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Maternal Health in Our Community

Educate. Equip. Impact.

MILK Maternity is committed to improving maternal health outcomes by addressing the everyday factors that influence pregnancy and postpartum well-being. Through community education and leadership training, we equip churches, organizations, and community leaders to support mothers in meaningful, practical ways.

City Skyline Park

Houston and the surrounding region are facing maternal health outcomes that urgently call for community-centered support. Maternal mortality and pregnancy-related complications in Texas and Harris County remain significantly higher than national averages, and up to 80% of these deaths are preventable with timely education, support, and care.

  • In Harris County, maternal death rates have been among the highest in the country, with pregnancy-related mortality significantly elevated, particularly for Black and Hispanic birthing people.

  • Statewide, Texas has one of the higher maternal mortality ratios in the U.S., with reports showing substantial increases in recent years and preventable causes accounting for the majority of deaths.

  • Access to early prenatal care remains a challenge for many in our community, with less than half of birthing people in some areas receiving care in the first trimester. 

These data reflect a broader reality: medical care alone is not enough. Without education, trusted support, community connection, and practical resources, many families fall through the cracks at the most vulnerable time of life — during pregnancy and postpartum.

At MILK Maternity, we are passionate about partnering with the Houston community to address these gaps through education, empowerment, and collective care.

Sources:

Understanding Houston+1

Kinder Institute

Babyscripts

Houston State of Health

Our Approach

We believe maternal health is not only a medical issue — it’s a community care issue. Healthy babies and healthy mothers are built on a foundation of knowledge, support systems, trusted relationships, and access to resources before, during, and after pregnancy. Our community maternal health services are designed to reach families where they are and to build supports that extend beyond clinical settings.

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Pregnant Woman Practicing

Community Workshops

Our workshops bring maternal health knowledge directly into community spaces - churches, community centers, nonprofits, employer wellness programs, and local organizations - so families can access support without barriers.

Topics include:

  • Early pregnancy health and self-care

  • Postpartum recovery and emotional wellness

  • Feeding confidence (breastfeeding, formula feeding, combination)

  • Nutrition and rest during pregnancy and postpartum

  • Recognizing warning signs and when to seek help

Workshops are offered free or on a sliding scale, and can be customized to meet community needs. We handle logistics and presentation - all you need is a space and an audience ready to learn and support one another.

Maternal Health Series & Support Groups

Sustained community support is one of the most powerful tools we have for improving maternal outcomes. We offer longer-term series and support circles that foster learning, connection, and mutual care.

What these look like:

  • Multi-session education series focused on phases of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting

  • Group discussions with structured learning and peer support

  • Opportunities to build local maternal care communities

  • Safe spaces to share questions, experiences, practices, and care strategies

These series reflect the idea that support is not a one-time event — it’s a process. As families gather and learn together, resiliency grows and maternal well-being strengthens

Training for Community Supporters

Not everyone will become a doula or clinician but everyone can support mothers with the right training.

Our lay-person training equips individuals, volunteers, ministry leaders, community volunteers, and caregiving networks with the know-how to support pregnant and postnatal moms with compassion and confidence.

Training includes:

  • How to hold space with empathy and active listening

  • Recognizing and responding to common maternal health needs

  • Teaching basic maternal wellness practices

  • Facilitating support circles and educational sessions

  • Making appropriate referrals and building strong community networks

We do the curriculum, setup, and coaching — you bring the heart and community relationship.

Why This Matters

Maternal support is essential.

Every family deserves:

  • Access to clear, compassionate education

  • Community support before and after birth

  • Someone to talk to with questions that matter

  • A place to belong and learn without judgment

Through community education, workshops, series, and training, we help build village-like support systems, because healthy communities create healthy families.

Get Involved

Are you a community leader, faith-based organization, health partner, or local group interested in maternal health support?

Connect with us.
Let’s talk about bringing maternal education and support into your space.

telephone: (713)384-6381

email: hello@milkmaternity.com

hello@milkmaternity.com

Postpartum doulas in Houston, The Woodlands, Sugarland, The Heights, Katy, Cypress, Humble, Pearland, Tomball & Magnolia. Postpartum doulas in Dallas, Postpartum doulas in Austin

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©2022 by MILK Maternity Group

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