By SIERRA WOODS
As a registered nurse, lactation consultant, postpartum doula and mother, I’ve seen these challenges up close — both in hospital rooms and in the community. Too many Black women are dying during or after childbirth. Too many babies aren’t making it to their first birthday. And too many families are left to navigate it all without culturally competent care or real support.
That’s why I started MelaMama Maternal Wellness Inc., and why I launched the community resource fair three years out of necessity. In an effort to collaborate and make an even bigger impact, we partnered with the Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition over the last two years. This is our way of bringing support, joy, education and healing to families who are too often overlooked by the system.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, we’ll gather at the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA for our third annual event in honor of Black Breastfeeding Week. This year’s national theme — “Boots on the Ground: Rooted in Breastfeeding Success, Grounded in Community Support” — captures exactly what we’re building here in Indianapolis.
This isn’t just a fair. It’s a movement.
We’re creating a space where families can access lactation and postpartum support, get safety resources like car seat education, and leave with diapers, supplies and maybe even a few prizes. We’ll have face painting, games, a live DJ, sweet treats and a free lunch from Purely Joy. It’s a celebration of culture, family and everything that makes our community strong.
But beneath the music and smiles is something much deeper: a commitment to changing the maternal health narrative for Black and Brown families in Indiana.
This work doesn’t happen alone. Each year, we grow because people like you show up. Local businesses, nonprofits, health care providers and community leaders have stepped up to sponsor, donate and share the word. And we still need more of that support.
If you’re part of a company, consider sponsoring the event or encouraging your teams to attend. If you’re a parent or caregiver, bring your whole family. If you care about health equity and believe that every mother and child deserves the chance to thrive, this is one way to take action.
Equity starts at the ground level. And on August 23, our boots will be on the ground — lifting families up, one interaction at a time.
Join us. Celebrate with us. Stand with us.
- Saturday, August 23, 2025
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA – 5315 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis, IN
- FREE – Register online through Eventbrite
Sierra Woods, BSN-RN, IBCLC, PMH-C, CCHW, is a postpartum doula, 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.
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