MELANIN & MATERNAL WELLNESS
Our "Birth" Story
Melanin and Maternal Wellness was born from lived experience, survival, advocacy, and a deep belief that Black mothers deserve more than merely surviving systems never designed to protect us.
Founded on July 6, 2017, during Founder and Executive Director Crystal Charley’s own high risk pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia, emergency cesarean birth, and preterm delivery, the organization began as a space for Black mothers to speak honestly about the realities of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and motherhood in systems too often shaped by racism, dismissal, and inequity.
What started as Melanin and Motherhood, a blog and community platform centered on Black motherhood, quickly evolved into something greater. As more families, advocates, and birth workers shared their stories and experiences, it became clear that the crisis facing Black mothers was not individual. It was systemic.
Rooted in the principles of Birth Justice and Reproductive Justice, Melanin and Maternal Wellness expanded from storytelling and awareness into advocacy, community organizing, policy education, and culturally grounded perinatal support services designed to meet the real needs of Black families.
By 2020, the organization began providing perinatal wellness services including doula support, childbirth education, breastfeeding advocacy, and community centered programming grounded in dignity, cultural respect, and healing. In 2021, Melanin and Maternal Wellness officially became a nonprofit organization, further strengthening its commitment to advancing Black maternal wellness through direct service, systems change, and community power building.
Today, Melanin and Maternal Wellness stands at the intersection of healing and advocacy — connecting Black families, birth workers, policymakers, and community leaders in the fight for equitable maternal health outcomes and birth justice. Through initiatives including Black Birth on the Ballot™, the Asè Toolkit®, legislative advocacy, public education, and community rooted partnerships, the organization continues to build a future where Black families are supported, protected, heard, and empowered throughout the reproductive journey.
Because for us, birth justice has never been theoretical. It is personal. It is collective. And it is necessary.
"A CHILD DOES NOT GROW UP ONLY IN A SINGLE HOME"
- BANYORO PROVERB
At Melanin & Maternal Wellness, our mission is to provide comprehensive doula services, postpartum care, and wrapping to women of color. We are passionate about empowering women to take control of their birthing experience. We believe that every woman has the right to a safe and fulfilling birth journey, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.Our team of experienced doulas is dedicated to providing personalized care and support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. We understand that every woman has unique needs and preferences, and we work closely with you to ensure that your birthing experience is tailored to your individual needs.We are also committed to advocating for birth justice legislation and fighting for the rights of women of color in the birthing community. Join us in our mission to empower women and promote birth justice for all.
Our team of experienced doulas is dedicated to providing personalized care and support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. We work closely with you to ensure that your birthing experience is tailored to your individual needs. We understand that every woman has unique needs and preferences, and we are committed to providing the support and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your birth.
POSTPARTUM CARE
Wrapped in Love
At Melanin & Maternal Wellness, we understand that the postpartum period can be challenging for new mothers. That's why we offer comprehensive postpartum care services to support you during this transition. Our team of experienced doulas will provide you with the emotional, physical, and practical support you need to navigate the postpartum period with ease. We also offer wrapping services to help you recover after childbirth. Our traditional wrapping techniques have been used for centuries to support postpartum healing and recovery. Let us help you feel wrapped in love and support during this special time in your life.