Restorative Reproductive
Justice
Project
Restorative Justice aims to repair the damage done by envisioning what could have been and prioritizing the healing of those who were harmed. The Restorative Reproductive Justice Project embodies the potential that the Grand (Granny) Midwives could have reached had they been allowed to adapt and evolve. Neighborhoods and communities would have transformed, but the love and commitment to supporting one another would have remained steadfast among the midwives willing to work for trade, trusting that their communities would support them when families needed care the most.
At Ìyá Pittsburgh, we are shifting the focus of the perinatal (maternal) healthcare crisis. We pledge to restore what has been lost by providing access to Traditional Community Midwifery. We aim to have a Black Queer Traditional Midwife who supports families' autonomy through education, advocacy, and perinatal care. Costs for Black, Indigenous, and Transgender clients will be reduced or eliminated. Our midwife is ready to take the first step towards repairing what could have been, trusting that the community will contribute what they can, when they can—and that it will be enough.
Together, we can become the community that should have emerged. Join us in celebrating a new approach to improving perinatal outcomes and satisfaction. Consider a small recurring donation to ensure the midwife can continue to provide services without prioritizing payment. Each small recurring donation is security for the community and solidarity in our belief that community care should be community-run, driven, and responsible to each other as the Grand Midwives lived. No matter the size of the donation it brings us one step closer to ensuring this project can take root and grow. We hope to have an average donation amount of 5-15 dollars per month.
What Services Are Available
The Grand Traditional Community Midwives didn't just catch babies. They shared knowledge, made soup, and listened when people felt unheard. They supported people at home and held hands with neighbors when they needed to seek help at hospitals. To honor that work, the Restorative Reproductive Justice Project currently provides the following:
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Pregnancy, Labor and Postpartum Services
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Homebirth care for low-risk pregnancies
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Birth vision planning and education
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Advocacy education
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Virtual support for hospital births
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Explanations of routine perinatal tests
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Support communicating with other providers
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Integration of traditional and cultural practices
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Lactation support and referrals
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Postpartum check-ins
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Birth processing
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Support for Birth Workers
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Training Classes
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Birth Processing
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Consultations
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Mentorships
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Practice Sessions
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Limited Birth Coverage
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Coming soon
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Ethics and Application Book Club
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Quarterly Town Hall
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Costs
The Restorative Reproductive Justice Project aims to be available to the community first. Donations allow us to support those who can not afford to pay for what is offered by the midwife. Homebirth clients are required to pay a total of $750. $600 is paid to the assistant who attends their birth. The remaining $150 is used to provide a box of supplies for birth and the immediate postpartum. Those choosing a waterbirth will need to purchase a short list of additional items, but the birth pool and liner will be provided.
Free/low-cost care is reserved for Black, Indigenous or Transgender people. If you would like to participate in the project and are not Black, Indigenous or Transgender we do provide a sliding scale option when availability allows us to accept clients who are not Black, Indigenous, or Transgender.
Eligibility
Homebirth Eligibility
We provide homebirth services for low-risk pregnancies for families. The list here provides the minimum requirements to be considered low-risk, as well as what we require families to do if they wish to remain eligible for care. This list is specific to the Restorative Reproductive Justice Project; we are not your care provider; therefore, your midwife holds the final say in eligibility.:
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Low-Risk Pregnancy
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No known fetal anomalies
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Must have first-trimester blood screen
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Anatomy Scan must be completed and results reviewed between 18 and 22 weeks.
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Can not be RH sensitized
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Must receive RHoGAM if clinically indicated
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Preexisting or pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure) must be well controlled and remain within normal limits throughout pregnancy and labor.
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Testing for gestational diabetes must be completed. This can be done multiple ways; please ask your midwife if you have questions. Blood sugar must be well controlled through medication or diet and exercise.
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Full perinatal (pregnancy and reproductive health) history must be provided for transfers of care or those who have previously been pregnant. This includes previous providers' charts.
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Doula care is directly linked to achieving birth visions. We require that a minimum of three doulas, either independent, or from different agencies or organizations be interviewed. If ultimately you do not hire a doula, that is your choice, and we will support it. Please understand the midwife and assistant can not also act as your doula. The doula role is vital to having a truly complete care team. We are happy to provide recommendations and help you prepare for a thorough interview.
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- Other requirements
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Must come into care by 28 weeks 0 days; exceptions are made for extremely unusual circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
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Anyone coming into care after 16 weeks 0 days must have had previous care and have a chart for review at the signing of the contract.
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Previous birth history must be available for review via chart at or before contract signing.
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Consistent care is necessary for the midwifery model. For that reason, any no-call/no-show terminates care via the project.
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All appointments will be made at the first visit. One appointment per trimester may be rescheduled or canceled depending on the midwife's availability. Last-minute reschedules, within 72 hours, are unlikely to be available.
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Clients' intended birth location and residence must be within Allegheny County.
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To be eligible for the $750 fee, the birthing person must be Black, Indigenous, or Transgender. Sliding scale services are available for other demographics at lower risk for poor perinatal outcomes.
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The total fee of $750 (or sliding scale amount) is due no later than 30 weeks 0 days. Payment plans are available, and low deposits are an option to begin care. Failure to be paid in full will result in removal from the project.
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If a water birth is selected, the pool and liner will be provided through RRJP, but additional supplies will be needed. Expect to spend between $75-$150 in additional costs if you choose a water birth.
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- What you will receive and where payment goes
- $600 is aid to the midwife assistant attending your birth. This is non-refundable, as they will be booked for you regardless of where you ultimately deliver.
- $150 is used to provide a box of supplies needed at your birth. The box will be delivered sealed, and if it is not opened or used, a refund may be given at the discretion of the midwife.
- You will receive prenatal, labor, and postpartum care that includes the following. This schedule is approximate and has flexibility; this is simply an example:
- Monthly appointments until 28 weeks
- Appointments every other week from 28-36 weeks
- Weekly appointments from 36 weeks until delivery
- 36 or 37 week appointment to meet everyone attending your birth, answer all their questions, and ensure on your big day, the entire focus is on you. Everyone attending your birth must be at this appointment.
- Midwife and an assistant in attendance at birth unless they are notified less than 3 hours of delivery.
- In-home postpartum visits after home delivery include: 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks.
- Optional virtual visits at 72 hours, 3 weeks, 5 weeks; when a 5-week appointment is selected, an in-person 6-week appointment will be offered.
- Access to your Midwife or assistant via phone or chart. Before 37 weeks, responses may take up to 48 hours, or questions may be deferred until the next prenatal visit.
- Working hours are Tuesday - Friday from 9 am-3 pm and 7 pm-9 pm and Sunday from 11 am-4 pm. Please use text, calls, or chart messages for faster responses.
- From 37 weeks on, your midwife will be on-call for you and available 24/7. They may need up to 90 minutes to return a call but will be actively and quickly responding to texts.
- This is in no way a comprehensive list of visits or access to your birth team; you and your midwife are free to adjust this schedule if it becomes necessary, adding or rescheduling as needed. A reduction in visits is not within the scope of this project.