You Deserve a Supported Pregnancy Journey!
Watch the full segment on ABC 30 here.
What You Can Expect:
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10 in-person group sessions
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Free baby items, resources, and referral services
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Supportive community and sisterhood
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Pregnancy education and interactive discussions
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Health check-ins and assessments
Questions? Email bdn@black-enterprises.com
Eligibility
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Currently pregnant
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Live in Fresno County
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Able to attend in-person sessions (hybrid available in certain circumstances)
Details
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When: New cohort starts September 10th - there is still room to join! Schedule adjusted each cohort based on participant availability
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Where: BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center 2201 Calaveras St. Fresno, CA 93721
What makes our group sessions unique?
Our pregnancy care support groups are unique in that they give you access to a Certified Nurse-Midwife, doulas, and community health advocates.
Together, this team takes a holistic approach to providing support, meeting your physical and emotional needs while linking you to valuable resources throughout your pregnancy journey.
Note: Group care does not include clinical checkups and does not replace regular prenatal care.
Examples of topics covered include:
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Managing pregnancy discomforts
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Self-advocacy during pregnancy and birth
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Preparing for labor and delivery
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Breastfeeding, newborn care & more!
And more!
Meet the Team
Brittany Edwards-Mbong, CNM, WHNP
Certified Nurse Midwife and Co-Facilitator
Brittany is a certified nurse midwife and nurse practitioner who can diagnose, treat, and independently manage the birth process. She brings expertise in primary and maternity care for women and families. She has seven years of clinical expertise in prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care, including managing high-risk pregnancies. Beyond her clinical work, she has excelled in leadership roles as a community organizer and researcher addressing systemic maternal health disparities. Over the last decade, Britany engaged diverse BIPOC populations, implemented evidence-based practices, and promoted culturally sensitive approaches in midwifery care and educational initiatives!
Ta-She-Ra Manning
Certified Doula, Community Health Advocate, and Co-Facilitator
Ta-She-Ra Manning is a certified doula and community health advocate specializing in supporting clients before, during, and after birth. A devoted mother of five, she is passionate about promoting health and wellness within her community. With years of experience as a doula, Ta-She-Ra has guided countless women through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Prior to her work in community health, she provided compassionate home care for seniors. As a community health advocate, Ta-She-Ra works to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families. Her dedication to service and commitment to helping others thrive continue to inspire her work in creating healthier, stronger communities.
Breyonna Gaines-Barrett
Certified Doula and Co-Facilitator
Breyonna Gaines-Barrett is an experienced full-spectrum doula with over eight years of expertise supporting families across Northern and Central California. She credits the pregnancy of her first daughter, Amaya, as the defining moment that inspired her to begin her doula journey. As an alumna of California State University, Fresno, Breyonna holds a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology. In spring 2025, she will complete her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at California Baptist University. Her work explores cultural variations among humans and the ways social determinants of health impact health outcomes. Breyonna is also a Certified Health Education Specialist, credentialed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).
What does it mean to have support from Community Health Advocates?
All participants will also be enrolled as clients with BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center and can receive support from community health advocates.
Our community health advocates can assist with Medi-Cal enrollment, finding healthcare providers, scheduling appointments, and coordinating care. They also offer support with food, transportation, housing, and more to meet your needs!
Models That Shape Our Program
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Fresno Glow: Glow! Is a free program that brings women together for prenatal care and education. It is supported by First 5 Fresno County, California State University, Fresno, and the University of California, San Francisco.
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CenteringPregnancy®: an evidence-based group prenatal care program which follows the prenatal care guidelines established by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). CenteringPregnancy® program has been delivered to thousands of women throughout the country over decades.
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Midwifery and quality care: a new evidence-informed framework - watch the video