Earlier this month, Black Maternal Week was recognized nationally by health experts.
Although the week may be over, the fight for safe pregnancies for Black mothers, however, is an ongoing issue.
Here are five apps and sites doing their part to help Black mothers navigate safe pregnancies and birthing experiences.
- Irth: Created by Kimberly Seals Allers, a former journalist and now advocate, Irth is a birthing app made to ensure that everyone who has a birthing experience is treated respectfully. Compared to Yelp!, the Irth app features a variety of doctors and hospitals for users to leave reviews for; previous patients can give their experience to other expecting mothers to make informed decisions on who to trust for their birthing care.
- Wolomi: Made by entrepreneur Layo George, the Wolomi app is a maternal healthcare platform that seeks to build community amongst expecting women of color. Also a free resource, the app provides users with events to help them throughout their journey, an area for them to connect with an expert for any questions they may have, as well as an area for a community forum. The app also gives weekly updates to the users, offering important tips and information based on the users’ pregnancy.
- Mae: Founded by CEO Maya Hardigan, Mae is a digital tool that helps mothers, specifically Black mothers, track their pregnancy. The site is useful for helping remind mothers to check in with themselves and note their symptoms. Mae also offers expert advice from doulas and pregnancy coaches, as well as group classes on pregnancy and post-pregnancy.
- Zoula: Led by Yale graduates Alexandra McCraven, Chika Ogbejesi and Mia Jackson, Zoula is a platform that helps get information to expecting Black mothers. The app is similar in construction to a search engine, helping mothers find answers by searching through different topics. A forum also helps connect the users to answer any questions other mothers may have.
- Mahmee: Founded in 2014, this tech startup creates a team that provides maternity support for expecting mothers. Registered nurses, doula care and pregnancy coaches are available through the app. Mahmee also helps mothers find tips on what their diets should look like, as well as information on how to breastfeed after the baby is born. The app also provides users with information on places where expectant mothers can find the best care for their pregnancy journey. Mental health help is also available for mothers who may be struggling throughout their pregnancy and their postpartum experience.
