Black Birthing Mental Health Community Investment Grant 

Thanks to Colorado Access, Liberate Pelvic Health is a recipient of the Black Birthing Mental Health Community Investment Program. This grant is currently supporting projects aligned with Liberate’s mission to increase access to pelvic floor care and to serve the black birthing community in the Denver metro area. Pelvic health and mental health are intertwined for many reasons. Pelvic dysfunction can impact multiple important everyday activities such as toileting, sexual activity, sleep, work, leisure, etc. Furthermore, the postpartum period is a vulnerable period not only for pelvic floor dysfunction, but also for relapse of disordered eating and black women are more likely to go undiagnosed for disordered eating (Cachelin et al., 2001; Makino, 2020). The projects under this grant are addressing these needs through a multi-faceted approach that is detailed below.

1.Build a network of local BIPOC and anti-racist providers who serve the black birthing community through quarterly luncheons. 

Each meeting features a relevant speaker who specializes in nutrition, eating disorders, mental health, primary care, maternal healthcare, birthwork, and/or any other relevant field. The emphasis is on shared education and fostering provider relationships with the ultimate goal of supporting the black birthing community. Interested in participating? Sign up here to be notified for future events!

2.Provide a scholarship fund for black birthing people with private insurance who otherwise cannot afford pelvic health care during pregnancy and postpartum.

If interested in learning more or to see if you qualify, please reach out here or by email.

3. Provide education to relevant providers to support holistic interdisciplinary care and referrals through presentations and workshops. 

These presentations will occur directly to providers in their spaces, at local conferences, and other speaking engagement opportunities that arise. Increasing access to pelvic health care requires a multidisciplinary approach. By increasing referring provider knowledge on the subject, more people can be connected to the care they need and deserve. If you are aware of any opportunities for speaking engagements or if you are connected to a community who would benefit, please reach out by email.

4. Expand my own education as a provider.

I recently completed a course to empower me to offer cranial sacral therapy. Cranial sacral therapy can help address chronic pelvic pain and nervous system regulation through gentle manual techniques. 

5. Provide workshops and education for vulnerable black birthing community members. 

Stay tuned for more information on future workshops. 

References:

Cachelin, F. Rebeck, R., Veisel, C., & Striegel-Moore, R. (2001). Barriers to treatment for eating disorders among ethnically diverse women. Int J. of Eating Disorders, 30(3), 269-278. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.1084 

Makino, M., Yasushi, M., & Tsutsui, S. (2020). The risk of eating disorder relapse during pregnancy and after delivery and postpartum depression among women recovered from eating disorders. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20, 323. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03006-7