SOMN Monthly Newsletter Vol 4

Vol 04 | Oct 2024
S O M N N E W S & U P D A T E S
EMPOWERING HEALTH
CHAMPIONING BLOOD
PRESSURE AWARENESS
& POSTPARTUM CARE
BLUE
BAND
INITIATIVE
T h e s h a d e s o f m o t h e r h o o d n e t w o r k

What’s Inside
This Issue
VOL #4
SOMN
Oct 2024
SOMN-TRAINING
Your Monthly Update on Advocacy,
Education, and Maternal Health
This October, we proudly
spotlight the Blue Band
Initiative, focused on raising
awareness of blood pressure
issues throughout pregnancy
and the postpartum period.
With Black and Brown mothers
facing higher risks of
hypertension, preeclampsia,
and eclampsia, this initiative is
designed to provide education
and tools to protect and
empower families. These
conditions can be lifethreatening
if not detected
early, and we are committed to
ensuring that our community
has the resources needed to
address them.
At Shades of Motherhood
Network (SOMN), we are taking
action through the Community
Doula Blue Band Training,
equipping doulas with essential
skills to monitor blood pressure
and support families.
Additionally, key events like
Count the Kicks and Advocacy
& Action will provide valuable
education to both the
community and healthcare
providers, furthering our
mission to prioritize maternal
health and proactive care.
We are grateful for the grants
and partnerships, including
those with Providence and the
Department of Health, that
allow us to continue this work.
As we share this month’s
updates, events, and impact,
we thank you for being a vital
part of this journey toward
better health and well-being for
all mothers in our community.
Together, we are creating a
stronger future for maternal
care.
Somn team x
SOMN Anatomy
& Physiology
Class
Community
Baby Shower:
Sister Hood
Circle Peer
Support
Community
Doula Blue
Band Training:
Count the Kicks
Event:
Advocacy &
Action:
Page 1

Impact Overview (August)
In September, the Shades of Motherhood Network
(SOMN) continued to provide essential services to
families in need.
35 clients served: Through our doula program,
these families received culturally relevant,
supportive care during their birthing and
postpartum journeys.
80 food boxes delivered: Our nutrition program
provided food support to families across the
community..
24 active clients enrolled: SOMN remains
committed to addressing waitlists and ensuring
every family has access to necessary resources.
These numbers reflect our ongoing dedication to
supporting the families in our community.
Grant Awards Q4 2024
The Washington State Department of
Health (DOH) has provided vital funding
to support the Blue Band Initiative,
helping raise awareness of blood
pressure-related complications during
pregnancy and postpartum. This funding
allows us to expand our reach and offer
impactful cultural training sessions for
doulas and birth workers.
Providence continues to be a key partner
in supporting SOMN’s efforts to provide
essential resources and services to our
community, strengthening maternal
health through collaborative initiatives.
Oct 2024
Operational Updates
Our team has undergone several
operational enhancements this month.
New training modules have been
introduced for or current doulas and
birth workers, equipping them with the
knowledge they need to address
maternal health challenges such as
preeclampsia and hypertension.
Page 2

THE BLUE BAND INITIATIVE
– STANDING STRONG FOR
MATERNAL HEALTH
A D V A N C I N G M A T E R N A L H E A L T H : B L O O D P R E S S U R E A W A R E N E S S A N D C O M M U N I T Y A C T I O N
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT:
A Guide to the Blue Band Initiative and Its Impact
The Blue Band Initiative is a critical response to the silent yet lifethreatening
dangers of hypertension, particularly for Black and Brown
mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. This initiative equips
birth workers, healthcare providers, and families with the tools and
knowledge to recognize early signs of complications such as
preeclampsia, eclampsia, and hypertension. By raising awareness
and providing resources like blood pressure monitoring kits and
specialized training, the initiative helps prevent dangerous outcomes
and saves lives.
MORE ON
MATERNAL
HEALTH INSIDE
Recognizing the
Signs of
Preeclampsia
Funded by the Washington State Department of Health, the Blue Band
Initiative addresses disparities in maternal healthcare by focusing on
education and advocacy. Through culturally relevant training for
doulas and ongoing support for healthcare providers, the initiative
empowers communities to take proactive steps in protecting
mothers and ensuring safer birth outcomes. With this effort, the
Shades of Motherhood Network is making a transformative impact in
maternal healthcare where it is needed most.

RELATED EVENTS:
Community Doula Blue Band
Training:
November 2, 2024, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
This in-person training session, led by Ebony
Graham, is limited to 20 participants. Each
attendee will receive a $100 stipend upon
completion. Doulas are required to perform four
blood pressure checks with clients following the
training and will be provided with a link for
additional preeclampsia training. Attendees will
also receive a comprehensive hypertension kit,
including blood pressure monitors, educational
resources, and training guides, to support their
ongoing practice.
Sign Up Here
Count the Kicks Event:
November 13, 2024, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
This virtual session, led by Tameka Issac, will
teach birth workers and parents how to track
fetal movements during pregnancy, which can
be an early indicator of fetal distress.
Sign Up Here
Advocacy & Action Virtual Session:
November 27, 2024, 12PM - 1PM
This virtual session, led by Tameka Issac, will
teach birth workers and parents how to track
fetal movements during pregnancy, which can
be an early indicator of fetal distress.
Blue Band Initiative
is designed to educate and
equip both birth workers
and families with the tools
to recognize early signs of
blood pressure
complications like
preeclampsia, eclampsia,
and hypertension
Sign Up Here

UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY BABY
SHOWER:
October 18, 2024, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Spokane Regional Health District Auditorium
Wellpoint
LUMEN LEADERS
COLLABORATION
(ON GOING)
We are excited to partner with Lumen Leaders on
Leadership Thursdays, providing guidance and
mentorship to young parents.
please connect with SOMN Executive Assistant
Christina Jackson at 509-613-8759
Spokane County residents who are pregnant or
caring for a baby under six months are invited to
a FREE community baby shower sponsored by
WellPoint of Washington. Attendees will enjoy
health and safety gift baskets, raffle prizes,
educational games, and valuable resources on
infant care, breastfeeding support, and more, all
while celebrating with lunch and cake.
GIRL TREK STROLL
(ON GOING)
connect with GirlTrek and attend with your clients
SISTERHOOD CIRCLE
PEER SUPPORT
October 24, 2024, 12 PM / Virtual via ZOOM
SOMN ANATOMY &
PHYSIOLOGY CLASS
October 12, 2024, 11 AM - 3:30 PM / In Person
Page 5

Doula Corner
Doula Healing Day
Mark your calendars for November 16, 2024, for a day of rejuvenation and healing
exclusively for SOMN doulas. Sign Up Here
9090DAY REMINDER FOR STATE
CERTIFICATION APPLICATIONS
Dear Doulas,
This is a friendly reminder that your 90-day window to complete your state certification applications is
approaching. Please make sure to submit your applications by December 1st to ensure timely
processing.
You can access the application and certification details through the following link:
State Doula Certification Information
Don't miss this important deadline, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need
assistance with your application process.
Providence IDs: Doulas, please prioritize picking up your Providence IDs from our office by the end of
the month.
Doula Satisfaction Survey: We value feedback from our doulas and clients. Please take a moment to
complete the Doula Satisfaction Survey to help us improve our services.
Upcoming Doula Enrollment Day Event: We encourage community leaders to spread the word about
the Enrollment Day Event on November 15th, providing an opportunity for families to sign up for
important services and resources.
Page 6

Doula Corner
Doula Mentor Introduction:
We are thrilled to introduce Jacquelyn, our new Doula Mentor
and Educator. Jacquelyn brings years of experience in culturally
attuned care and will be leading upcoming sessions for our
doulas.
Lunch & Learn
Join us for this month’s Lunch &
Learn series, where we’ll be
hosting a crucial Q&A session
focused on Domestic Violence
Awareness. This session will
provide valuable insights into
recognizing the signs of
domestic violence,
understanding its impact, and
how to access supportive
resources for both survivors
and advocates.
Sign Up Here
Highlights
Deep Roots, Strong Women: From
Mourning To Morning
I’m sorry for your loss. You can always have another child.
Maybe it was meant to be. Those were the words that were
spoken to me, and they hurt me deeply and my response
was silence. Navigating life after losing a child is incredibly
difficult. There was a shift in my journey from “mourning to
morning” which is a metaphor for finding light and a new
beginning after experiencing such a devastating loss. The
loss of a child is a deep personal and yes, a painful one.
Marked by profound grief, guilt, confusion, and at times,
hopelessness.
I have found that there is no right way to move forward but
here are some gentle suggestions for discovering moments
of moving from mourning to morning.
Read Full Article
Published in Black Lens
Written By: Stephy-Noble-Beans
Page 7

Multicultural Corner
Spokane Tribal Network
Indigenous Birth Justice
The Spokane Tribal Network (STN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to
empowering Spokane Tribal families and communities through
educational opportunities, cultural preservation, and community
engagement. Located on the Spokane Reservation, STN has been serving
surrounding counties for many years. Their mission is to bring Spokane
Tribal lifeways into action by delivering resources that restore lives, families,
and cultural traditions across Eastern Washington.
One of their key initiatives is Indigenous Birth Justice (IBJ), which focuses on
honoring ancestral knowledge and practices to support indigenous
families through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Through the
IBJ, they provide education and advocacy to ensure culturally sensitive
care for Native families. The work emphasizes the physical, emotional, and
spiritual well-being of both mothers and their babies.
STN also works on broader community wellness projects, such as food
sovereignty programs and initiatives aimed at fostering youth leadership.
Their team includes passionate individuals like Penny Spencer, the Director,
and Jamie Lovato, the Coordinator for Indigenous Birth Justice. Each
member is dedicated to helping their community thrive by promoting
health, wellness, and cultural resilience.
To learn more or get involved, Spokane Tribal Network can be reached
through their website, where you can find contact details, information
about their programs, and ways to support their work.
Page 8

Monthly Observances
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness
Month
Domestic Violence
Awareness
World Menopause Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Week (First
full week of October)
National Midwifery Week (First week of
October)
Health Literacy Mont
Birthdays
Stephy Nobles - Beans
Oct 8th
Happy Birthday, Stephy Nobles Beans!
Your strength, wisdom, and passion for advocacy
are truly an inspiration to all of us. Today, we
honor the light you bring to the community and
the lives you’ve touched through your dedication
as a leader and survivor. May your day be filled
with joy and all the love you so freely give to
others.
Kathy Trambitas
Oct 19th
Happy Birthday, Kathy!
We are so excited to have you as part of our
internal team and to celebrate the incredible
work you do, both as a partnered doula and the
founder of Wicked Roots Teas and Tinctures. Your
dedication to supporting mothers and families is
truly inspiring. May this year bring you continued
growth, joy, and success. Take time to savor your
special day
Page 9

Community Resources
Empowerment In Every
Page:
A Mental Health Resource
Book For Black and Brown
Communities
SOMN Food Distribution Program
Contact Us Today
Our comprehensive mental health resource
book is dedicated to supporting Black and
Brown women and men of color. Packed with
culturally competent resources, this guide
provides essential tools and contacts for
mental health services, community support,
and self-care strategies. Empower yourself with
the knowledge and connections needed to
prioritize mental well-being and thrive.
Read More
Black Healing Spaces
Sign Up
Free Community ZUMBA
Learn More
SOMN Sisterhood Circle Peer Support
Sign Up
Page 10

T H E S H A D E S O F M O T H E R H O O D N E T W O R K
THANK YOU FOR
SUBSCRIBING!
THE SHADES OF MOTHERHOOD NETWORK
in