Rooted in Inclusion, Powered by Community: How One Indy Event Is Reshaping Maternal Health for Black Families
In Indiana, the most dangerous time in a Black woman’s life might be while giving birth.
Black women in our state are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. Black infants are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday. These statistics aren’t new—but they are urgent. And for far too long, they’ve been accepted as normal.
But in a YMCA parking lot on the northwest side of Indianapolis, something different is taking root. It looks like a community celebration—there’s a DJ spinning tracks, face painting, snow cones, and a raffle giving away baby supplies. But the mission behind it is much deeper:
To save lives. To protect Black motherhood. And to ensure every family has the support they deserve.
“It’s a Family Affair” Returns for Its Third Year
On Saturday, August 23, MelaMama Maternal Wellness Inc. and the Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition will host the third annual “It’s a Family Affair” Community Resource Fair at the OrthoIndy Pike YMCA. What began as a small event to recognize Black Breastfeeding Week has evolved into one of the region’s most impactful health equity events for families of color.
This year’s theme—“Boots on the Ground: Rooted in Breastfeeding Success, Grounded in Community Support”—reflects the heart of MelaMama’s work: grassroots solutions to systemic health disparities.
“This event was born out of necessity,” says Sierra Woods, BSN-RN, IBCLC, PMH-C, CCHW, postpartum doula, and founder of MelaMama Maternal Wellness Inc. “Black families weren’t getting the support they needed during pregnancy, birth, or postpartum. So we created the space ourselves—centered in love, healing, and real resources.”
And it’s working. Each year, more families attend. More babies are born into communities that recognize their worth. And more partners—from nonprofits to local businesses—are stepping up to help.
The Stakes Are High—and So Are the Hopes
Woods knows firsthand how broken the maternal health system can be. As a registered nurse and lactation consultant, she’s worked inside hospitals where Black women’s pain was ignored and their voices silenced. But she’s also watched how that changes when the community shows up.
“I’ve seen moms cry in our lactation tent—not because they were struggling, but because it was the first time they felt truly supported,” Woods says. “We can’t keep waiting on systems to catch up. We have to build the support networks ourselves.”
And that’s exactly what “It’s a Family Affair” offers: not just information, but transformation.
Attendees will have access to:
- Free breastfeeding and postpartum support from culturally aligned providers.
- A private Lactation Station sponsored by Indy Melanated Birth Collective.
- Car seat safety demos and family health information.
- Baby supplies, raffles, and giveaways.
- Free lunch by My Purely Joy and sweet treats like popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones.
- Outdoor games, a live DJ, and a welcoming, family-first atmosphere
The event is free to attend, and families are encouraged to register on Eventbrite.
Aligned with Business Equity for Indy
The fight for maternal health equity is not just a healthcare issue—it’s an economic issue. When women can’t safely carry pregnancies or recover postpartum, it impacts household income, workforce participation, and generational stability. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Indiana loses over $4.2 billion in GDP annually due to maternal health and labor force disparities.
For BEI member companies committed to building an inclusive economy, supporting maternal and family health should be a priority.
“Inclusion can’t be performative. It has to be participatory,” says Woods. “We need businesses in the room, at the table, and on the ground—showing up for families who too often get left behind.”
How BEI Members Can Get Involved
Business Equity for Indy encourages its partners to take direct action in support of “It’s a Family Affair” and the broader maternal health movement:
- Sponsor the Event
Support community wellness by sponsoring resource areas, baby care kits, or refreshments. Sponsorship directly funds services for families most impacted by health inequities.
- Send a Team to Volunteer or Attend
Encourage employees or employee teams to participate. Volunteering offers a tangible way to connect with the community your company serves.
- Share the Event with Employees and Clients
Promote the event across your internal channels, especially to parents, caregivers, and employees in the perinatal or early childhood stage.
- Highlight Your Partnership
Use this event as a storytelling opportunity. Show how your company is taking action to support health outcomes in Central Indiana.
“It’s not just about showing up—it’s about standing with us,” says Woods. “Every time a company sponsors this event, every time they share it with their teams, they’re making a statement that Black lives—and Black births—matter.”
Because when we invest in the health and safety of Black families, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive Indiana—for everyone.
Sierra Woods, BSN-RN, IBCLC, PMH-C, CCHW, is a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, registered nurse, and founder of MelaMama Maternal Wellness Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes for Black and Brown families. She is an outspoken advocate for birth equity, culturally competent care, and community-rooted support systems.
