Listening to Black Moms to Build Healthier Futures

Every Black mom deserves to feel heard, supported, and cared for.

That is why The SOL Project’s Breathe for Two: Supporting Black Moms & Babies is creating a safe, welcoming place where Black moms and birthing people can share their real-life experiences, challenges, hopes, and ideas. Together with our research partner, UC Davis, we are listening so we can build better tools and support that truly meet the needs of Black families.

One of the biggest concerns we are discussing with moms is exposure to cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke, vaping, secondhand smoke, and thirdhand smoke. Whether smoke comes from inside the home, in a vehicle, or from family members or friends who smoke or vape, it can affect the health of both mom and baby. We know these conversations can be personal and sometimes difficult. That is why our listening sessions provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where moms can speak openly, ask questions, share their perspectives, and know their voices matter.

Since March 2026, we have had the privilege of meeting with more than 60 Black moms and birthing people throughout Sacramento County. While some participants were hesitant to share their experiences at first, they became more comfortable after learning they were in a welcoming space where they could be heard without judgment. Every conversation helps us better understand what Black moms need and brings us one step closer to creating healthier pregnancies, healthier babies, and healthier communities.

Building trust is at the heart of this work. By creating culturally responsive spaces where Black mothers feel respected and valued, we are helping ensure their experiences guide the development of resources designed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Together with our community partners, The SOL Project has been meeting Black moms and birthing people where they already gather. Since March 2026, we have connected with families at the For Colored Girls Baby Shower hosted by Be Alright Wellness; the Women and Girls Festival presented by the Sacramento County Women’s Commission; the Annual Black Baby Doll Drive and Maternal Health Symposium hosted by the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Sacramento Chapter; the Community Baby Shower presented by Common Good Community and Anthem; the Community Baby Shower presented by Black Mothers United at the Fruitridge Collaborative; and the Community Baby Shower at Macedonia Baptist Church.

These events have provided opportunities to answer questions, build meaningful relationships, and let moms know they are not alone. Every conversation strengthens our commitment to serving Black families with compassion, respect, and trusted information.

The SOL Project has also strengthened partnerships with doulas, midwives, physicians, nurses, and community organizations that are committed to improving Black maternal health. These partnerships include meeting with local providers and presenting the Breathe for Two program to Her Health First at the Fruitridge Collaborative. Working together helps us reach more Black moms and birthing people throughout Sacramento County and connect them with trusted resources.

Our Community Advisory Board (CAB) continues to play an important role by guiding community outreach, recruitment, and engagement. Working alongside UC Davis, The SOL Project has completed five virtual listening sessions with Black pregnant moms, postpartum moms, parents, and maternal health providers. Each conversation has provided a welcoming and respectful environment where participants could openly share their experiences, concerns, and ideas. As a thank-you for their time, moms who completed a focus group received a $100 Amazon gift card.

These conversations are helping us better understand where Black moms receive health information, the challenges they face in reducing exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke, and the types of support they want to protect themselves and their babies. Their feedback is directly shaping the next phase of the Breathe for Two project and reinforcing the importance of community partnerships in improving birth experiences and health outcomes for Black families.

As we prepare for Year 2 of Breathe for Two: Supporting Black Moms & Babies, we are moving from listening and learning to developing and testing a culturally tailored, technology-based smoking cessation program. The program will be guided by feedback from Black moms and birthing people and our Community Advisory Board. Before the tools and resources are finalized, we want mothers to continue sharing their ideas and experiences. Their voices will help ensure the program reflects their real needs. Between now and January 2027, we will continue to recruit 100 Black moms and pregnant people to participate in this phase of the project.

We also invite doulas, midwives, nurses, physicians, hospitals, clinics, churches, and community-based organizations to partner with us. If you know a Black pregnant or postpartum mom, please refer her to The SOL Project. Together, we can help ensure every mom feels supported, heard, and connected to resources that can improve her health and the health of her baby.

If you are a Black pregnant or postpartum mom, we invite you to join us. Your story matters. Your ideas matter. Your voice can help shape resources that will support Black mothers for years to come.

To learn more about Breathe for Two: Supporting Black Moms & Babies or to participate in an upcoming focus group, please visit www.thesolproject.com/breathe-for-two.

Together, we are listening, learning, and building healthier futures—one conversation at a time.

Listening to Black Moms to Build Healthier Futures