​OUR STORY
Our story is rooted in the experiences of our founder, LaVerne "Lavi" Reid. Through her personal birthing experiences, LaVerne identified a critical need for change in maternal health outcomes, particularly in the Houston, TX area. Inspired by her background in plant-based health and the remarkable transformations she has witnessed in countless lives, LaVerne set out to make a difference in the lives of mothers.

OUR MISSION
At MILK, we are dedicated to empowering mothers, particularly those at high risk, to advocate for themselves and improve their health during pregnancy and postpartum. Our mission is driven by a commitment to advancing health equity and reducing maternal health disparities, particularly for Black and Indigenous birthing persons. Through our comprehensive Lifestyle Doula training program, we address the critical factors that impact maternal health outcomes and strive to create a physically, mentally, and spiritually healthier generation of mothers. What we do:

Connecting High-Risk Mothers with Essential Doula Support

• Online Doula Directory: We are building a life-changing platform that connects high-risk mothers with trained doulas who provide culturally sensitive, evidence-based support throughout pregnancy and postpartum. By linking vulnerable mothers with specialized care, we aim to reduce complications and improve maternal health outcomes. Your support helps us maintain and expand this critical resource, ensuring that no mother goes without the care she deserves.

Empowering Mothers Through Education

• Virtual Workshops and Resources: Our website serves as a comprehensive hub for perinatal health education, offering free access to virtual workshops, videos, articles, and resources. These materials are designed to empower mothers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their babies. By donating, you are helping us continue to provide these valuable resources to mothers who need them most.

Community-Based Education to Combat Health Disparities

• In-Person Classes: We host free, local classes in hospitals, churches, schools, and community centers, focusing on perinatal health and the reduction of maternal health disparities. These classes provide essential education to mothers, families, and healthcare providers on how to improve outcomes for both mothers and infants. Your contribution allows us to reach more communities and equip mothers with the tools they need for a healthier future.

Ongoing Support for Expecting and Postpartum Mothers

• Exercise Programs and Support Groups: We organize in-person, ongoing support groups and exercise programs that empower expecting and postpartum mothers to take control of their health. These programs offer a safe space for mothers to connect, share experiences, and receive the physical and emotional support they need. Your donation helps us sustain these vital programs, providing continuous support to mothers throughout their journey.

Financial Assistance for Doula Services

• Doula Support Subsidies: We provide financial assistance to cover the cost of doula services for mothers who cannot afford it. This ensures that every mother, regardless of her financial situation, has access to the critical support of a doula during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Your generosity directly impacts a mother's ability to receive the care she needs, making a profound difference in her and her baby’s lives.

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OUR APPROACH
Our dedicated team of specially trained doulas works alongside each mother, offering personalized guidance and support tailored to their individual needs. We offer a range of classes and services designed to support mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Our program represents a unique intersection of lifestyle medicine and social support, ensuring that mothers receive holistic care that addresses all aspects of their well-being.

OUR COMMITMENT
What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to making these essential services accessible to all mothers who need them. We firmly believe that every mother deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of doula support, regardless of their financial circumstances. Our classes are offered virtually, and we have a plan to expand into 15 in-person markets by the end of 2024. Our pricing structure is thoughtfully designed to ensure affordability without compromising on the quality of care.

JOIN US
But we're not stopping there. We're actively seeking partners who share our passion and vision, as we aim to grow our organization into the go-to destination for doula support and training. Together, we can redefine the standards of maternal care, one mother at a time.