MOMentum Park "where moms come first and every moment matters"
october - breast cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As we join millions worldwide in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are reminded of the courage, resilience, and strength of those battling this disease, as well as the families, friends, and communities supporting them. Momentum Park would like to shine a light on the unique challenges faced by women of color in the fight against breast cancer. While this disease affects women across all demographics, women of color, particularly Black and Latina women, experience disparities that can impact their diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Momentum Park is committed to more than just creating spaces where women can thrive. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive, informed, and empowered community. This month, we honor the journey of breast cancer survivors and raise awareness about early detection, treatment options, and the importance of continuous research. Early detection and education save lives, which is why regular screenings and knowing the signs are crucial. Together, we can break down stigmas, empower each other to prioritize health, and support the ongoing fight against this disease. Through education, awareness, and support, we can make a difference .
september - Infant Mortality Awareness Month
September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month. Infant mortality is the death of an infant before his or her first birthday. The infant mortality rate is an important marker of the overall health of a society. In 2022, the infant mortality rate in the United States was 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. More than 20,500 infants died in the United States in 2022. The five leading causes of infant death in 2022 were: Birth Defects, Pre-term birth/Low birth weight, Sudden Infant Death, Unintentional Injuries, Pregnancy Complications. 'cdc.gov'
national sickle cell month 2024
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Approximately 100,000 Americans live with sickle cell disease, a chronic condition that causes the red blood cells to harden and form a sickle shape. This sickling causes severe and unpredictable pain, intense fatigue, frequent infections and more. Sickle cell disease raises health risks for both the mother and the baby. Women with sickle cell disease are at higher risk of problems during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, find a team of a healthcare providers who specialize in high-risk pregnancies and have experience with patients who have sickle cell disease. Meet with the team throughout your pregnancy to manage your risks. Momentum Park is proud to stand with organizations this month and push for better treatments, education and outcomes for sickle cell warriors.
Learn More - Visit sicklecelldisease.org | nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease/pregnancy
august 25 - 31/national black breastfeeding week 2024
The Momentum Park/SHERO Team is dedicated to improving health outcomes for Black women and their families. By supporting National Black Breastfeeding Week, we help raise awareness about the health benefits of breastfeeding, which are especially significant in Black communities that experience higher rates of infant mortality and maternal health issues. This week focuses on empowering Black mothers to make informed choices about their health and the health of their children. It also provides an opportunity to build community around breastfeeding, creating spaces where Black mothers can share experiences, access resources, and support one another. Momentum Park/SHERO advocates for better policies, such as paid maternity leave, lactation support in workplaces, and access to quality healthcare, all of which are critical for successful breastfeeding. We want to challenge the negative stereotypes about Black motherhood and promote positive narratives.
Join us weekly for 'Titty Talk Tuesday' on IG @https://www.instagram.com/shero_nola/
August - national breastfeeding month
Hey mama, it's summertime!
Summer Essentials for Cool Moms
🕶️ Comfortable, Breathable Clothing
Loose-fitting, lightweight, and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen help keep cool in the summer heat. Maxi dresses, maternity shorts, and tank tops are great options.
🕶️ Supportive Footwear
Swollen feet and ankles are common during pregnancy, so comfortable, supportive footwear is essential. Look for sandals with arch support and cushioned soles.
🕶️ Sunscreen for Melanin-Rich Skin
Melanin-rich skin still needs protection from harmful UV rays to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. Pregnant women’s skin can be more sensitive to the sun, making sun protection even more important. Opt for sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher and ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum protection.
🕶️ Moisturizing Hair Care Products
Chlorine and saltwater can strip natural oils from the hair, causing dryness and breakage. Leave-in conditioners, hydrating hair oils, and protective hairstyles like braids or twists can help maintain hair health.
🕶️ Wide-Brimmed Hat and Sunglasses
A wide-brimmed hat provides shade for the face, neck, and shoulders, reducing the risk of sunburn. Sunglasses with UV protection shield the eyes from harmful rays and reduce glare.
🕶️ Snacks and Hydration
Keeping hydrated and energized is vital. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip water throughput the day. Healthy snacks like fresh fruit, nuts, and yogurt can help maintain energy levels. (Water, dense fruit/drinks - watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, coconut water, etc.)
may is preeclampsia awareness month
Key Points: Preeclampsia/March of Dimes
Preeclampsia is a type of high blood pressure that some people get during pregnancy. This condition can happen after the 20th week of pregnancy. In some cases, it can happen in the 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) after giving birth.
Most pregnant people who have preeclampsia have healthy babies. If you're at risk for preeclampsia, your provider may want you to take low-dose aspirin during your pregnancy to help prevent it.
Signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include blurry vision, swelling in your hands and face or severe headaches or belly pain. Call your provider right away if you have any of these.
If preeclampsia is not treated, it can cause serious problems, such as preterm birth and even death. You can have preeclampsia and not know it, so go to all of your prenatal care visits, even if you’re feeling fine.
momentum park celebrates moms
Dearest Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunties, Sisters and women who care,
As Mother's Day approaches, our hearts swell with gratitude and admiration for the extraordinary love and resilience you embody. In a world that often fails to recognize your unique journeys, we want to take this moment to honor you in all of your beauty and strength.
Your love knows no bounds, stretching across generations and overcoming every obstacle in its path. You are the backbone of your families, the nurturers, the protectors, and the guiding lights. Your sacrifices and unwavering dedication shape the futures of children, instilling in them the values of courage, compassion, and perseverance.
In the face of adversity, you rise like mighty oaks, your roots anchored deep in the soil of heritage. Your stories are a testament to the power of resilience, showing the world the beauty of your culture, traditions, and the richness of your heritage.
Yet, amidst the challenges, you still find moments of joy and celebration, weaving laughter and love into the fabric of everyday life. Your warmth fills the air like a gentle breeze, bringing comfort to those around you and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who know you.
On this Mother's Day and everyday, we want you to know that you are cherished, appreciated, and celebrated beyond measure. Your love transcends boundaries and shines brightly, illuminating the world with its grace and beauty. Thank you for being the embodiment of strength, love, and resilience. May your days be filled with joy, laughter, and the knowledge that you are loved beyond words.
With our deepest admiration and love,
Momentum Park/SHERO
we celebrate women's history month
“Deal with yourself as an individual worthy of respect, and make everyone else deal with you the same way.”
– Nikki Giovanni
“Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” — Toni Morrison
“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.” ― Maya Angelou
“You know, you do need mentors, but in the end, you really just need to believe in yourself.” — Diana Ross
You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.” — Serena Williams
“It was when I realized I needed to stop trying to be somebody else and be myself, I actually started to own, accept and
love what I had.” – Tracee Ellis Ross
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” ― Angela Davis
“Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I didn’t have to become perfect because I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness.” – Janelle Monae
“I don’t have any time to stay up all night worrying about what someone who doesn’t love me has to say about me.”
— Viola Davis
“Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any Happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself.”– Alice Walker
“If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself.” – Gabrielle Union
“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” — Audre Lorde
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
— Maya Angelou
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” ― Maya Angelou
You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama
april 2024
Black Maternal Health Week is an annual campaign in the United States aimed at raising awareness about the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women. It usually occurs in April and involves various events, discussions, and initiatives focused on addressing the systemic issues contributing to these disparities and advocating for improved healthcare access and outcomes for Black mothers.
Black Maternal Health Week typically includes activities such as panel discussions, social media campaigns, community events, and advocacy efforts to promote policies that support Black maternal health. It serves as a platform for amplifying the voices of Black women and highlighting the need for equitable and culturally competent maternal healthcare services.
momentum park celebrates international women's day
At Momentum Park, we're proud to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) 2024, a global occasion to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and the many other achievements of women. This year's theme, "Invest in women:Accelerate progress" resonates deeply with our values and mission. Join us in honoring the remarkable contributions of women around the world and within our own community.
Make a difference today
We reach moms, their babies and families exactly where they are thanks to our integration of medicine, public health and TECHNOLOGY. With your generous support, we can grow stronger, healthier, thriving moms and babies across the nation and solve the US Maternal and Infant Mortality/Morbidity Crisis.
The Problem
The US has the highest rates of maternal & infant mortality (compared to peer nations). Longstanding racial & ethnic disparities are profound and disproportionately impact marginalized communities of color and populations receiving Medicaid benefits.
The Solution
MOMentum Park "where moms come first and every moment matters" integrates medicine, public health, advocacy and TECHNOLOGY to solve the US Maternal and Infant Mortality/Morbidity crisis. We advance EQUITY & JUSTICE through TECH enabled education & programs directing resources & efforts to the highest impacted communities.
The Team
Our innovative team of physicians, public health leaders, and TECH innovators are committed to optimizing the health, lives and wellbeing of moms to be and their babies. We transform our passion into purpose through synergistic and impactful partnerships.
diversity, inclusion, equity & accessibility
Momentum Park supports diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Our employees, contractors, populations served, and partners represent diverse backgrounds all aligned with our mission to advance justice and equity in pregnancy and birth outcomes.
We embrace the tenets of trust-based philanthropy into practice, including the belief that people who are closest to the experience of race, class, and gender injustice are best suited to devise solutions to counter it. Therefore, our internal teams predominately represent the populations we serve. We promote a welcoming, anti-racist and harassment free work-environment that supports mental health, well-being and work-life balance emphasizing self-care, dignity and respect.
Advancing racial justice and birth equity requires multiple invested stakeholders. To this regard, we welcome partnerships with all persons, organizations and entities of varying races, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability/disability, religion, marital & parental status, socioeconomic and veteran status.
momentum park recognizes black history month every day
Momentum Park recognizes that Black History Month is not just a once-a-year event but a daily acknowledgment of the challenges and triumphs faced by the Black community. In light of the pressing issues affecting Black individuals and communities, we are committed to fostering awareness, understanding, and action year-round.
Dr. Martin Luther King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, had a central theme throughout expressing the importance of equality. Maternal and infant mortality rates among Black mothers and babies continue to be alarmingly high, reflecting deep-seated disparities in healthcare access and quality.
Momentum Park strives towards a future where every Black mother and baby has the opportunity to thrive. Where black children will put out their first birthday candles and many more. Let us honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black individuals while working tirelessly to ensure that the health and well-being of moms-to-be and babies are prioritized and protected. Together, let's make every month Black History Month by actively working towards health equity for all.
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Women's Rights in America...
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) ruling on Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe V. Wade. The decision will have a longstanding impact on the rights of women to choose when, if and how to start and/or expand their families. Lower income, rural and women of color will undoubtedly be most impacted by the decision.
The SCOTUS landmark decision represents another systemic barrier impacting women’s health and perpetuating racial & ethnic disparities. We at MOMentum Park, “where moms come first and every moment matters,” will ALWAYS advocate for the rights of all women to make the best decisions for their individual circumstances in partnership with their trusted healthcare providers and chosen “friends and family”.