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On Mother’s Day, we shower mothers with over $35 Billion in gifts. As for the rest of the year — especially when it comes to the experience of being a new mother — our social systems often leave birthing people in isolated, anxiety-provoking, and at times, mortal situations.
Many new mothers — especially Black and Brown mothers — face higher rates of financial discrimination once they become pregnant, a lack of healthcare systems to support their recovery and development during the fourth trimester, and higher rates of post-partum trauma, complications, and even death. Lyz Lenz, the author of Belabored: A Vindication of the Rights of Pregnant Women, writes,
“Motherhood is valorized in American culture because we don’t want to admit the truth: we have built an entire economy on the backs of unpaid and poorly paid women.”
But now, a growing group of startups is rising to address the unspoken needs of the “new mom economy.” With knowledge, healthcare support, and products alleviating the burden that societal gaps have failed to address, this quickly growing space is skyrocketing into a 46-billion-dollar industry. Ideas such as automated breast pumps, post-partum care, toxin-free products, mom communities, automated rockers, maternal coaching, monthly mom-developmental kits, and even a chatbot to support pregnant and post-pregnant people are taking the space by storm.
Check out how these Latina and Black women (and mom) run startups are tackling the isolating gaps many new birthing people face and ensuring that you, a new mom, are getting the village you — and your child — need.
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Meet Mae
Meet Mae is a pregnancy app tailored to the needs of Black pregnant women. Access experts, track your health, and personalize your self-care. This app was developed to be culturally specific, meaning that information, support, and education have been built by Black women, for Black women. Enter your email address to Meet Mae today.
The Black Doula Project
This organization isn’t a startup (it’s a nonprofit). But its importance is lifesaving. The Black Doula Project aims to cover the costs of birth and post-partum doula services in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Through this process, The Black Doula Project addresses the disparities in complications impacting Black mothers during birthing. To apply for a grant, click here.
Matrescence
Matrescence is defined as the process of becoming a new mother. But in the context of this wellness lifestyle brand, it means “mothering the mother.” Matrescence specializes in skincare products that support post-partum healing, including stretchmark scrubs and body butter. They also have developed a facial skincare line to support the hormonally-related skin concerns that are part of pregnancy and postpartum. All products are pregnancy-safe and use the strictest organic, plant-based ingredients standards.
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ThanksRose
Are you a new mom who needs answers now? ThanksRose is a digitalundivided START ATL ’22 graduate that provides free Real-Time 1:1 support and resources through direct messaging from healthcare experts. You can also join groups of moms engaging in honest conversations and focus led by healthcare experts that center on topics relevant to your interests. Join the waitlist for beta testing here!
MomCare Oasis
What would you gain if you didn’t feel burnt out? MomCare Oasis is a digitalundivided START ’21 program graduate and coaching service and community dedicated to helping mothers prioritize their self-care. MomCare Oasis self-care services range from the specific categories of emotional and physical to spiritual, social, beauty, and so much more. Check out how to get involved in this lively community or deep dive into a group or VIP coaching session here.