Knix partners with Black Women’s Health Imperative to provide Postpartum Doula scholarships that will provide maternal support to the Black community. The program will provide scholarships for up to 20 Doulas to receive training and assist 80 black families in receiving free postpartum care. 

Knix is donating an initial $75,000 in scholarships to support fighting maternal mortality rates within the Black community, with ongoing proceeds from Knix’s Postpartum and Knix’s Nudes collections going towards the partnership.

Knix and the BWHI will partner with Black birth and wellness organizations that include the National Black Doula Association, The Bloom Collective, and A Womban’s Place to offer year-long training for the granted Doulas, who will be provided with an ongoing curriculum that goes beyond the traditional Doula training and supplemental training that is specific to COVID19.

Between 2007-2016, Black women had the highest pregnancy-related mortality rates across all racial/ethnic groups in the US. Black women also experience higher rates of c-sections than any other race. However, studies have shown that support from a Doula and family-centered care can improve chances of healthy birth outcomes and reduce maternal and infant mortality. Doulas play a vital role in protecting the space during birth and postpartum, making sure birthing people are listened to, and are an advocate for respectful maternal care.

According to CDC data, more than half of maternal deaths happen during the postpartum period and one-third happen seven or more days after delivery. Black mothers are overlooked during the postpartum period and are less likely to be screened for postpartum depression, despite being two to three times more likely to suffer from mood disorders during the postpartum period. 

Through this partnership, Knix and the BWHI hope to save lives, build community, and change the narrative around Black birth as a space that is revered and affirmed. Ensuring that Black birthing people have the support to heal and the information to advocate for themselves if follow-up care is required.

Trained Doulas will walk away from the program equipped with tools to support themselves and their community and gain necessary knowledge about reproductive justice, health, and nutrition. They will have the potential to affect change in their community and create intergenerational transmission of knowledge, healing, and joy.

“This partnership is a powerful representation of the exponential impact that companies like Knix can have on changing the trajectory of maternal care for Black birthing people in this country through strategic partnerships, training, and increased access to resources,” said Linda Goler Blount, President & CEO, Black Women’s Health Imperative. 

Parties interested in applying for NOURISH can visit bwhi.org to complete an application.