Group Sessions for a
Supported Pregnancy Journey
Our group sessions offer a welcoming space for expectant moms to gain guidance, education, and connection throughout pregnancy.
Led by a Certified Nurse-Midwife - Nurse Practitioner, with support from experienced doulas and community health advocates, these sessions include interactive discussions, health assessments, and resources to support your health and your baby’s. Participants also have the opportunity to meet and build a circle of support with other moms in the community.
Examples of topics covered include:
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Fetal development
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Pregnancy complications
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Self-advocacy during pregnancy and childbirth
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Managing discomforts
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Preparing for labor and delivery
Gain Practical Tips On:
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Listening to your body
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Nutrition
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Breastfeeding
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Newborn safety and more!
What makes our group sessions unique?
Our pregnancy care support group is unique in that it gives you access to a Certified Nurse-Midwife, doulas, and community health advocates. Together, this team takes a holistic approach to providing support, meeting your physical and emotional needs while linking you to valuable resources throughout your pregnancy journey.
Note: Group care does not include clinical checkups and does not replace regular prenatal care.
Eligibility
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Currently pregnant
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Able to attend in-person sessions
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Resident of Fresno
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Enrolled as a client with BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center
Session details:
Pregnancy Care Support Groups meet for:
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10 sessions, 2 hours each
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New cohorts start regularly
Email bdn@black-enterprises.com with questions about upcoming cohorts!
Meet the Team
Brittany Edwards-Mbong, CNM, WHNP
Certified Nurse Midwife and Co-Facilitator
Brittany is a certified nurse midwife and nurse practitioner who can diagnose, treat, and independently manage the birth process. She brings expertise in primary and maternity care for women and families. She has seven years of clinical expertise in prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care, including managing high-risk pregnancies. Beyond her clinical work, she has excelled in leadership roles as a community organizer and researcher addressing systemic maternal health disparities. Over the last decade, Britany engaged diverse BIPOC populations, implemented evidence-based practices, and promoted culturally sensitive approaches in midwifery care and educational initiatives!
Ta-She-Ra Manning
Certified Doula, Community Health Advocate, and Co-Facilitator
Ta-She-Ra Manning is a certified doula and community health advocate specializing in supporting clients before, during, and after birth. A devoted mother of five, she is passionate about promoting health and wellness within her community. With years of experience as a doula, Ta-She-Ra has guided countless women through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Prior to her work in community health, she provided compassionate home care for seniors. Now a community health worker, Ta-She-Ra partners with organizations like the FCHIP program and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center to improve the health and well-being of families and individuals. Her dedication to service and commitment to helping others thrive continue to inspire her work in creating healthier, stronger communities.
Breyonna Gaines-Barrett
Certified Doula and Co-Facilitator
Breyonna Gaines-Barrett is an experienced full-spectrum doula with over eight years of expertise supporting families across Northern and Central California. She credits the pregnancy of her first daughter, Amaya, as the defining moment that inspired her to begin her doula journey. As an alumna of California State University, Fresno, Breyonna holds a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology. In spring 2025, she will complete her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at California Baptist University. Her work explores cultural variations among humans and the ways social determinants of health impact health outcomes. Breyonna is also a Certified Health Education Specialist, credentialed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).
What does is mean to have support from Community Health Advocates?
BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center’s team of community health advocates partner with the Fresno Community Health Improvement Partnership (FCHIP) to connect clients with essential resources and services.
By joining the pregnancy care support group, you’re automatically enrolled with our FCHIP team, who can assist with Medi-Cal enrollment, finding healthcare providers, scheduling appointments, and coordinating care. They also offer support with food, transportation, housing, and more to meet your needs!
Models That Shape Our Program
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Fresno GLOW: GLOW! Is a free program that brings women together for prenatal care and education. It is supported by First 5 Fresno County, California State University, Fresno, and the University of California, San Francisco.
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CenteringPregnancy®: an evidence-based group prenatal care program which follows the prenatal care guidelines established by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). CenteringPregnancy® program has been delivered to thousands of women throughout the country over decades.
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Midwifery and quality care: a new evidence-informed framework - watch the video