The National Black Midwives Alliance (NBMA) is a network of Black midwives and Black student midwives, and their allies and supporters, who are interested in participating in the growing development, preservation, advocacy, and education of the Black midwifery work force in the United States. We are a project of the Southern Birth Justice Network, a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the goal of establishing as a formal, independent Black midwife member association.
Becoming a member of NBMA:
- Having a Vote - If you identify as a Black midwife (whether practicing or retired) or Black student midwife, you have the opportunity to vote, or voice your priorities, which guides the alliance’s priorities. All other membership levels do not vote but have the special opportunity to support NBMA's movement building.
- Collective Representation - All annual membership dues power NBMA’s objectives and efforts to represent and advocate for Black midwives across the country, to: 1. Take actions that help increase the number of Black midwives and access to Black midwives, 2. Raise public awareness about Black midwives, 3. Support legislative efforts led by Black midwives and supporters, 4. Advocate for and support the development of educational pathways for Black student midwives, including NBMA’s mentorship program and other campaigns for student midwives, 5. Establish and raise funds for a scholarship specifically designated for Black student midwives, and 6. Provide exclusive member benefits, for example: negotiating group discounts, access to legal advice and representation, and opportunities for training at subsidized or discounted costs.
- Networking and Professional Opportunities - As a member of NBMA you will receive access to a growing network of Black midwives, and will be the first to receive special access to academic, professional, networking, and community-building opportunities as well as special discounts on midwifery-related opportunities when they are available.
- Access to a Platform - As a member of NBMA, you have a platform to highlight initiatives, address the issues that concern you, and participate in crafting a sustainable vision for the future of Black midwives.
Some membership benefits accomplished over the last several years:
- Expanded and strengthened the NBMA Black Midwife Mentorship Program for NBMA student members.
- Launched a scholarship fund for student members in 2022 and awarded four student midwives from two scholarships in 2022 and 2024.
- Supplied free PPE and telehealth kits in 2020 and 2021 to practicing Black midwives and students, many of whom were NBMA members.
- Offered both public and members-only annual educational webinars or workshops that support Black midwives and students.
- Case-by-case mediation and intervention support.
- Membership discounts on NBMA conference and discounts or free access to some workshop opportunities (as available).
- Access to membership newsletter and members-only NBMA updates.
- Opportunities to engage in the establishment of NBMA member committees.
Join us for the opportunity to engage, support, and participate in NBMA's growth and collective vision!