About Us
“Having a baby is a marathon. The one with the most tools is the most successful.”
– Folami Irvine, Project Manager
As a part of Birthing Project USA, the Philadelphia Birthing Project was created to provide community based support for expecting and new mothers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We are committed to improving maternal health outcomes for Black mothers and babies, ensuring they receive the care and advocacy they deserve.
The Birth of the Birthing Project
Founded in 1988 by Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, Birthing Project USA was created to address the high costs of infant care by shifting the focus to preventative maternal support. Since its founding, the project has helped over 10,000 babies across 100+ locations worldwide.
How We Help
“We teach moms not to be talked down to, not to leave without their questions answered.”
– Valerie Holloman, Founding Member
Our volunteers engage directly with expectant mothers in the Strawberry Mansion community and beyond, providing culturally competent, judgment-free support. Many women in our community visit overwhelmed clinics where they struggle to be heard by healthcare providers. We empower them to advocate for themselves and their babies. We follow the Sister-Friend Model, where volunteers (Sister Friends) are paired with expectant mothers (Little Sisters) to guide them through pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood. Over 18 months, Sister Friends ensure Little Sisters: attend prenatal appointments, understand nutrition & breastfeeding, navigate the healthcare system, and learn about doulas & birth options
Get Involved
Join Our Community
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Attend meetings, events, and workshops
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Sign up for our monthly newsletter
Volunteer
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Help with events, social media, outreach, training, mentorship
Partner With Us
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For local businesses, birth workers, or organization that wish to collaborate