Since the protests of June 2020, many companies have expressed support for the Black Lives Matter Movement, often through social media hashtags and open letters filled with grief and empathy. However, the real question remains: how many of these companies have taken meaningful action? Baby Dove stands out as a brand genuinely committed to supporting Black moms.
Dove has a long history of championing diversity and inclusion. It co-founded the Crown Coalition to advance the Crown Act, which seeks to end hair discrimination in schools and workplaces. Additionally, the brand initiated the My Hair, My Crown program to empower children to embrace their natural hair textures. Recently, Baby Dove unveiled the Black Birth Equity Fund in partnership with the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, aimed at bridging the care gap for Black mothers and birthing individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
The maternal mortality rate in the United States is alarmingly high, particularly among Black birthing individuals, who face rates three to four times greater than their white counterparts, irrespective of socioeconomic status or education. Through the Black Birth Equity Fund, Baby Dove has committed $250,000 to distribute over 190 individual grants of $1,300 each. These funds will help cover the costs of doula services, which are crucial for improving maternal health outcomes by providing physical, emotional, and informational support.
Angela J. Lee, a Co-Founding Executive Director at Black Mamas Matter Alliance and a strategic advisor for Baby Dove, noted, “Doulas have been effective in reducing health disparities within Black and other marginalized communities, bridging cultural and language gaps between families and healthcare providers. The backing of global brands like Baby Dove allows us to raise awareness about Black maternal health, advocate for change, and foster reproductive justice.”
As a Black mother who has given birth to three children and a practicing postpartum doula, I understand the hurdles that Black birthing individuals can encounter in the healthcare system. For instance, during my first pregnancy, I spent my initial appointment being grilled about how I would pay for my delivery, even though I had two health insurance policies. I left feeling devastated and intentionally sought out a Black, female OBGYN, who I have trusted for over a decade.
In my role as a postpartum doula, I have had clients who felt so marginalized by their doctors that they didn’t return for their six-week follow-ups. There are also high-profile instances, such as Serena Williams advocating for herself to receive adequate medical care, and the tragic case of Kira Dixon Johnson, who lost her life after her pain complaints were ignored for hours.
Sally Smith, Global Brand Director at Baby Dove, emphasized, “We believe Black mothers deserve exceptional care every step of the way. For far too long, they have not received the treatment they are entitled to, and the repercussions are dire. We are dedicated to changing this narrative. The Black Birth Equity Fund is just the starting point. Together with organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance, we aim to create systemic changes that enhance the birthing experience for Black mothers and their children.”
According to Smith, “Our commitment to driving change is part of our responsibility as leaders in the beauty industry. We are proud to leverage our platform to elevate awareness about Black maternal health and take decisive action. At Dove, we believe that every family deserves equitable care, including Black expectant mothers.”
In addition to the work with the Black Birth Equity Fund, Baby Dove, in collaboration with Walmart, is launching the Baby Dove Melanin-Rich Skin and Curl Nourishment Collection. This line of products is specifically crafted for babies with melanin-rich skin and textured hair. They have also partnered with illustrator Mia Rose on a limited-edition gift set available exclusively at Walmart, with all profits directed to the Black Birth Equity Fund.
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Summary
Baby Dove is taking substantial steps to support Black mothers through initiatives like the Black Birth Equity Fund, which provides financial assistance for doula services to improve maternal health outcomes. The brand has a history of advocating for diversity and inclusion, and its recent collaborations aim to address systemic disparities in care for Black birthing individuals.