Black Maternal Health Celebration | Maternal Health Equity Hub

Uplifting Birth Equity

Black Maternal Health Week Celebration!

Building Stronger Support for Black Mothers & Babies!

Uplifting Birth Equity:
Black Maternal Health Week

Join us for an exciting Uplifting Birth Equity celebration in honor of Black Maternal Health Week, dedicated to honoring, uplifting, and supporting Black mothers and families. Enjoy gift bags, door prizes, a kids’ corner, onsite ultrasounds, health screenings, valuable resources, food, refreshments, and much more.

Come celebrate, connect, and support healthier pregnancies, births, and families. This event is free and open to the public.

Statistics for Black Women

Special Guest Speaker:
Councilwoman Bridget Myles

Bridget Myles

Councilwoman Bridgette V. Myles is a lifelong Niagara Falls resident, community connector, and the first Black woman elected to the Niagara Falls City Council. Guided by her motto, “From Their Shoulders, I Climb,” her leadership is rooted in legacy, service, and community empowerment.

She is the Founder and CEO of Myles & Rogers Community Consulting Services, LLC, and the founder of The Foundation for Strong Diverse Communities, Inc. (F4SDC), both dedicated to helping individuals and families access resources, build stability, and thrive. Bridgette also serves as a Certified Support Broker through the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), supporting families through Self-Direction services.

A proud mother and grandmother, Bridgette leads with heart, transparency, and a deep commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for the Niagara Falls community.

Panelist:

Our panelists include healthcare professionals, perinatal experts, and community leaders who are passionate about supporting healthy pregnancies, births, and families. Through shared expertise and lived experience, they will provide valuable insights, resources, and guidance for our community.

Dr Emmekunla Nylander, MD

OBGYN

Sydney Littlejohn, Doula

Birth & Postpartum Doula

Jennifer Woods, LCSW

License Clinical Social Worker

Natalie Kuraza MS, BSN

Director of Women's Services

Resources & Services for Families

Stations & Workshops

Visit our interactive stations, where each participant will have 20 minutes at each station to gain valuable insight and knowledge about the organizations and services they offer.

Mark your journey on your personal card as you attend each station. Attend at least 5 stations and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $250 Amazon gift card or a stroller of your choice (up to $250).

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, explore, and maybe even win!

Comfort Measures Workshop

Practical techniques for comfort during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum recovery. Taught by Certified Birth & Postpartum Doulas

Breastfeeding & Lactation Support

Guidance on breastfeeding basics, latch and positioning, understanding realistic feeding goals and expectations, from Certified Lactation Counselors.

Birth & Postpartum Planning

Support with creating birth plans and preparing for postpartum recovery and newborn care.. Taught by Certified Birth & Postpartum Doulas

Birth & Postpartum Doula Support

Families learn the benefits of Doula support during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. The session will explore how doula support can improve birth experiences, promote informed decision-making, and healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Maternal Mental Health

This station will provide a safe space to talk about emotional well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Participants can learn about common mental health experiences, available support services, and ways to care for their emotional health.

Labor & Delivery Education

Participants will receive helpful, realistic information about what to expect during labor and delivery at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and have the opportunity to speak directly with the Labor & Delivery Manager and nurses.