The Safer Birth Foundation's mission is to architect the future of maternity care by creating the world’s best midwifery centers.
Midwifery centers are a community hub delivering a whole-person-centered approach to maternity care, connecting families to health services, education, and local food, resources and nutrition.
Our objectives are to increase and democratize birth options, grow midwifery, and decrease birthing mortality. We do this by expanding access to midwifery care through our Talia Smith Legacy of Life Fund, expanding the midwifery workforce, and supporting midwifery-led care. In it’s third year, our Bellyful Program, has provided over 3000 pounds of fresh, locally grown, organic produce to pregnant and postpartum families who qualify for WIC.
Ohio ranked 5th worst in the nation for overall infant mortality in 2026.
We’re changing that
In Cincinnati, the mortality rate for Black babies is 2-3x the rate compared to white babies. Cincinnati’s overall infant mortality rate is 11.1 per 1000 births-which is above the Healthy People goal of <5 (City of Cincinnati Mortality_5 yr report). Our adjourning neighborhood of Corryville had the highest infant mortality rate of 41 babies per 1000.
The leading cause of infant mortality in our city is prematurity and low birth weight. Midwifery care is the solution because midwifery care prevents preterm birth.
These funds go into a Birth Justice Fund for birthing people of color and other vulnerable populations. Funds cover the cost of midwifery care while we pursue contracts with Ohio Medicaid insurance for the Birth Center and to cover home birth. Ohio Medicaid will not cover home birth at this time.
“The leading cause of infant mortality in our city is prematurity and low birth weight. Midwifery care is the solution because midwifery care prevents preterm birth.
- Meghan Nowland
