Black Maternal Health Week

dc wellnessblackmaternalhealthweekdcblackmamasself-caredcthingstodo
Written By Flow With Coco

prenatal yoga class on April 11th

Rooted in Justice, Joy, and Care

Every year from April 11–17, we recognize Black Maternal Health Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness, amplifying voices, and advocating for better outcomes for Black mothers and birthing people.

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Justice & Joy,” feels especially powerful. It honors not only the realities Black women face in maternal health but also the resilience, community, and care that continues to carry us forward.

A Personal Full-Circle Moment

On April 11th, I had the honor of leading my first exclusive prenatal yoga class to kick off Black Maternal Health Week.

And if I’m being honest… it felt bigger than just a class.

I’ve had pregnant women attend my sessions before and I’ve always loved holding space for them. But this felt different. More intentional. More rooted.

After completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training, I knew I wanted to go deeper. So I continued my education, focusing specifically on prenatal yoga learning how to safely support the body, breath, and emotional experience of pregnancy.

Because prenatal care isn’t just physical.

It’s emotional. It’s mental. It’s communal.

Why Black Maternal Health Matters

Black Maternal Health Week exists because there is still a very real gap in care.

In the United States, Black women are significantly more likely to experience complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum often due to systemic inequities, bias in healthcare, and lack of access to quality care.

This is why this work matters.

It’s not just about awareness, it’s about:

  • Advocacy

  • Education

  • Community-based support

  • Creating spaces where Black women feel seen, heard, and cared for

Where Wellness Fits In

Yoga especially prenatal yoga, can play a powerful role in supporting Black mamas.

Not as a replacement for medical care, but as a complement.

A space to:

  • Breathe deeply (when anxiety or tension rises)

  • Connect with their changing body

  • Release stress held in the neck, shoulders, and hips

  • Feel supported in a community of women

And most importantly…

A space where they don’t have to explain themselves.

Rooted in Justice. Rooted in Joy.

This year’s theme reminds us that both can exist at the same time.

Justice~ because Black women deserve equitable, safe, and respectful care.

Joy~ because pregnancy, birth, and motherhood should also be filled with softness, celebration, and support.

And that’s what I aim to create in my space.

Whether it’s:

  • A prenatal session

  • A postpartum moment of reconnection

  • Or simply a class where a mama can breathe again

The Power of Community Care

One of the biggest takeaways from Black Maternal Health Week is this:

We are not meant to do this alone.

This movement led by organizations like the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, centers community-driven solutions, collaboration, and the voices of Black women themselves.

Because real change doesn’t just happen in hospitals.

It happens in:

  • Studios

  • Living rooms

  • Support circles

  • Conversations

  • Safe spaces

Resources for Black Mamas & Supporters

If you or someone you love is navigating pregnancy or postpartum, here are a few places to start:

  • Black Mamas Matter Alliance- Advocacy, education, and resources for Black maternal health

  • Irth- A platform where Black women can review and find respectful prenatal and birthing care

  • Howard University- College of Medicine- If you’re in DC, HUCM is hosting an activities all week for new mother and expecting black mamas. They also provide community programs and maternal health initiatives throughout the year.

More Than a Moment~A Movement

Leading that prenatal class reminded me:

This work is deeper than movement.

It’s about creating spaces where Black women can feel:

  • Safe

  • Supported

  • Empowered

  • Seen

Not just during Black Maternal Health Week…

But always.

Closing

To every Black mama..whether you’re expecting, healing, or holding it all together…

You deserve care that honors you.

You deserve support that sees you.

And you deserve spaces where you can simply be.

Join Us

This work is close to my heart, and it’s something I’m continuing to grow within my studio.

If you’re an expecting mama, recently postpartum, or simply looking for a supportive space to move, breathe, and reconnect with your body, you are welcome here 🤎

At Flow With Coco, I offer:

  • Prenatal-friendly movement

  • Intentional, women-centered classes

  • A space to feel supported, seen, and at ease in your body

Whether you join me in-studio or are interested in a private prenatal session, my goal is to create an experience that feels safe, nurturing, and aligned with your journey.

You don’t have to navigate this season alone.

✨ Book a class or inquire about prenatal sessions through the link in my bio or website.


In love and service,

Courtney💋

Flow With Coco
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