Mind Body Baby NC has never waited patiently for change.
Mind Body Baby empowers new and expecting caregivers by offering education and social-emotional support throughout the perinatal journey.
By nurturing, informing, and respecting caregivers, we ensure that children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their fullest potential.
We operate at the intersection of racial and gender equity, creating new partnerships, programs, funds, and impact to directly and immediately accomplish change.
We leverage the power of partnership.
Mind Body Baby uses its foundational position in the community to be a coalition catalyst. By bringing together the populations we serve, like-minded organizations, academic experts, government entities, elected officials, and funders, we are able to achieve remarkable, sustainable solutions through advocacy and systems change.
We fiercely and comprehensively support equitable opportunity for mothers and children.
Our approach is innovative and holistic. Beginning with prenatal care, healthy births, and reducing infant mortality, we give mothers, birthing parents, and babies the start they deserve. We support them with our free, trauma-informed community doulas, while also training our community members to be effective childcare providers. And we create safe spaces for women and children free from violence, coupled with comprehensive services such as therapy, resources, and opportunities for economic advancement.
Founded in 2018. Built for today’s Charlotte.
Mind Body Baby exists to bridge the gaps in mental health care for mothers and birthing people in our community by providing knowledge, resources and equitable, peer-driven emotional support through their perinatal experience. In Charlotte, we pursue that mission by addressing the social determinants of health. We understand that racism is a public health crisis.
When the need grows, we grow. When policy isn’t inclusive, we transform it. When the community is at risk, we step in with new support. When racism rears its head, we are champions for an anti-racist community.
Join us in our fierce, focused fight to expand the foundations of equitable reproductive care in Mecklenburg County.
BODY
SERVICES PROVIDED BY MIND BODY BABY NC:
During the 2023/24 fiscal year, Mind Body Baby served an unprecedented number of community members. This was accomplished through Advocacy & Systems Change, and Promoting Maternal and Child Health and Improving Perinatal Mental Health . Below is a breakdown of the programming and services provided to the Mecklenburg community:
I am honored to present the annual report for Mind Body Baby, showcasing the profound impact we've made in supporting and strengthening families in our community. Our accomplishments are a testament to the unwavering commitment of our dedicated Executive Director, Cynthia Wood; Volunteers; Donors; and Board.
Our Mission and Evolution
Since our founding in 2018, Mind Body Baby has been dedicated to addressing the growing perinatal mental health crisis in our community. Our mission is twofold:
2023 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Community Care Fund: We've bridged the gap to needed emotional care and support when cost is an issue, assisting with maternal mental health care and related services serving. 1.
2.
To create connections for new & expecting individuals and families in the community - meeting immediate resource needs, providing educational and emotional support, and advocating as a collective community voice birthing people and new parents.
1 To bridge gaps in knowledge and access to mental health and social-emotional services within the current perinatal mental health (MMH) care system.
As we enter our next fiscal year, our focus remains on expanding and deepening our partnerships, and continuing to create positive and lasting impact for mothers (and birthing people), babies, and their families.
We are deeply grateful to each of you for your dedication, commitment, and unwavering support in achieving our goals. We began as a collective of perinatal practitioners who were also parents, and we understand firsthand the challenges faced by the families we serve Your support enables us to continue to provide a safe space for families to struggle, find help, and gain perspective with others who truly understand their journey.
As we look to the horizon of all that is possible, we are reminded of the power of this community. Thank YOU for being part of this vital work. Together, we are creating change in - reducing stigma and improving access to critical perinatal support for mothers, babies, and families in Charlotte Withdeepgratitude,
Support Groups: We've continued to provide a network of free, recurring peer support groups, acknowledging the innate need for community during the perinatal journey. 2.
3
Strengthened Community Partnerships: We've deepened our impact by providing more resources to new families, including community doula care and ongoing support.
4.
Educational Resources: We've continued to add to our comprehensive resource website including our education library with easily consumable videos discussing common, but often overlooked, challenges of pregnancy and postpartum.
Advocacy & Systems Change
Creating a just community through addressing systems that cause racial and gender disparities.
Every babydeserves to thrive.
TheCrisis
AND WHY WE CARE
The #1 complication of having a baby is Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHDs).
1 3 in
will experience a traumatic birth.
#1 Suicide is the cause of maternal death in our country with upwards of 80% of instances considered to be preventable.
Perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs) can have far-reaching effects, extending beyond the affected parent to influence infant secure attachment, future learning potential, and overall relational stability. However, with timely access to care and social support, PMHDs are highly treatable and, in some cases, preventable.
1 i 5 in pregnant and/or postpartum people will have a diagnosable mood disorder as a result of their perinatal journey.
1 3 in pregnant and/or postpartum people of color will have a diagnosable mood as a result of their perinatal journey.
0% of OBGYNs, pediatricians, and psychologist are required to be trained in basic maternal mental health, nor is it part of their standard education.
31K is the estimated average cost of PMADs per affected mother-child dyad was about $31,800 over five years. The largest costs were attributable to reduced economic productivity among affected mothers, more preterm births, and increases in other maternal health expenditures.
Theory of Change
Based on research of the risk and protective factors for perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs), as well as research in the field of early relational health, we hypothesize that Mind Body Baby's evidence-based collection of services, referred to as our Community Care Model, will reduce risk factors and increase protective factors within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg perinatal community. In turn, this will result in an overall reduction in PMHD symptoms, with the potential of a preventative impact. Consequently, these reductions can directly enhance parent-child attachment and improve long-term outcomes for both caregivers and infants.
Mind Body Baby is a recognized advocate for reproductive justice by advancing racial and gender equity, advocating for public policy changes, providing education that addresses the growing perinatal mental health crisis for all birthing people and equal care for people of color, women, girls, and the most vulnerable in our community. Below are some of the areas of concentration.
Systems Change
By educating the public through a lens of women’s health and safety, women’s mental health during the perinatal stage, and racial justice. Mind Body Baby amplifies the voices of underrepresented communities. We work to raise awareness and foster systematic change around perinatal health
Community Education
Mind Body Baby provides education and awareness of the impact of mental health during the perinatal period to increase community awareness. Using videos, open and honest dialogue, and interactive learning experiences, Mind Body Baby aims to raise awareness, build personal and collective responsibility, and provide skills to challenge mental health stigmas throughout our lives and community.
Social Justice Impact and Events
Mind Body Baby promotes systems change through community engagement and by promoting racial and gender inclusiveness, as well as activities that foster participation and engagement of community partnerships to advance our mission and movement.
of this community, and this rate is often used to measure a community’s health and well-being. The reason: factors affecting the health of entire populations can also impact the death of infants. Mecklenburg has an alarmingly high infant mortality rate for babies of color. This statistic negatively reflects who we are as a community because we can greatly improve the lives of all Charlotte babies.
Perinatal Community Care Fund
Access to reproductive health services is crucial to living a full and authentic life. We know that many barriers exist, such as lack of finances and transportation that make it difficult to access these services. Mind Body Baby’s Perinatal Community Care Fund Fund is here for you! This health fund works with community partners to provide doula services, birth recovery supplies, resources for urgent needs such as transportation, pre- and postnatal support groups, and mental health therapy sessions all at no cost to you.
Advancing Holistic Perinatal Health
The Village Initiative
Mind Body Baby works on community engagement and health equity strategies, with special emphasis on the maternal and perinatal mental health disparities within Charlotte. The mental health of birthing people affects all of us because we are all part
Mind Body Baby continues its bold work of advancing Perinatal Mental Health Care across Mecklenburg County! We are focused on increasing awareness around the state of perinatal mental health care access here in Mecklenburg County. We aim to better prioritize educating our elected officials and holding them accountable for addressing the barriers communities of color face in accessing comprehensive perinatal mental health care.
– Support Group Participant –
During my pregnancy, I felt a profound sense of isolation and loneliness, which only deepened after leaving my strong support system behind when we moved to Charlotte for my husband's work. I left behind my best friend, a supportive church group, and everything that made me feel comfortable. This move, combined with the grief of losing my identity and self after having a baby, made everything feel even more challenging.
Discovering Mind Body Baby was a turning point for me. At MBB, I felt a deep sense of comfort and belonging, realizing that motherhood isn't meant to be faced alone. Being surrounded by other mothers who shared both the joys and struggles of parenthood provided the community I desperately needed.
Going through a miscarriage during the pandemic was especially difficult, with no sense of closure and a deep, unspoken pain. The virtual support group at MBB was invaluable; talking to others who had experienced similar losses made me feel understood in a way that no therapist or friend could.
Healing, I’ve learned, is not linear. Some days are fine, and others are devastating. Having a group where I can express these feelings and receive validation and support has been crucial. The empathy and shared experiences at MBB have been a source of comfort and healing, reminding me that I'm not alone in my struggles. Initially, it felt intimidating to join, fearing I might be the only one struggling.
But MBB's support groups are exactly that supportive spaces where people come together to help each other become the best versions of ourselves.
*All
Promoting Maternal & Child Health
Addressing maternal and child mental health disparities with evidence-based programs
Every child deserves an equitable start in life.
Mind Body Baby NC is leading the effort to curb infant mortality in Mecklenburg County. The death of a baby before their first birthday is called infant mortality. The infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths that occur for every 1,000 live births. Infant mortality affects all of us because we are all a part of this community.
Our goal is for every mother to have a healthy pregnancy and for every child to reach their third birthday with key developmental milestones met. The Village, our Community Doula program, promotes healthy pregnancies, positive birth outcomes, and overall well-being of infants and mothers living in Charlotte. There are three areas that we focus on:
ComprehensiveDoulaCare
In 2023, Mind Body Baby introduced holistic doula support to its mission, which has grown from an abstract idea to a great collaborative effort: The Village: Community Doula Program. The Village collaborative encompasses a solid commitment from community partners, several healthcare institutions, key funding agencies, local academic institutions, multi-denominational faithbased organizations, and both for-profit and non-profit organizations: All engaged in reducing racial disparities of infant mortality rates in Mecklenburg County. Mind Body Baby continues to manage The Village, and remains a vital partner in advancing the goal of reducing infant mortality disparities through strategic objectives that include health equity, community engagement, and home visitation within our programs.
Prenatal and Parent Education
Mind Body Baby offers parent education and support groups to equip families with knowledge and skills to teach, bond, and interact with their children. The education opportunities includes access to multiple support groups that focuses on the following:
• Multiple forms of Maternal Mental Health education
• Ongoing pre- and postpartum screenings utilizing evidence based ..diagnosticinstrumentsforcommonmentaldisorders
• Baby’s care and safety
• Baby’s growth and development
• Baby’s nutrition
• Breastfeeding
• Healthy relationships
• Mom’s health during and after pregnancy
• Birth trauma support
• Safe sleep practices
Supportive Resource Navigation
The Village: Community Doula program provides each family with community resource navigation, equipping families in Mecklenburg County with skills and resources necessary for healthy pregnancies and raising healthy babies. Our Community Navigator offers a high-quality, culturally relevant, and evidence-informed curriculum. The Community Navigator works with families to meet their goals at being the best parents they can be! Our services include:
• Advocacy and transportation to doctor visits
• One-on-one and group education for parents
• Goal setting and skill-building
• Assistance meeting needs
• Social support
• DV protections resourcing
2023 IMPACT: COMMUNITY MEMBERS
SERVED BY PROMOTING MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH
+ of applicants were connected to doula care, resource navigation, and/or peer support services
250 perinatal families utilized our offerings for educational and emotional support
99 free peer-driven support groups offerings
100%
15 of our participants, 92% 100% Professional Advisory Council 13 members
of participants initiated breastfeeding continued breastfeeding at four weeks postpartum
94% of participants reported a rise in confidence for having a safe and supported birth
Postpartum Recovery Packages
335 views of our perinatal video education library
CaseStudy
DOULA PROGRAM PARTICIPANT
Our client became a part of The Village in 2023 when she faced significant challenges as she was approaching motherhood. Facing very limited social and relational support, they struggled with unstable housing and unemployment. With limited financial resources, they found it difficult to make ends meet. Desperate for help, they reached out to the Mind Body Baby to find the support she needed to regain stability.
The Village: Community Doula Program supported our client in the following ways:
• Facilitated access to permanent and affordable housing
• Secured a birth center where the participant felt valued
• Provided mental health referrals and payment assistance
• Connected to local lactation support to achieve breastfeeding goals
The Village staff successfully advocated, alongside the Mind Body Baby’s Founder and Executive Director, to provide holistic mental and perinatal health care. With the combined assistance, our client moved into the new, affordable, and permanent housing and was able to manage her mental health challenges without experiencing a crisis. Mind Body Baby also provided a few additional services to make their motherhood journey a positive experience:
• Ongoing opportunities to engage in support groups
• In-home postnatal doula support
• Ongoing complimentary mental health support
*All names avoided to protect the privacy of the community members.
THE VILLAGE: COMMUNITY DOULA PROGRAM
Testimonial
– AN INTERVIEW –
I came to Mind Body Baby with a challenging, but sadly familiar story from my first birth. My lack of knowledge about the birthing process, combined with the disempowering hospital environment, led to unwanted interventions, an emergency C-section, and a traumatic birth experience. On top of that, during my second pregnancy I faced limited social support and financial means, unstable housing, transportation challenges, and a history of PMHD. The Village helped me build community among other women of color. The education and support I received was invaluable.
Q. What have you found challenging about becoming a mom? How did your doula support you?
The adjustment to motherhood is challenging within itself. My doula provided me with 25 hours of invaluable postpartum support that filled the gap left by my coparent. She accompanied me to doctor's appointments, helped me secure essential items, and offered crucial emotional support. With my doula by my side, I avoided a more severe mental health crisis. Her guidance empowered me to advocate for myself, ask the right questions, and take control of my postpartum recovery and birth experience.
Q. What has it been like having your own personal doula?
Thanks to my doula’s support, I was empowered to give birth on my terms and achieve a vaginal birth, despite pressure from doctors to have a C-section. My doula’s guidance continued beyond birth, helping me navigate breastfeeding challenges and succeed in my journey. With her support, I successfully navigated relationship challenges and built a more effective co-parenting dynamic. I also managed the transition to being a second-time mom without facing a significant mental health crisis.
Q. Would you recommend The Village to other pregnant women?
Absolutely. Everything about The Village has helped me become a better mother. I’ve learned much about my kids and myself and feel prepared for every obstacle ahead of us.
OurCommitmentTo Our Supporters
Your commitment to Mind Body Baby is one that we regard with the upmost respect. Your dollars directly impact our programs and the thousands of families we touch each year whether it’s through our extensive community doula program or simply providing needed connection and a listening ear
JoinOurMovement
DONATE
Your donation helps us continue to be community allies in Charlotte by providing services and programs for women and their families in Mecklenburg County Consider giving to any of our strategic focus services, The Village, In-Kind donations, or a Legacy Gift Please also inquire with your employer to ask about Matching Gifts.
SHOP OUR AMAZON WISHLIST
You can support Mind Body Baby’s mission and programs by purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist. The mothers and families who participate in Mind Body Baby’s programs are in need of daily essentials to get them started with motherhood. You can meet these needs by purchasing items directly from our Amazon Wishlist, providing valued postpartum recovery care packages
VOLUNTEER
Your time, talents and energy are valuable gifts, and support the women, children, and families in our community Learn more and submit an application to see how you can help YWCA support the Kalamazoo community.
JOIN OUR PERINATAL ADVOCACY CIRCLE
Joining our Perinatal Advocacy Circle is a powerful and meaningful way to ensure Mind Body Baby can continue supporting the emotional well-being of every new family in our community now and for years to come Your commitment makes a lasting difference.
SHARE YOUR STORY
Mind Body Baby offers great support for birthing people and mothers by being a safe place to share your story, free of judgment, scrutiny, and criticism In turn, your story can help other mothers as they navigate their own perinatal journey The shared experience is invaluable Learn how you can share your story through discussion and letters of support
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BECOME A COMMUNITY PARTNER
Emotional wellbeing, along with feeling equipped and supported, is vital to brand new and expecting parents and their ability to thrive in their, often challenging, new role We cherish the opportunity to partner with businesses and organizations in our community to do our work more comprehensively and fully. This includes partnering for our support groups, doula care, or joining the Perinatal Collective.
Were so very proud that you join us in this important work. You helpeduschangelivesbyprovidingfinancialsupportthatallowedus to be the leader in providing vital services for marginalized populationsthroughouttheCharlottecommunity.
Ourappreciationisboundless!
SPONSORS
If not for your financial and in-kind support of our programs, events and activities, we would not be able to provide the valuable services thatarevitaltotheCharlottecommunity Wordsarenotenoughtoexpressoursinceregratitude!
VOLUNTEERS
Your unconditional support of Mind Body Baby is appreciated so much. You give so much to the Charlotte community and ask for so littleinreturn.Givingisyourreward. We’re so fortunate to have you on our team because we’re stronger together!
COMMITTEEMEMBERS
You carry the spirit of Mind Body Baby in your heart Your desire to serve, strategic direction and management support allows us to identifyandsatisfytheneedsoftheunderservedinourcommunity Weareforevergratefulforyourdedicatedsupport!
