Join HMHBGA the Doula Integration and Awareness Workshop: Day in the Life of a Labor & Delivery Nurse! 

This workshop offers an interactive and insightful look into a day in the life of a Labor & Delivery (L&D) nurse. In this two-hour session, doulas and community perinatal supports will gain a deeper understanding of the role and responsibilities of L&D nurses. We will explore common perceptions and potential biases regarding how L&D nurses collaborate with doulas, as well as practical strategies for enhancing teamwork and support during labor and delivery.

Meet the Facilitator: LaShea Haynes, M.Ed, MSN, AGCNS-BC, APRN, RNC, C-EFM

EVENT UPDATE: The Day in the Life of a Doula workshop is now rescheduled to Wednesday, July 10th!

This workshop will offer an interactive and insightful look into a day in the life of a doula. During this two-hour session, medical staff, clinicians, and community health workers will gain a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities doulas fulfill within both community and hospital settings.

Participants will explore common perceptions and potential biases about how doulas collaborate with medical professionals, as well as practical strategies for improving teamwork and support during labor and delivery.

Meet the Facilitator:

Chanel is an experienced Full-Spectrum, Community-Based, Certified Holistic Perinatal Support Professional and a respected voice in Black Birth and Reproductive Justice. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Georgia Community Doula Coalition (GCDC), a statewide organization working to expand access to culturally affirming, community-based perinatal care.

Chanel led the successful implementation of the Georgia Medicaid Doula Pilot and has contributed to major efforts in policy advocacy, workforce development, and Medicaid and private insurance reimbursement for doulas. Through her leadership, GCDC is helping shape a future where doulas are recognized, valued, and sustainably supported as essential, skilled professionals in maternal health. Her work bridges grassroots care and health system reform—advancing Medicaid and private insurance reimbursement, workforce development, and hospital collaboration.

In addition to her service at GCDC, Chanel co-founded The Perinatal Consulting Girlz, where she mentors and trains doulas and supports emerging organizations, programs, and initiatives through strategic planning and fund development. Her advocacy has been featured in outlets including CBS, Georgia Public Broadcasting, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She speaks powerfully on topics such as reproductive & birth justice, maternal mental health, doula policy, and care innovation—continuing to shape the field and bridge the gap between grassroots efforts and policy reform.

At the heart of Chanel’s work is “Joie”—a guiding principle of joy that fuels her vision. Through every initiative, she brings an infectious optimism and unwavering commitment to equity, resilience, and liberation. Her mission is not only to improve outcomes, but to ensure that birth is honored as a sacred, supported, and empowering experience for every family.

NICU families face more than medical challenges—they navigate emotional, financial, and logistical barriers that impact how they engage in their baby’s care. This interactive workshop equips nurses, hospital staff, and doulas with the tools to provide family-centered, compassionate care by recognizing and addressing the real-life struggles families experience. Participants will explore how trauma, stress, and social determinants of health shape a family’s NICU journey, engage in a collaborative breakout session to uncover hidden barriers, and walk away with practical strategies to enhance communication, support, and advocacy.

Curious about the ins and outs of this legislative session? Want to know what transpired, what to anticipate in the coming months, and the strategic plans for 2026? Look no further!

Join us for an engaging and informative Legislative Wrap-Up session where we'll delve into the key happenings of the recent session. Get the inside scoop on crucial decisions, policy changes, and the impact on our community.

This is your chance to pose questions, share insights, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the legislative landscape. Our knowledgeable speakers will provide valuable perspectives on the session's outcomes and shed light on the road ahead.

Join Katherine Sylvester, PT, DPT, Founder of Operation M.I.S.T., for an informative Maternal Heart Health Workshop. During this session, participants will:

• Review physiological changes that take place during pregnancy and following delivery.

• Discuss the morbidity associated with preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and severe perineal lacerations.

• Discuss how birth givers and their families can use technology to make data-driven health decisions.

• Describe the role physical therapists can play in lifestyle and activity modification during pregnancy and following delivery to avoid preventable complications

• Discuss the role of vital sign monitoring with activity as it relates to safe discharge, activity modifications, and equipment recommendations especially for birth givers who experienced a cardiac complication, bedrest, or hemorrhage.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA) has partnered with HealthConnect One to replicate its nationally-recognized and evidence-based community-based doula model! 

We would like to invite you to a Community Convening meeting on April 29th, 2025 to share details of and garner support from leaders in the broader community about this important initiative.

HealthConnect One's community-based model has been refined through more than 30 years of practice and replicated in communities nationwide. Doulas mitigate maternal mortality and other risks for birthing families, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color. Community-based doulas provide culturally sensitive pregnancy and childbirth education, early linkage to health care, labor coaching, breastfeeding support and parenting education. Together, we aim to build a prepared and trained perinatal doula workforce that serves as community change agents to help improve maternal and child health.

HMHBGA recognizes that success requires support from many community sectors. Organizers, we hope that you or a representative will attend to stay informed of this program’s progress.

Please complete registration by April 22, 2025.

Email the Workforce Development team at workforcedevelopment@hmhbga.org with any questions.

Join us on March 13, 2025, at the Georgia State Capitol in honor of Maternal Health Awareness Day. We'll be advocating for maternal health policies, hosting a community rally, and more. The day will feature pivotal activities designed to create real impact: 

• 9:00 AM: Registration and welcome

• 10:00 AM: Speakers and exhibit showcase with key stakeholders and community partners. 

• 11:00 AM: Working Lunch & Learn focusing on urgent maternal health policy issues.

• 12:30 PM: Direct engagement with decision-makers and legislators.

• 2:00 PM: Community rally and group photo

Meet the 2025 Mom Cohort! Click the button below to read their stories!

Register for the 3rd Annual 5k & Family Fun Day benefitting HMHBGA! The 5k race will begin in the morning, followed by a FREE family health day event. This event will include local community organizations, free health screenings, free giveaways for new mothers, and more!

Please note: You do not have to attend the race in order to attend the free family health day event!

Join HMHBGA the Doula Integration and Awareness Workshop: Supporting Breastfeeding Success: What Medical Professionals Need to Know taught by Kiana Ayers. 

This class helps medical professionals understand the challenges families face when deciding to breastfeed and the crucial role prenatal breastfeeding education plays in their success. We’ll discuss common barriers, why breastfeeding classes matter, and how healthcare providers can avoid unintentionally creating obstacles.  Participants will walk away with practical tips to better support families and promote positive breastfeeding outcomes.

Parking: Preferred parking for visitors is within the white lines; however, you may park in any available parking space.

Meet the Facilitator: Kiana Ayers, RN, IBCLC

Join HMHBGA the Doula Integration and Awareness Workshop: Day in a Life of a Labor & Delivery Nurse! 

This workshop offers an interactive and insightful look into a day in the life of an Labor & Delivery (L&D) nurse. In this two-hour session, doulas and community perinatal supports will gain a deeper understanding of the role and responsibilities of L&D nurses. We will explore common perceptions and potential biases regarding how L&D nurses collaborate with doulas, as well as practical strategies for enhancing teamwork and support during labor and delivery.

This event is open to community doulas and perinatal support professionals.

Join HMHBGA for an evening of networking and learning at the Doula Integration and Awareness Kick-off Mixer! This event is open to providers and clinicians affiliated with Atrium Health Baldwin and doulas serving in Milledgeville, Georgia and Macon, Georgia. 

Event Highlights:

• Mix and Mingle: Connect with fellow healthcare professionals and doulas.

• Provider Presentation: Gain valuable insights from healthcare providers on the benefits of doula support.

• Special Guests: Meet and learn from experienced doulas and community leaders.

Parking: Preferred parking for visitors is within the white lines; however, you may park in any available parking space.

Join HMHBGA at the Doula Integration and Awareness Workshop: Infusing Passion into Perinatal Nursing through Physiological Birth.

Class Objectives: 

• Physiologic birth

• Essential oils

• Peanut ball positions

Instructor: LaShea Haynes M.Ed.,MSN, AGCNS-BC, APRN, RNC-OB/EFM.

Parking: Preferred parking for visitors is within the white lines; however, you may park in any available parking space.

Virtual Attendance: Nurses located outside of Middle Georgia are also welcome to participate virtually. A link to the virtual event will be provided upon registration.

You're invited to join us at the GDAWG mixer on Friday, January 17th. Attendees will participate in a community doula chat, engage with a perinatal support panel, and more! Food and refreshments will be provided. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect and learn together!

On-site and street parking are available. 

Please note the panel will begin promptly at 6 p.m.

*This GDAWG Perinatal Support Mixer is sponsored by HOPE for Georgia Moms. HOPE for Georgia Moms stands for Healthy Outcomes and Positive Experiences. It is the name given to the State Maternal Health Innovation grant awarded by HRSA in 2022. The name reflects the desire for the program to connect resources and be action-oriented so that all birthing persons thrive in Georgia.

Register for Reproductive Justice 101, a solid introduction to the framework of reproductive oppression and self-help. This training will explore the three core principles of Reproductive Justice, intersectionality, and the human rights framework. We'll also dive into the history of Reproductive Justice and explore the similarities and differences between Reproductive Justice and the reproductive rights and health movements working with mainstream organizations.

Become a confident and informed father or father-to-be! Join our virtual Father’s Support Group, Showing up for Yourself and Your Partner: A Discussion on How to Show up for Yourself and Your Partner during Labor and Delivery to learn valuable tips and connect with other dads. Register below!

Embrace’s Cultural Humility Training invites participants into the lifelong learning process of cultural curiosity, awareness, and humility. This 90-minute interactive workshop covers topics such as understanding the refugee, immigrant, and migrant experience, the risk factors and barriers that the RIM community faces within the healthcare system, how to practice cultural humility within the healthcare environment, and how to better understand power dynamics within healthcare and how that affects patients.

Discussion and sharing are encouraged. Participants will walk away with communication and engagement tools to carry forth in their work and everyday lives to better support and welcome new Americans. We believe that when we can support the flourishing of our new American neighbors, all of us will flourish as well.

After registering for this event, all participants will receive a link via email to watch online.

While this is a hybrid event, in-person attendance is highly encouraged.

This course is designed to equip and educate clinicians to be culturally competent when working with mothers of color that are suffering from maternal mental health. While also providing culturally adequate resources, interventions, and support to clients to decrease risk factors and break the stigma of mental health.

The 3-hour Savvy Birth Pro Workshop will succeed in preparing you to help your clients assert their right to evidence based care in a respectful way that builds bridges, not walls. We believe the inspirational knowledge you will gain from the Savvy Birth Pro Workshop will have a positive ripple effect that extends to your clients, the professionals you work with and your community! This workshop was developed by Evidence Based Birth® to give professionals the skills you need to make a genuine difference and help your clients attain the best possible chance at evidence based care during pregnancy and labor.

Meet the Instructors:

Alycia Cullen, Tara Thompson, and Dr. Martin are local Atlanta Evidence Based Birth instructors, committed to bringing evidence-based care into communities through education and outreach. They are also dedicated to facilitating relationships between doctors, midwives, nurses, doulas, childbirth educators, and providers who work in perinatal health spaces. They serve with the belief in collaborative care for the improved outcomes of all birthing families in Georgia.

The 3-hour Savvy Birth Pro Workshop will succeed in preparing you to help your clients assert their right to evidence based care in a respectful way that builds bridges, not walls. We believe the inspirational knowledge you will gain from the Savvy Birth Pro Workshop will have a positive ripple effect that extends to your clients, the professionals you work with and your community! This workshop was developed by Evidence Based Birth® to give professionals the skills you need to make a genuine difference and help your clients attain the best possible chance at evidence based care during pregnancy and labor.

Meet the Instructors:

Alycia Cullen, Tara Thompson, and Dr. Martin are local Atlanta Evidence Based Birth instructors, committed to bringing evidence-based care into communities through education and outreach. They are also dedicated to facilitating relationships between doctors, midwives, nurses, doulas, childbirth educators, and providers who work in perinatal health spaces. They serve with the belief in collaborative care for the improved outcomes of all birthing families in Georgia.

Join HMHBGA's Certified Breastfeeding Specialist students for a day of celebration and support in honor of Black Breastfeeding Week! Come out on August 24th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM to enjoy free breastfeeding education, grab some free goodies, and connect with other amazing moms and birthers. Let's celebrate the rich history of Black breastfeeding together!

Each year, HMHBGA hosts a collaborative meeting for our stakeholders to help review and finalize the policy agenda for the upcoming legislative session. This year, our meeting will be held on August 20th, 2024 from 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

This event is hybrid, and you can join us virtually or in-person at Atlanta Marriott Northeast, Emory Area (2000 Century Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345).

HMHBGA is excited to extend an offer to collaborate on a Maternal and Infant Health Advocacy Training session in your area. We plan to present to Savannah, Georgia on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. This free training aims to provide you and your community with invaluable insights into effective advocacy strategies concerning maternal and infant health issues. Your engagement in this training will not only enhance your advocacy skills but also contribute to the collective efforts toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes in our community.

During the session, we will delve into various aspects of advocacy, including how to effectively engage with legislators, build meaningful relationships, and monitor and support impactful legislation. The presentation and course structure are designed to be interactive, allowing participants to practice essential skills such as making calls and crafting persuasive letters.

We will use HMHBGA resources to promote to your community and hope to partner with you on that. Furthermore, I am committed to tailoring the content to address the specific concerns and priorities of your local community. Your input will be integral in shaping the focus of the training, ensuring that it resonates with the issues that matter most to you.

We eagerly anticipate your response and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you on this important initiative.

HMHBGA is excited to extend an offer to collaborate on a Maternal and Infant Health Advocacy Training session in your area. We plan to present to Augusta, Georgia on July 3, 2024. This free training aims to provide you and your community with invaluable insights into effective advocacy strategies concerning maternal and infant health issues. Your engagement in this training will not only enhance your advocacy skills but also contribute to the collective efforts toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes in our community. 

During the session, we will delve into various aspects of advocacy, including how to effectively engage with legislators, build meaningful relationships, and monitor and support impactful legislation. The presentation and course structure are designed to be interactive, allowing participants to practice essential skills such as making calls and crafting persuasive letters.

We will use HMHBGA resources to promote to your community and hope to partner with you on that. Furthermore, I am committed to tailoring the content to address the specific concerns and priorities of your local community. Your input will be integral in shaping the focus of the training, ensuring that it resonates with the issues that matter most to you.

We eagerly anticipate your response and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you on this important initiative.

HMHBGA is excited to extend an offer to collaborate on a Maternal and Infant Health Advocacy Training session in your area. We plan to present to Columbus, Georgia on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. This free training aims to provide you and your community with invaluable insights into effective advocacy strategies concerning maternal and infant health issues. Your engagement in this training will not only enhance your advocacy skills but also contribute to the collective efforts toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes in our community. 

During the session, we will delve into various aspects of advocacy, including how to effectively engage with legislators, build meaningful relationships, and monitor and support impactful legislation. The presentation and course structure are designed to be interactive, allowing participants to practice essential skills such as making calls and crafting persuasive letters.

We will use HMHBGA resources to promote to your community and hope to partner with you on that. Furthermore, we are committed to tailoring the content to address the specific concerns and priorities of your local community. Your input will be integral in shaping the focus of the training, ensuring that it resonates with the issues that matter most to you.

We eagerly anticipate your response and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you on this important initiative.

HMHBGA is excited to extend an offer to collaborate on a Maternal and Infant Health Advocacy Training session in your area. We plan to present to Macon, Georgia on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. This free training aims to provide you and your community with invaluable insights into effective advocacy strategies concerning maternal and infant health issues. Your engagement in this training will not only enhance your advocacy skills but also contribute to the collective efforts toward improving maternal and infant health outcomes in our community.

During the session, we will delve into various aspects of advocacy, including how to effectively engage with legislators, build meaningful relationships, and monitor and support impactful legislation. The presentation and course structure are designed to be interactive, allowing participants to practice essential skills such as making calls and crafting persuasive letters.

We will use HMHBGA resources to promote to your community and hope to partner with you on that. Furthermore, I am committed to tailoring the content to address the specific concerns and priorities of your local community. Your input will be integral in shaping the focus of the training, ensuring that it resonates with the issues that matter most to you.

We eagerly anticipate your response and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you on this important initiative.

You're Invited to Our Legislative Wrap-Up! 🎉

Curious about the ins and outs of this legislative session? Want to know what transpired, what to anticipate in the coming months, and the strategic plans for 2025? Look no further!

Join us for an engaging and informative Legislative Wrap-Up session where we'll delve into the key happenings of the recent session. Get the inside scoop on crucial decisions, policy changes, and the impact on our community.

This is your chance to pose questions, share insights, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the legislative landscape. Our knowledgeable speakers will provide valuable perspectives on the session's outcomes and shed light on the road ahead.