Be Well: Sacred Circles of Healing & Wellness are open to only Black moms and birthing people who are pregnant or up to two years after giving birth. Presented by Ohio Women's Alliance in partnership with POEM Rise for Black Moms, all events are developed and executed by Black experts with lived experience with the goal of helping Black moms and birthing people heal and thrive.
In-Person Sessions
The first 12 who register and attend in-person sessions will receive a $50 gift card. Childcare will be provided for all in-person sessions.
Thursday, July 10, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Transparency about Experiences
The second session of Be Well: Sacred Circles will focus on Transparency about Experiences through the pregnancy and postpartum journey. We will compare and contrast our expectations versus realities in the perinatal phase by outlining the dimensions of self-care. In this session, we will also identify components of care and support that we have already implemented or plan to implement.
Columbus Metropolitan Library: Parsons Branch
1113 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Registration is now closed.
Thursday, August 14, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Lactation Support
The third session of Be Well: Sacred Circles will focus on Lactation Support. We will hear from a Certified Lactation Consultant, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, explore, and challenge negative thoughts towards different methods of feeding.
Columbus Metropolitan Library: Parsons Branch
1113 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Thursday, September 11, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Care Navigation & Accessing Resources
The fourth session of Be Well: Sacred Circles will focus on Care Navigation & Accessing Resources. We will discuss our current needs, the barriers that exist to fulfill those needs, and hear from people who work to support mothers/birthing persons in providing tangible resources and alleviating the burden of those needs.
Columbus Metropolitan Library: Parsons Branch
1113 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Thursday, October 9, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Building Support Systems Internally & Externally
The fifth session of Be Well: Sacred Circles will focus on Building Support Systems Internally and Externally. We will define, compare, and contrast internal versus external support systems. We will discuss the additional support needed for solo parents, and avenues to access that support. We will discuss the impact of healthy support systems on our mental health.
Columbus Metropolitan Library: Parsons Branch
1113 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Thursday, November 13, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Seasonal Supports
Do you have any old, well-maintained clothes or toys your kids have outgrown and are looking to give away? Join us for the sixth session of Be Well: Sacred Circles, which will focus on Seasonal Supports. The highlight of this session will be a gently used clothing and toy swap. We will also discuss resources and support systems to help parents navigate the holidays and the colder months with their little ones.
Columbus Metropolitan Library: Parsons Branch
1113 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Thursday, December 11, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Acknowledging Progress, Grief, & Growth
The final session of Be Well: Sacred Circles will focus on Evaluating and Acknowledging Progress, Grief, and Growth. We will discuss different facets of grieving, for example, grieving previous life experiences, transitions, a birth plan that did not go according to plan, etc. We will explore the ways we practice resilience, and discuss healthy methods of grieving.
Columbus Metropolitan Library: Parsons Branch
1113 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Virtual Sessions
The first 12 who register and attend virtual sessions will receive a $50 gift card.
Monday, July 21, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Transparency about Experiences
The second session of Be Well: Sacred Circles will focus on Transparency about Experiences through the pregnancy and postpartum journey. We will compare and contrast our expectations versus realities in the perinatal phase by outlining the dimensions of self-care. In this session, we will also identify components of care and support that we have already implemented or plan to implement.
Registration is now closed.
Monday, August 18, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Lactation Support
The third session of Be Well: Sacred Circles will focus on Lactation Support. We will hear from a Certified Lactation Consultant, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, explore, and challenge negative thoughts towards different methods of feeding.
REGISTER HERE
Meeting link will be provided upon registration.
Monday, September 15, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Care Navigation & Accessing Resources
The fourth session of Be Well: Sacred Circles will focus on Care Navigation & Accessing Resources. We will discuss our current needs, the barriers that exist to fulfill those needs, and hear from people who work to support mothers/birthing persons in providing tangible resources and alleviating the burden of those needs.
REGISTER HERE
Meeting link will be provided upon registration.
Monday, October 20, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Building Support Systems Internally & Externally
The fifth session of Be Well: Sacred Circles will focus on Building Support Systems Internally and Externally. We will define, compare, and contrast internal versus external support systems. We will discuss the additional support needed for solo parents, and avenues to access that support. We will discuss the impact of healthy support systems on our mental health.
REGISTER HERE
Meeting link will be provided upon registration.
Monday, November 17, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Seasonal Supports
Do you have any old, well-maintained clothes or toys your kids have outgrown and are looking to give away? Join us for the sixth session of Be Well: Sacred Circles, which will focus on Seasonal Supports. The highlight of this session will be a gently used clothing and toy swap. We will also discuss resources and support systems to help parents navigate the holidays and the colder months with their little ones.
REGISTER HERE
Meeting link will be provided upon registration.
Monday, December 15, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Acknowledging Progress, Grief, & Growth
The final session of Be Well: Sacred Circles will focus on Evaluating and Acknowledging Progress, Grief, and Growth. We will discuss different facets of grieving, for example, grieving previous life experiences, transitions, a birth plan that did not go according to plan, etc. We will explore the ways we practice resilience, and discuss healthy methods of grieving.
REGISTER HERE
Meeting link will be provided upon registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is eligible to participate in the sessions?
Black moms and birthing persons
Pregnant people or those up to 2 years postpartum
Why is the group closed only to Black people?
As Black women and birthing people are the most impacted by medical racism, it is imperative to hold space and prioritize their health and well-being to combat high maternal mortality rates.To learn more about Black maternal health, click here.
Who is considered a mom?
Anyone who has birthed, parents, nurtures, or cares for childrenWho is considered a Black birthing person?
Someone who identifies as Black, African, Caribbean, and/or African American and is able to become pregnant or give birth**The term ‘birthing person’ includes cisgender women, transgender men, non-binary individuals, and gender-expansive persons
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What is the perinatal period?
The period of time beginning in pregnancy and up to 12 months following childbirth.What is the postpartum period?
The first year following childbirth -
What is peer support?
Emotional, informational, instrumental, or other aid/help provided from one person to another, or to a group of people, with shared lived experience(s).What is anti-oppressive care?
Practicing anti-oppression work in real terms is not only confronting individual examples of bigotry, or confronting societal examples, but it is also confronting ourselves and our own roles of power and oppression in our communities and the bigger picture.To learn more about anti-oppressive care, click here.
What is culturally responsive care?
Care that is sensitive and adaptive to the cultural contexts and lived experiences of Black birthing persons.How does OWA and POEM Rise define wellness?
A holistic framework and practice prioritizing the overall health and well-being (mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual) of a person. -
Why do participants receive stipends?
We understand that it is not easy to put yourself first when you have competing responsibilities. It is our hope that this stipend can aid participants and lighten the load, if only slightly.How much are stipends for participation?
$50How do you receive the stipend?
Cashapp or electronic gift cardDoes everyone who attends get a stipend?
Stipends will be given to the first 12 people who sign up and attend each session.
Ongoing Resources
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Website
Located in Cleveland
Domains of service:
Labor support
Life goal planning
Childbirth and parenting
Support groups
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Offering peer-to-peer support to Black moms and birthing persons across Ohio
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Reproductive Justice organization supporting Black women and families
Comprehensive Reproductive Health Education
Community-Based Research
Consulting
Fatherhood Focus
ROOTT Holistic Health and Wellness Clinic
Advocacy, Education & Resources
Policy & Advocacy
ROOTT Family Tree
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Network of Black women actively working to improve birth outcomes
Akron
Butler County
Cincinnati
Canton
Columbus
Dayton
Kansas City, Kansas
Mahoning Valley
Toledo
Tulsa, Oklahoma
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Comprehensive healthcare center focusing on gynecology and obstetrics in Cleveland, Ohio
Gynecology Service
Obstetric Services
Mental Health Care Services
Primary Care Services
Pediatrics
