getting access to high-quality care that listens to and empowers them. Thankfully, some pretty great organizations are dedicated to completely changing this. As a St. Louis motherhood photographer, I get to chat with parents from different backgrounds and learn about their favorite experts. If you’re looking for an informed space that provides equitable care, Jamaa Birth Village might be the place for you.
About Jamaa Birth Village
40 N Florissant Rd, Ferguson, Missouri 63135
Jamaa Birth Village is the first Black-owned midwifery center in Missouri. The center was opened by Okunsola M. Amadou on Juneteenth of 2020. Okunsola has been recognized as a pioneer in Black maternal health and has received several state and local proclamations. On top of her work at the center, Okunsola works with task forces, providing equitable care across the community. She also regularly partners with state legislators to help them pass bills advancing community birth work so more families can access the care they need. The center’s name is from the Swahili word, Jah-mah, meaning family. They serve BIPOC people with both high- and low-risk pregnancies and accept state aid, including Medicaid.
Services
Jamaa Birth Village provides both midwives and doulas who will be there throughout your pregnancy. The center uses a model of care that takes care of both your medical and emotional needs throughout your pregnancy. They will check on your progress with each visit and spend around an hour performing a comprehensive exam. All lab work and ultrasounds will be conducted within the office. They know the best approach to your care is through education. Additionally, they provide culturally-based information that will empower you throughout your pregnancy and delivery. They will also guide you on nutrition and bodywork. The center offers holistic assistance in hospitals across St. Louis hospitals.
Specialty
Jamaa Birth Village takes a whole-person approach to each of its patients. In addition to providing medical visits during your pregnancy, the center will schedule holistic bodywork through its massage therapists and chiropractors. Additionally, you will have meetings with its lactation specialists so you can have assistance with initial feedings. You will also have access to its mental health counselors, herbal apothecary, and community garden.
You Deserve Support Unique To You From Jamaa Birth Village
With Jamaa Birth Village, you will receive culturally informed care to ensure the right help for you. Check out these centers today to decide if this is the team for your delivery.
Are you looking for more ways to make this time a little more memorable? Then let’s connect! I am a St. Louis motherhood photographer, and I adore working with parents to help them freeze time right in its tracks. If you’ve been looking for the right photographer to help your family celebrate, I would love to have a conversation so you can decide if my style matches yours. Let’s chat soon!
A rating of 5 is not high enough for Kelly!! Kelly is an amazing photographer, was absolutely wonderful to work with, and was quick to reply to emails. Shes an upbeat and positive person, which made out photo sessions comfortable and fun!! Kelly is professional in more ways than one and I highly recommend her to anyone in the St. Louis area wanting some maternity and/or family photos taken!
