Mama Certified
Equity Certification for Cincinnati Birthing Hospitals
infant care
How is the hospital tending to the needs of baby pre-and post-birth?
maternal care
How is the hospital tending to the needs of mom pre-and post-birth?
community care
How is the hospital recruiting, training and retaining staff in ways that increase and/or sustain maternal equity?
What is Mama Certified?
Mama Certified is an equity-focused birthing hospital certification in Cincinnati, Ohio dedicated to improving care for Black mamas and babies.
We empower families with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their birthing experience.
Through Mama Certified, parents-to-be can access information on how Cincinnati hospitals are work to improve care before, during, and after birth—helping them choose the best options for themselves and their babies.
Why Does Mama Certified Exist?
Black Moms are about 2.5x more likely to die from childbirth and experience infant loss.
Black moms in Ohio are 2.5 times more likely to die from childbirth and 2.6 times more likely to experience infant loss than moms of other races—regardless of education or income.
These disparities stem from systemic racism, lack of quality care, dismissive treatment and social factors like economic stability and community support. This is more than a healthcare issue—it’s a systemic crisis that demands action.
Mama Certified exists to change this reality. We work to create a world where every mother gets the care, respect, and support she deserves, ensuring hospitals, communities, and families are part of the solution.
How Does Mama Certified Work?
Black women face higher risks during pregnancy and birth because of gaps in healthcare and systemic barriers.
Mama Certified helps close these gaps by:
Improving care for Black moms and families through hospital accountability.
Giving hospitals the tools they need to create better, more equitable care.
Empowering moms and families with education, resources, and advocacy to make informed choices.
Why Trust Mama Certified?
Because it’s created for and by Black moms who get it.
The Queens Village Advisory Board, made up of Black women, leads the process, ensuring Black moms’ voices shape every part of the program. Hospitals work directly with hospital-specific Queens Village Advisory Boards to co-create solutions that make maternity care fairer and more responsive to community needs.
Through collaboration with Cradle Cincinnati, Queens Village, hospitals, and community partners, we ensure the message of equitable care resonates across hospitals, communities, and families alike.
Mama, giving birth is one of the most special rites of passage in our collective human experience. Access to the best care possible during this time is your human right.
The Choice is Yours
Mama Certified brings together birthing hospitals in Greater Cincinnati to address maternal equity and improve outcomes for Black and Brown mothers and babies in their care.
