Project Summary:
During the perinatal period, Black women and infants have some of the worst health outcomes in Wisconsin. The postpartum period is also a time when new mothers may experience social isolation and loneliness along with the many challenges of caring for an infant. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc. (PPWI), in partnership with the Wisconsin Doulas of Color Collective (WIDOCC), plans to create space at our Northwest Community Center, which is attached to our Northwest Health Center in Milwaukee, to provide community-based education and support during the postpartum period. This programming will center the experiences, strengths, needs, and preferences of Black women and their families in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Over the course of a year, 30-50 postpartum individuals will be invited to attend monthly educational sessions on physical health, mental health, and social determinants of health. These sessions will be facilitated by PPWI staff members, WIDOCC doulas, and community partners with expertise in key topics. PPWI will provide health care services to participants in our Northwest Health Center, and other community organizations that can provide direct services and resources in our Northwest Community Center will be invited to join us. Additional support to attend programming, such as transportation resources, activities for older children, and a nutritious meal, will also be provided.
Formative and summative evaluation activities will be conducted throughout the program for ongoing quality improvement and to assess the program's impact on the health and well-being of participants and their families. If positive, evaluation findings will also be utilized to identify opportunities for future program sustainability and replication in other communities.