Birth and Breastfeeding Support for Black Families

Your baby’s first nutrition isn’t measured in ounces—it’s measured in drops. 🩵

One of the biggest worries new parents have is, “Am I making enough milk?” The truth is that in the first few days after birth, your body produces colostrum—a nutrient-rich, antibody-packed first milk that’s perfectly designed for your newborn’s tiny stomach.

Join me LIVE as we discuss what to expect during those first postpartum days and why “liquid gold” is exactly what your baby needs.

Today’s topics include:

🍼 What colostrum is

✨ Why it’s called “liquid gold”

🍼 When mature milk comes in

✨ Signs your milk is transitioning

🍼 What’s normal during the first week postpartum

We’ll also cover:

✔️ Why small amounts of colostrum are enough

✔️ What to expect between days 2–5 after birth

✔️ Signs your baby is getting enough milk

✔️ When to seek lactation support

✔️ Common myths about “not having enough milk”

📅 Tuesday, July 21

⏰ 10:30 AM EST

📍 LIVE on Instagram Kelsey Poole

Tag an expecting mama or new parent who needs this reminder: your breastfeeding journey starts with knowledge, not perfection. 🤎

✨ I am honored to announce that I am officially a Full Circle Doula & Birth Companion! ✨

This milestone represents my commitment to serving as a healer for Black mothers, babies, and families throughout pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and the postpartum period.

One of the greatest honors of this journey was being mentored by Mama Shafia Monroe, the Queen Mother of the modern Black midwifery movement. Her lifelong work to preserve African American birth traditions, elevate Black maternal health, and restore culturally rooted postpartum care has transformed generations of birth workers. Learning from a living legend whose life’s mission has been to reclaim birth as sacred work within our community is something I will carry with me forever.

I was also deeply honored to be selected as one of the mothers for the Mother Shower—a beautiful tradition that reminds us that while we celebrate babies, we must also mother the mother. Too often, new mothers are expected to pour from an empty cup. This experience reaffirmed the importance of surrounding women with love, nourishment, rest, encouragement, and community before, during, and long after birth.

One of the greatest gifts from this training has been the incredible community of doula sisters I have gained. I am leaving this program with lifelong relationships built on shared purpose, mutual support, and a commitment to improving birth outcomes for our families. There is something powerful about being surrounded by women who understand that birth work is both a calling and a responsibility.

As a Full Circle Doula & Birth Companion, I am proud to provide culturally responsive, evidence-informed support that honors the strength, wisdom, and traditions of our community.

I am officially recognized to serve families in 12 states:
🤎 Arkansas
🤎 California
🤎 Illinois
🤎 Maryland
🤎 Massachusetts
🤎 Michigan
🤎 Minnesota
🤎 Oklahoma
🤎 Oregon
🤎 Rhode Island
🤎 Virginia
🤎 Washington

This is another meaningful step in my mission through Melanin Motherhood Haven to improve Black maternal and infant health through birth support, breastfeeding education, food security, housing stability, and community care.

Thank you to every mother who has trusted me, every mentor who has poured into me, my incredible doula sisters, and everyone who has supported this journey. I look forward to walking beside more families, holding space for them, and continuing the legacy of caring for our communities—one birth, one mother, and one family at a time.

Our ancestors were healers. I am honored to continue that legacy. 🖤✨

The first hour after birth can shape the rest of your breastfeeding journey. 🤱🏾✨

Did you know your baby’s very first hour of life is often called the Golden Hour?

During this special time, your baby is naturally alert and ready to begin breastfeeding. Learning what to expect before delivery can help you advocate for yourself, make informed decisions, and start your breastfeeding journey with confidence.

Join me LIVE today as we discuss:

✨ What the Golden Hour is

✨ Why immediate skin-to-skin matters

✨ Your baby’s first latch

✨ Delaying routine newborn procedures (when medically appropriate)

✨ Colostrum: your baby’s first milk

If you’re pregnant, planning to breastfeed, or supporting someone who is, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

📅 Today — Tuesday, July 14

⏰ 10:30 AM EST

📍 LIVE on Instagram Kelsey Poole

Can’t make it live? Attend our free monthly Breastfeeding Bootcamp or purchase the replay to learn at your own pace with lifetime access.

Tag an expecting mama who needs this information. 🤎

Any home birth mamas on the TL? What’s one comfort measure that helped you get through your unmedicated birth?

At 8½ months pregnant, I’m still breastfeeding my toddler.

For some people, that may seem surprising. For others, it’s a reminder that every breastfeeding journey is different—and every journey deserves to be seen.

Breastfeeding during pregnancy can be a safe and meaningful choice for many families, and some parents continue nursing right up until birth before transitioning into tandem feeding. Yet these stories are rarely represented, especially in the Black community.

That’s why campaigns like the R.O.S.E. National Breastfeeding Portrait Campaign matter.

Representation isn’t just about beautiful photos—it’s about helping Black mothers see themselves reflected in every stage of the breastfeeding journey. It’s about showing that breastfeeding doesn’t always end at 6 months or even 12 months. It’s about honoring the many ways families nourish, comfort, and connect with their children.

When we see Black mothers breastfeeding newborns, toddlers, twins, or while pregnant, we expand what’s considered “normal.” We remind another mother that she isn’t alone and that her journey is valid.

I’m grateful to have been selected to represent this season of motherhood and thankful to Tiana Lashae for capturing these moments with such care and intention.

Every image tells a story.

And every story has the power to inspire another Black mother to believe, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.” 🤎

Can we normalize preparing to breastfeed BEFORE baby gets here? 🤍

Tonight at 6:00 PM EST, I’m hosting a FREE virtual breastfeeding workshop designed specifically for Black mothers who want to start their breastfeeding journey feeling informed, prepared, and supported.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or simply want a different experience this time around, this workshop is for you.

✨ Tonight we’ll cover:
🤱 Breastfeeding Basics
✨ The Golden Hour
📝 Building Your Personalized Breastfeeding Plan
💛 Common Challenges & Practical Solutions
🙋🏾‍♀️ Live Q&A

You’ll also receive:
📖 A comprehensive workbook
👩🏾‍⚕️ Support from a Registered Dietitian
🤱 Guidance from a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
🤰🏾 A Community-Based Doula joining us live
💻 Live via Zoom

Registration is FREE but required.

🔗 Register now before we go live:
https://forms.gle/T6iCvVkVd4yH9o6b8

Tag an expecting mama who needs this. Every family deserves to begin their breastfeeding journey with knowledge, confidence, and a village. 🤎