ALL ABOUT SPROUT & BLOSSOM’S
birth equity fund
WHAT IS THE BIRTH EQUITY FUND, & WHY DID WE FORM IT?
An article shared by Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2021 called How doulas can improve the safety of childbirth for women of color by Kristin Gourlay states that,
“Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that Black women face a 70% higher risk of SMM (severe maternal morbidity) than any other racial group….There’s evidence to suggest that working with a doula can reduce serious complications among BIPOC [birthing people]. Research finds that doula care can help reduce C-sections, decrease maternal anxiety and depression, and help coordinate care and communication between [people] of color and their other healthcare providers.”
Doulas are wonderful. We also believe that they are also critical, especially for BIPOC birthing people who face much higher health and safety risks in the American hospital birth system.
The Sprout & Blossom team has been trying for a while to figure out how to be part of the solution with the skills and resources that we have.
We formed the Birth Equity Fund in order to supplement our service rates so that we are able to offer a sliding scale. The fund is designated for BIPOC birthing people who express a need and choose to hire our BIPOC doula, Brianna Trammell.
How is it funded?
The Birth Equity Fund is financed both by donor contributions and by a percentage of all Sprout & Blossom’s full-rate bookings. If you would like to make a contribution to the fund, please follow the link below. Your generosity is deeply appreciated, and will make a real impact in the lives of a local BIPOC family.
If you would like to make a contribution to the fund, please follow the link below. Your generosity is deeply appreciated, and will make a real impact in the lives of a local BIPOC family.
Why is it set up this way?
Our Birth Equity Fund is set up this way for two reasons:
We desire to expand access to our birth doula and postpartum support for BIPOC birthing people.
We want to ensure that Brianna, and any future BIPOC doulas on our team, are paid what they are worth, and no less, so that this work continues to be sustainable.
Brianna Trammell, birth and postpartum doula and birth photographer at Sprout & Blossom
How are recipients of the fund determined? What is the process?
If a BIPOC birthing person is interested in hiring Bri for birth doula or postpartum doula support, the first step is to fill out the form below and express a need for financial support from the Birth Equity Fund.
Next, a time will be set up to meet with Bri for a free consultation. The consultation is a chance to get to know one another, hear about the birthing person’s hopes for their upcoming birth, and ask questions about doula support.
If both parties determine that they are a good fit for working together, and feel comfortable with one another, the sliding scale options will be presented to the client.
Provided that funds are available, the amount the client pays for Bri’s doula support rate will be reduced and the difference will be funded by Sprout & Blossom’s Birth Equity Fund. Bri receives the same compensation for her hard work when she works with full-rate-paying clients and clients who benefit from the Birth Equity Fund.