You can have an empowered, safe & happy birth.
ATTAIN: an online pregnancy & postpartum course designed for Black women, so you can give birth on your terms.
Even though the statistics are scary for Black women giving birth, the reality is that you have Never been one to rely on what statistics say.
It’s not that you’re naive, or uneducated about the risks that come along with childbirth- especially for Black women- but rather, you know that you can have a safe, empower and happy birth experience.
Your concerns are the same as many other moms:
- When will the morning (afternoon and evening) sickness end, and will your body ever feel like your own again after this pregnancy?
- How exactly you should plan your maternity leave, and will you be able to get everything done at work?
- What kind of mother will you be exactly, and what kind do you even want to be?
- How will your loved ones and partner show up for you during birth and when the baby comes home?
But you know as a Black woman, there are other things to worry about.
You’ve heard horror stories about how you may not be listened to in the hospital, and now you’re nervous. But the idea of a homebirth makes you nervous too. What if you’re someone who needs medical help?
You’ve been told that you need an advocate. People say getting a doula is the answer for Black women during pregnancy. We don’t disagree!
As a doula, I believe that we are our own best advocates. You deserve to have the knowledge in your own hands.
Purchase Attain.
Get an online self-paced course that gives you all the information you need.
You’ll be directed to checkout, where you’ll see your limited time discount of $200 (normally $249), and have access today!
If you’re like my doula clients, you are pretty amazing- you’ve done a lot in your life. It’s not perfect, and it’s certainly not easy. After all, you’ve probably been told you had to be twice as good and work three times as hard to get what you want.
And, you’ve done it. You’re deeply passionate. You’re brilliant. And you’re in control. Until it’s time to have a baby.
Everyone says having a baby means giving up that control. It starts with sharing your body with another person. Then comes birth, which is unpredictable, and the time after, with lack of sleep, changes to your relationship, and possibly postpartum depression. And the backdrop of all of this, for Black women, is a culture of fear about whether you or your baby will even make it through.
I get it, on a deep, personal level. But I know that you can feel very different about your pregnancy, birth and the early months of motherhood.
IMAGINE IF… you could be reminded of how to trust your instincts, and your body.
IMAGINE IF… you had a guide on how to build this “village” everyone talks about.
IMAGINE IF… your medical provider was your ally and not someone to be suspicious of, OR follow blindly.
IMAGINE IF… you had an actual plan for when the baby came home, that took who you are as a person into account.
IMAGINE IF YOU COULD BE ASSURED THAT YOU’LL BE YOURSELF AND NEVER GET LOST.
You should be in charge of your
pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
Just like you’re in charge of the rest of your life.
Module 1: HOW DID WE GET HERE? NOBODY’S SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!
The story behind the Black maternal health crisis.
You don’t have to wonder why the health system seems against you.
Module 1 includes:
- An acknowledgement that your fears are valid, and you don’t have to “just stop worrying about it.”
- An honest explanation of the causes of maternal mortality and health challenges for African Americans.
- Why I believe that you can take steps to make yourself safer.
Module 2: BE THE BOSS OF YOUR BIRTH
Keys to moving beyond your fears
Don’t let your fears drive you, and how you make decisions about this time in your life. Instead, make a commitment right now to take charge of your birth so you and your baby can be safe, healthy and happy.
Module 2 includes:
- Proof that exactly who you are (powerful and in control) is who you need to be to have a good birth.
- The first step to take to unlock your secret weapon against the unpredictability of birth and postpartum!
Module 3: TAP INTO YOUR INSTINCTS
Data gathering & decision making.
You don’t need to be told what to do. Instead, you need perspective and information. Learn how to gather data (from others, AND WITHIN) so you can make decisions that are perfect for your family.
Module 3 includes:
- A way to get beyond basic pro v. con lists that often miss key information.
- A tool to learn what your gut is telling you, that your mind may be missing.
- A system to ensure that your decisions will help you meet your long term goals as a woman and mother.
Module 4: WHO EVEN ARE YOU NOW?
Embracing Your Transition Into Motherhood
No matter anyone else says, you don’t have to pretend that you’re the same person you were before pregnancy. Embrace the transition you’re going through, so you can use it become exactly the kind of mother you want to be.
Module 4 includes:
- Real talk about what to expect as your baby grows, and during the early days of motherhood.
- Strategies to celebrate who you’ve been and embrace who you are now (we’re so far past the “snap back”).
- Powerful ways to overcome fears about pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
Module 5: DON’T GO IT ALONE
Building a birth & postpartum community to help you thrive
Regardless of your partnership status, there’s no reason to do pregnancy, birth and postpartum alone. Build a community to you have the support that you deserve to thrive.
Module 5 includes:
- Strategies to get what you need from your partner (or birth partner).
- A method for setting boundaries, and ending unhelpful feedback and input.
- An explanation of what we mean when we say “it takes a village”
- Advice on what to ask the people in your life for.
Module 6: WORKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE
Building allyship with your medical providers
There’s no need to view your medical provider as an authority figure OR the enemy. Learn how to treat them as allies so you and your baby get the care that’s right for you.
Module 6 includes:
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Tips on choosing a medical provider that can address your unique needs as a pregnant Black woman.
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Scripts for critical conversations about your health, race, and pregnancy.
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What you need to know about your hospital before you go into labor.
Module 7: GET READY FOR YOUR BIRTH
Creating flexible and responsive birth plans
Birth is a bit unpredictable, but we don’t have to leave it to chance. Identify what’s most important to you, and how to put plans in place to make it happen, so your birth is safe and satisfying.
Module 7 includes:
- How to tap into a powerful hormone that drives both birth and bonding with your baby.
- Realistic and helpful ways to create birth plans, based on your priorities, not a fantasy world.
- Tools that address discrimination based on race and gender in the maternal health system.
Module 8: CREATING A NEW NORMAL
Making the most of the 4th trimester
Now that the baby’s here, what’s next? We don’t see birth as an ending, but instead the beginning. Prepare for it ahead of time, so that you can enjoy the “fourth trimester” and your early days with your new baby.
Module 8 includes:
- Tools to plan for your physical AND emotional needs during a time when it can be easy to neglect yourself.
- Honest advice on what to expect from your body (hint: be gentle with yourself!
- Strategies to improve your mental health and advice ensure you don’t miss warning signs that something is wrong.
Samantha Griffin
Certified Labor Doula, Certified Postpartum Doula, Owner, DC Metro Maternity
As the founder of DC Metro Maternity, a doula agency that serves primarily families of color, I’ve spent the last decade supporting folks through pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Most of my clients have been Black women, and I know the fears they have around the maternal health crisis in America.
I also know what it’s like to move beyond the anxiety and worry. I’ve been by my clients’ side as they use their pregnancies to prepare intentionally, and their birth and postpartum periods to become even better versions of themselves.
Through our work together, these women have been able to have powerful conversations with their partners, their families and their medical providers. They’ve been able to make decisions they were proud of, that honor their priorities. While pregnancy is a vulnerable time, they are also able to tap into the strength and power of bringing a child into this world.
Because I can’t be everybody’s doula, I have created this program to guide you through the process of doing what my happiest clients have done- thrive in motherhood, as Black women who are so much more than a statistic.
Purchase Attain
The online course designed for pregnant Black women like you.
You will be directed to our checkout page and get instant access for $249!
Q: “When should I take this course?”
As soon as you find it. Here's why...
The modules in Attain allow you to be intentional about your medical provider and your birth partner. The sooner you make decisions about what sort of person you want providing medical care, the easier it is to make adjustments (if you need to). AND, there are exercises to allow you to bond with your baby and family, so starting earlier will let you enjoy more of your pregnancy.
Q: “How long does this course take?”
It depends on what you need...
Students who work through the entire course, usually take about 1 month. Others will pick and choose. They may focus on just decision making tools, or preparing for their birth and postpartum if they’re already satisfied with their doctor.
Q: “Do I need this if I’m taking my hospital’s birth class?”
Attain is completely different.
Most hospital classes are focused on their labor & delivery procedures. Some may also give you methods to cope with labor. But few (if any) are designed to help you be a better self-advocate, OR tailored to Black women.
Q: “Do I still need a doula?”
Not necessarily (though I recommend one).
Some students have used this instead of a doula, especially if they couldn’t find someone they connected with. But doulas build a relationship with you that’s invaluable, and adds to your village.
Our clients at DC Metro Maternity often take this course alongside their doula support.
Purchase Attain.
Get an online self-paced course that gives you all the information you need.
You’ll be directed to checkout, and have access today!