Nourishing Pregnancy

Nourishing Pregnancy is an innovative cooking and health program serving Black and Latine birthing parents during the last weeks of pregnancy and first weeks postpartum.

Launched in 2021, Nourishing Pregnancy addresses the disparities and urgent needs of Black and Latine birthers in our community:

• In San Francisco, 20% of Black and 27% of Latine women experience food insecurity during pregnancy, compared to almost 0% for white women.
• A Black infant is twice as likely to be born prematurely (14% versus 7% for White infants).

Over 16 weeks, participants take prenatal cooking and nutrition education classes, postpartum support classes, and build relationships and support networks that will last beyond pregnancy. All participants receive free groceries for the duration of the program, which can significantly offset food insecurity during those vulnerable months.

Sessions are held over Zoom, eliminating the need for travel and allowing cohorts to participate from their own homes. Participants live throughout California, and our unique model is poised to scale to reach new parents wherever they live.

Watch this video to hear from program partners, staff, and a participant - and see the positive impact of our programming.

A One of a Kind Program

As a community nonprofit at the intersection of equity, food and health, 18 Reasons is uniquely positioned to deliver both cooking and nutrition education and a structure for maternal health classes and workshops.

To supplement our nutrition and food skills expertise, 18 Reasons partners with doulas, lactation consultants, postpartum depression experts, and sleep and exercise practitioners.

Curriculum Highlights

• Nourishing your First 40 Days
• Cooking techniques and recipes
• Sleep, exercise, and self care
• Lactation
• Postpartum depression
• Building a support network

Small, Culturally Connected Groups Serve Our Birthers

Outside of 18 Reasons, Black and Latine birthing parents typically receive medical care in white-dominated settings. To offset this experience all facilitators identify as Black or Latine and create a healing atmosphere of social support and belonging. Nourishing Pregnancy instructors share the lived experience of our participants, leading to improved health outcomes for both parents and babies.

Black and Latine birthers meet in cohorts reflecting their cultures. While the curriculum is the same, the classes are taught through a cultural lens that uplifts and celebrates the African diaspora and Latine community.

Building Our Village

We all know it takes a village to raise a child; Nourishing Pregnancy helps create a village of support for our birthers. The strength of our program lies with the strength of our partnerships.

• Sisterweb in San Francisco, CoCo Doulas in Richmond, Contra Costa Health Services, the Abundant Birth Project, Farming Hope, and Homeless Prenatal Program participate in curriculum development, deliver meals, refer doulas, and recruit participants for the program
• Lactation consultants, postpartum depression experts, sleep and wellness instructors, and others are based throughout the US
• Families receive a fresh box of fruits, vegetables, and staple ingredients delivered each week to their homes via our food delivery partners
• Our funding partners ensure Nourishing Pregnancy grows while remaining free of charge

Key Funders

Thank you to our funders and supporters

• San Francisco Dept of Public Health
• Anthem Health Foundation
• Bi-Rite Family of Businesses
• Joseph & Vera Long Foundation
• USDA Community Food Projects
• Food Connect
• Arcadio's Produce