Description:
The aim of this luncheon is to build a network of local BIPOC and anti-racist providers who specialize in mental health, primary care, maternal healthcare, eating disorders and/or birth work. This group will be open to mental health providers, healthcare providers, birth workers and community partners who either identify as BIPOC or as anti-racist allies.
These quarterly meet ups will provide an opportunity for networking, resiliency building, and information sharing for providers working with black birthing people. The presentation topic for this quarter is the benefits of pelvic rehab for mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. Pelvic floor dysfunction impacts one’s mental health as it can contribute to social isolation, be internalized like something is intrinsically wrong/broken, decrease function in toileting and sexual participation and/or cause chronic pain. This limits quality of life, daily functioning, and further impacts sense of self, self-efficacy, mood, and interpersonal relationships. Further, changes to the body that happen with pregnancy can contribute to decreased body satisfaction.
Food will be catered by The Straker's Kitchen, founded by Enon and Renel Straker. Renel's business is also an awardee of the BBMHCI grant. Her project is to provide free meals (such as the one you can enjoy at this event) to black birthing people. This will promote better nutrition and reduce the burden of cooking after the birthing experience.
Meeting Agenda
12:30-1 - arrive, mingle and grab some lunch
1-1:30 - introduction round table, where attendees share a bit about themselves and services to the black birthing community
1:30-2pm - short presentation about pelvic floor dysfunction
2pm-2:30 - network and mingle closing
Luncheon Objectives:
Deepen understanding of what the pelvic floor is and how it functions, as well as the connection to mental health
Fostering relationships between black providers and allies
Networking, resiliency building and information sharing
Gather in community to participate in conversation about the topic
About Rachel:
Rachel is a licensed Occupational Therapist, a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, a pelvic health specialist, a social justice researcher, and the founder of Liberate Pelvic Health, a black woman-owned private practice. Recently, she received this grant from Colorado Access to address black maternal health outcomes through a variety of approaches. She is so grateful to have this opportunity to weave together a richer connection for the providers and birth workers who are passionate about serving the black birthing community in Colorado through the BBMHCI grant. Rachel values health at every size, trauma-informed care, social justice and sex positivity, and strives to incorporate these values in all that she does.
Date/Time/Location:
Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 from 12:30-2:30pm
This luncheon will be held at The Den 2900 Zuni St, Denver, CO 80211.
How to sign up:
Fill out this RSVP Survey! This luncheon is free and will be capped at 16 people. The next meeting will be in June, 2024.