Past News & Events ...
These mini paragraphs include past events and news about Our Journ3i's work in the community ...
Support the CLC/E to IBCLC Pathway Research Survey
The RIDOH MCH and Our Journ3i, LLC collaborating on a pathway promotion for lactation supports from community to institution.Please consider filling it out to help us promote the survey: FILL IT OUT HERE. If you need additional information, please email us
Interested in the March 2023 CPD Doula/Perinatal Doula
The upcoming doula training is March 30th - April 2nd, 2023 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.You must attend all session, in person. Space is limited. Up to 75% limited scholarships. Register now! If you need additional supports, please email.
Interested in the December 2022 CPD Doula/Perinatal Doula
The upcoming doula training is December 1-4 2022 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.You must attend all session, in person. Space is limited. Up to 50% limited scholarships. Register now! If you need additional supports, please email.
Interested in the September 2022 CPD Doula/Perinatal Doula
The upcoming doula training is September 22nd -25th, 2022 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.You must attend all session, in person. Space is limited. Up to 50% limited scholarships. Register now! If you need additional supports, please email.
Interested in the June 2022 CPD Doula/Perinatal Doula
The upcoming doula training is June 9-12th, 2022 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.You must attend all sessions. Space is limited - 20 people. Register now! If you need additional supports, please email.
Interested in the March 2022 CPD Doula/Perinatal Doula
The upcoming doula training is March 10-13th, 2021 from 9 a.m. until 50 p.m.You must attend all sessions. Space is limited. Please submit the interest form. We will notify selected attendees by mid February 2022.
Interested in becoming a Doula/Perinatal Doula
Currently there are a few online classes to prepare you for becoming a doula. Also, we are offering 1:1 consults for interested doulas. Registration will on October 30, 2021 at 2- 4 p.m. for the IN PERSON session at the RI Perinatal Doula Agency location. There will be 2 separate 1 hr sessions.
Interested in the December CPD Doula/Perinatal Doula
The upcoming doula training is December 3-5th, 2021 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.You must attend all sessions. Space is limited. Please submit the interest form. We will notify selected attendees by mid November.
Interested in becoming a Doula/Perinatal Doula
Currently there are a few online classes to prepare you for becoming a doula. Also, we are offering 1:1 consults for interested doulas. Registration will on October 30, 2021 at 2- 4 p.m. for the IN PERSON session at the RI Perinatal Doula Agency location. There will be 2 separate 1 hr sessions.
CTC Breakfast of Champions- Addressing Health Disparities in MCH
Our Journ3i would like to thank the Care Transformation Collaborative for inviting us to speak on behalf of the RI Doula workforce and its upcoming work with insurance coverage. You can review here.
It's official! The Urban Perinatal Education Center
We have been working hard to collaborate with great maternal health leaders advancing community health care. Our network and relationships with National Perinatal Task Force, Black Midwifery and Doula has mentored, supported and encouraged the culmination of several years of grassroots maternal care. The Urban Perinatal Education Center is officially a 501c3. Support our capital campaign!
Our third year and the RI Doula Reimbursement Act has been signed into law! Congratulations to all the families who will be supported throughout their pregnancy and birthing journey.
Go to RIdoulabill.com!
RI Perinatal Doula Agency goes live in RI!
An exclusive Medicaid insurance covered benefit for doula services for TuftsHealth RITogether can received covered doula services. Please see: RI PERINATAL DOULA AGENCY.
FY 2022 Doula Reimbursement Bill IN!
The third year we are advocating for family care with equity for perinatal doula services. Join us in our fight to WIN for families. Sign the PETITION, contact your local representatives for an equitable insuranced paid covered benefit for all. Go to RIdoulabill.com!
RIght from the Start Campaign 2021
RIght from the Start is a legislative and budget campaign to advance state policies for young children and their families in Rhode Island. During the COVID-19 crisis, it has become even more clear that policies and programs that help families with young children are essential for a strong economy and public health. Investments now will help our state and Rhode Island’s young children and families weather this crisis and emerge stronger on the other side.
Cover community-based doula services through Medicaid and private health insurance. Invest in building, supporting, and sustaining the doula workforce and infrastructure in the state as a strategy to reduce racial and economic disparities in maternal and child health outcomes.
Scholarship Doula Services Fund
The pandemic continues to manifest a lot of anxiety and uncertainty for birthing families at this time. We would appreciate the community's continued support for our doula services scholarship fund. We have provided several scholarships services and products to families since 2020. We appreciate the mutual aid relief you are providing for families to receive perinatal care services, such as lactation, doula and childbirth education.
Urban Perinatal Education Center Fundraiser
We are moving forward with the nonprofit, Urban Perinatal Education Center. After completing the SEG 2020 Accelerator program to create a physical safe space for those in the perinatal life course. Please support and share our fundraiser. A landing page will open soon, more details to come.
Join Us by Taking Action to Support the Perinatal Doula Reimbursement Bill in RI!
Black Maternal Mortality is on the RISE, Black Infant Mortality is on the RISE. WE need change, YESTERDAY! STAND WITH US, BESIDE US AND AMONG US AS WE FIGHT FOR EQUITABLE MATERNAL HEALTH CARE & PERINATAL SERVICES. Medical journal articles, peer-reviewed editorials, submissions, testimonials continue to support the empirical evidence of PERINATAL DOULA services. Not just in lives, well being, but in cost reduction, decrease unnecessary intervention, supported postpartum in-home care for overall better recovery. YET these services are not covered by insurances, not accessible to those of the low-income community, marginalized or low resourced, not an easily attainable diverse workforce for economic development due to intentional structural barriers of equity, inclusion, and diversity. EVERYONE DESERVES A DOULA AND EVERY DOULA DESERVES TO BE PAID.
We, the birth workers, healers, and community, have come far with great support from organizations like SISTA Fire, Umoja Nia Collective, The Womxn Project, RI ACNM Chapter, The Women's' Fund, legislators and representatives who are healthcare champions advocating for impactful, sustainable, systemic change.
ACT NOW vote to pass - House Bill 7587, the Doula Reimbursement Bill. Script and further information can be found here.
Our Journ3i recipient of the City of Providence Healthy Community Office Expanding Doula Access Grant
Our Journ3i along with fellow Umoja Nia Collective members, Sacredwombanhood and Ready, Set Latch Go were grant recipients. Alongside fellow birth worker, Hawthorne Grief Counseling, bereavement doula, Ada Johnson. We are thankful to have been selected, we continue to push forward towards accessible and equitable Perinatal Doula services and care.
Please look out for their programming options soon! Checks our CLASSES page for more information and updates.
SUPPORT RI Doula Reimbursement!
Senator Quezada and Representative Ranglin-Vassel have submitted their bills for the RI Doula Reimbursement Bill. This bill signifies an equitable, accessible opportunity for families, most impacted by inequities in maternal health birth outcomes. Join us in supporting this bill for both state (Medicaid) and employer-based (private) insurance.
Women's Health Council of RI 10th Annual Conference - Racial & Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Health Outcomes
The 10th Annual Women's Health Council Conference hosted by Lifespan.
THIS IS A FREE CONFERENCE
DINNER IS PROVIDED
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
We have a powerful program planned for our Fall 2019 Conference on issues of racial and ethnic disparities in Maternal Health Outcomes, November 14th, 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.. We are partnering with Quatia Q. Osorio, one of the first Black Doula’s for women of color in Rhode Island to highlight the impact and propose potential tools and solutions around this critical failure in the health care system. Let’s hear from those impacted and make a plan to make a difference now. More information can be found here: Womens Health Council Event
RootSkills Providence- Maternal Environmental Justice
We will be speaking at the New England Grassroots Fund Rootskills Providence on November 15, 2019- Register Early! Q. Osorio of Umoja Nia Collective will be a leading workshop:
"Maternal Environmental Justice"
In this workshop, we will cover maternal health and the interwoven impact of adverse environmental factors on preconceptive, pregnant and postpartum bodies. Including: maternal toxic stress and Black women weathering; racism's adverse impact on preconceptive bodies; environmental justice and cross section of maternal health; building systems for healing structure pre-and-postpartum More information can be found here: NEGEF Rootskills - PVD
National Perinatal Taskforce - Perinatal Safe Spot Designation
In spring 2019 received an invitation to the convening as a potential safe spot in the fall we received our designation.
A Perinatal Safe Spot is: A judgment-free zone that can be physical or virtual. Unique to individual communities, ZIP Codes, Maternal Toxic Areas – breaking through the real barriers to quality care. Giving mothers the real tools they need to have power and agency in their childbearing decisions
More information can be found here: National Perinatal Safe Spot
C.O.P.E - Commonsense Childbirth Institute
The 2nd training hosted by Our Journ3i with Commonsense Childbirth Institute. The is a tri-certification training for four days, for doula, childbirth and lactation educator certification. More information can be found here: Community Outreach Perinatal Educator
Our Annual Chocolate Milk Mixxer
The 3rd year of our annual meet and greet for families, communities and curious social media followers to join us to learn more about Chocolate Milk Cafe - RI on February 24, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. All are welcome!
Maternal Child Health 2019
We are excited that Jennie Joseph, LM will be here on February 9th for the Maternal Child Health Specialist training at Lifespan Health Institute. Jennie Joseph is a Licensed Midwife in Florida, who owns a birth center and most recently a (pending) MEAC accrediting school for Certifed Professional Midwives, and recently released her report on eliminating maternal health disparities within her community. She is well known for her with The JJ Way, a designed toolkit for perinatal health and the documentary, The American Dream.
If you have availability in your schedule to come please, join us. We look forward to having you in the training. Register at on eventbrite. Seating is limited.
Midwifery Week 2018
Midwifery Week will be hosted by Rhode Island American College of Nurse Midwives. It's their first event held, Sept 30th- October 7, 2018, to be held throughout the State. We are participating in the Community Health Fair on October 7th held at the Lifespan Health Institute 335R Prairie Avenue Providence, RI from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., this is a free event, come out and join us!
RI Health Equity Summit 2018
Join us on September 20, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. for a community-led band based
Black Breastfeeding Week 2018
Black Breastfeeding Week will be hosted by Our Journ3i it's our first Black Breastfeeding Week, August 25-August 31, 2018 to be held throughout the State. We are participating in a number of community events and our fundraiser at Burrito Bowl will be a BLAST!
World Breastfeeding Week & Big Latch On 2018
Chocolate Milk Cafe RI will be tabling with the information providing lactation service support at the Annual RI Breastfeeding Coalition Born to Breastfeed event at the Roger Williams Park Zoo from 5 - 8 p.m. in Providence. The Big Latch On at Scalabrini hosted by WIC Scalabrini will be held at 9 a.m. to provide tabling information, and raffles for those participating in the Big Latch On.
Accepted to the National Midwifery Institute in Vermont!
Midwifery has always been the end goal, as the founder and as a perinatal community health worker, I am happy to report my recent acceptance into Midwifery school. Providing provider midwifery model maternal care to families in my community is almost too good to be true. Therefore, I have started a fundraising campaign to support these endeavors and light the path for those who will come after me.
Black Maternal Health Week 2018
Our nation's Black Maternal and Infant Mortality Epidemic is rising. Through the collaborative works of Black Mamas Matter Alliance, they have successfully received declaration during the month of April, National Minority Health Month, April 11-17th is Black Maternal Health Week. Our Journ3i is hosting the screening of Death by Delivery at the Providence College Annex on April 13th and on April 14th a community partnership with Viva Por Ti Photography to capture moments in photography of families who have survived the statistical morbidity crisis as Black Mothers. Please email to register in advance for time slots for photography and click the link to register for the Eventbrite link. Follow us on Facebook to learn more.
Chocolate Milk Cafe - RI MIXXER is scheduled!
Our 2nd Annual Chocolate Milk Cafe RI MIXXER is February 17, 2018, from 4-7 p.m. at the Burrito Bowl 809 Broadway, East Providence, RI 02914. This is an event for all who champion the normalizing of breastfeeding, support CMC-RI and want to celebrate our almost 2 yr anniversary. We are OUR community. Please click HERE to reserve your spot.
Chocolate Milk Cafe - RI has moved!
Chocolate Milk Cafe - RI has moved from our location at St. Joseph Health Center to Mount Hope Neighborhood Association 199 Camp Street Providence RI 02906. Our new day and time: First Thursday of the Month, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. The WIC office at MHNA will be open during the cafe for additional services and assistance with lactation.
Our Journ3i & Umoja Nia Birthworkers Hosting a Doula Training in Providence, RI
Our Journ3i Doula and Umoja Nia Birthworkers are hosting their 1st Doula Training in Providence, Rhode Island in May 2018. The training will be held in Providence, RI from May 31st until June 3rd. Deadline to registration is May 17, 2018. Please link to fill out the form: Full Circle Doula Training 2018
For more information regarding the registration, costs, training and requirements please contact Shafia Monroe Consulting.
Our Journ3i Doula Services Open for 2018
Chocolate Milk Cafe - RI in Woonsocket, Rhode Island
Chocolate Milk Cafe - RI Chocolate Milk Mixxer Event
Our Journ3i founder & CMC-RI Facilitator, Q. Osorio CCHW, CLC is hosting the first Chocolate Milk Mixxer at Mixx Hair Bar and Beauty Supply Store at 685 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 on February 17, 2017 from 7- 9 p.m. We will celebrate progress of CMC-RI since inception with community and supporters. There will be a Q&A portion, where will take questions from the community regarding CMC-RI. All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP through EventBrite for capacity purposes.
Our Journ3i is taking clients! Birth and Postpartum for 2017.
Available slots: June, August and October 2017. (Updated)
New Location and New Time for Chocolate Milk Cafe RI
Chocolate Milk Cafe RI (continues) with a new TIME and new LOCATION. We will be meeting at St. Joseph's Hospital 21 Peace Street Providence, RI 02907 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m every 1st Wednesday. Enter through the ambulatory entrance directly across from the rear end parking lot. We will be meeting in the cafeteria space, follow directions towards WIC office, continue down corridor until you reach the main lobby and turn left toward the end of the hall. The CMC-RI banner will be in the hallway.
Mingle Meditate and Massage: An Act of Self Care
Our Journ3i in collaboration with Motion Center Yoga Collective will be hosting a self care event in Pawtucket on June 9, 2018, from 6 - 9 p.m. Please click this link: AN ACT OF SELF CARE to receive a ticket to the event, space is limited to the first 25. Raffle giveaways and special treat bag for those who participate.
Above Below Jewelry at NAVA
Our Journ3i Paint Night Fundraiser
Space is limited, please reserve your seat online: Our Journ3i Paint Night Fundraiser
Join Chocolate Kisses RI for March of Dimes RI
March of Dimes of Rhode Island annual charity walk is on April 29, 2017 in Bristol at Colt State Park. Our team, Chocolate Kisses RI, will be walking in support to promote awareness about premature births, especially Black babies in Rhode Island. Please consider joining our team, Chocolate Kisses RI, or making a donation of any amount.
Dept. of Health Grant Reciepent
Recently received notification my grant application was approved to provide birth and postpartumd doula services to a limited number of African American families for free to low cost, this opportunity will provide assistance in helping to reduce disparities in poor antepartum and postpartum care.
Ancient Song Birth & Postpartum Training
At the end of this month, May 2015, I will be leaving for my 3 day intensive training in Brooklyn, NY at Ancient Song Doula Services, upon completion of my training my provisional certificate will be received.
RI Breastfeeding Cafe ~ Southside is OPEN!
We are so proud to announce the Southside Breastfeeding Support & Education drop-in space at the Salvation Army/Unified Solutions at 386 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02909. We offer education, support and sisterhood around breastfeeding our children. We meet every Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. with healthy light meal and refreshments catered by @Ease Catering & Cuisine owned by Ericka R. Gome of Cranston, RI. Our cafe is staffed by 2 RN with a volunteer RN and peer support.
Breastfeeding Cafe
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women recently received a $50,000 grant to assist in creation of a breastfeeding project to reducing the disparities in breastfeeding and peer support. This project will hire 4 CLCs and 2 Doulas of Color by the end of the grant cycle.
Breastfeeding Cafe ~ Southside is CLOSED!
Regretablly the Southside Cafe is closing as of August 1, 2016 due to circumstances beyond the control of many involved. Please stay posted as a new cafe will be opening in the near future!
Black Sisters United Health Summit
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women - RI Chapter, 300WomenRI , March of Dimes, Lifespan and the Dept of Health will be hosting a ONE DAY event on August 22nd at Marriott Hotel on Orms Street in Providence from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. regarding a healthy pregnancy. All are encouraged to attend and it's FREE.
Register at their eventbrite link to secure a spot!!
Our Journ3i Childbirth Education Series
The greatest lesson is that I will never stop learning. This year I will share that passion with others educating and empowering those in my community. I have graciously taken up a Childbirth Educator Training with Birth Arts International. This opportunity will allow me to offer basic to intermediate education around pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, nutrition, herbalism, and additional topics centered around childbirth education. We will have guest speakers and lively discussion. Anticipated opening for Fall of 2015.
Chocolate Milk Cafe RI - OPENING JULY 2016
Our Journ3i founder, Q. Osorio, is pleased to announce to our exclusive breastfeeding support group for Black/ African-American/Afro Latino (& women who identify as Black) will be opening July 15, 2016. Every Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 pm at RWU SCS Unified Solution, 1 Empire Plaza, 3rd floor, Providence, RI (downtown Providence).
July 15-Aug 12 @ RWU SCS, from 10 a.m. til 12 p.m. August 17- @ St. Joseph's Hospital, 21 Peace Street, RI from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Chocolate Milk Cafe RI Logo
The transient creative designer Geneva B. has agreed to the exclusive commissioned piece of our CMCRI logo. We are honored to have a beautiful Black artist design our powerful piece of work representing the resilience and work in the community to support, empower and inspired Black Women to Breastfeed.
Chocolate Milk Cafe RI Community& Contributions
Thank you to all who donated to the CMCRI contributions for transportion, educational expenses and materials to get the Chocolate Milk Cafe RI up and running. Please email or click on the Chocolate Milk Cafe Link to submit a donation or select an item from our wishlist for our families and children.
Rhode Island Breastfeeding Coalition Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Scholarship Receipient 2016
Our Journ3i founder & CMCRI Facilitator, Q. Osorio, is one of the recipients of the CLC Scholarship for 2016. Each applicant had to submit an essay regarding their work in the breastfeeding community, coalition and further plans if selected as a final recipient. This CLC opportunity is one of the many steps towards the ultimate goal of becoming a licensed International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC or LC) in the urban core community providing breastfeeding education and support for Black families, who have been marginalized and continue to help eliminate disparities in lactation support. * As of 9.26.16, I am a Certified Lactation Counselor*