"Community Baby Shower" Strives to Combat Maternal Mortality Rate in Communities of Color

LaToyia Dennis, Chief Engagement Officer of Motivated Mom Media (second from left) hosts “Community Baby Shower.”

© 2023 Miss Ari Photography | Ariawna Talton

What happens when medical professionals don’t listen to the concerns of minority moms-to-be, because of the assumption that these women can endure more? These mothers become gravely ill and many perish.

What happens when babies are born to mothers and families with limited resources? Everyone suffers, especially the newborns who can’t speak up for themselves.

What happens when these communities are given voice by advocates who aren’t as many worlds apart as marginalized groups may think? Change.

Insert LaToyia Dennis, Chief Engagement Officer of Motivated Mom Media.

The M.O.M.S. Tour, a Community Baby Shower, aims to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly among African American and American Indian/Alaska Native women, in communities with high maternal and morbidity rates.

On the last Saturday in September, Dennis and the M.O.M.S. Tour embarked on a very intentional journey to educate the Dallas Community on maternal health. Inside of the Martin Luther King Recreation Center in South Dallas – Dennis and her team welcomed hundreds of individuals, with the goal of providing limitless resources, encouragement and tangible resources needed for children, parents and families.

As the event tipped off in the 11 o’clock hour Saturday morning, a young mom was one of the first to enter the recreation center’s gymnasium. Her eyes glistened over the several dozen tables and representatives ready to receive her. Before she could take two steps in the direction of the first exhibit, the woman – pushing her four-week-old in a stroller was intercepted by Dennis.

Her stroller was not designed to push such a young newborn.

Dennis took the baby and guided the young mom over to a table where she was given a brand new and more appropriate car seat and stroller. The mother was overjoyed, perhaps even a bit overwhelmed.

The items gifted to her were just a glimpse into what the day would provide.

Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon – mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, and expectant mothers poured into the recreation center. Individuals of different educational backgrounds, economic classes, native tongues, and religious convictions stood together and learned from professionals who took joy in teaching.

Children sat together, enjoying face-painting and engaging activities. 

There were doulas on hand, midwives, a CPR instructor, representatives from various medical facilities, substance abuse counselors and more. These individuals all play a vital role in bridging the gap and proactively addressing the disparities in maternal health that disproportionately affect women of color.

As the crowd enjoyed sounds by DJ Jazz and the energy of host Veda Loca, the exhibitors around the room entertained questions and provided giveaways of clothing, communicative tools, diapers and more.

An hour or so into the event, a young couple arrived. The woman was overcome with emotion and immediately consoled by her boyfriend. She caught the attention of Dennis, who was constantly circling the room.

“It turns out the young couple has been trying for some time to have a child and the mother recently discovered that she is indeed expecting,” Dennis said, fighting back her own tears. “The woman saw all that we had to offer here, and the tears just began to flow.”

There were many similar stories shared throughout the day, including Dennis’ revelation of her own experiences with miscarriages and doctors dismissing her complications.

“It feels amazing to know that someone cares about us and wants to teach us how to better advocate for ourselves,” one mother shared. “Sometimes it does feel like I’m in this all alone.”

Shortly after wrapping up the Dallas event – Dennis and her team packed up to head to Houston, where they hosted a second event on Sunday.

“The goal is to make sure that these communities can sustain themselves and keep these relationships going,” Dennis says. “We feel good about making these connections.”