About this Event
The Stories That Made Us
What stories about pregnancy, birth and motherhood were passed down to you? What did our mothers and grandmothers experience — and what would we like the next generation of Black mothers to carry forward?
Join MEA for Holding Our Mothers: The Stories That Made Us, a warm and gently facilitated multigenerational birth-storytelling session bringing together Black women across different stages and generations of motherhood.
Older mothers will come together with women who are pregnant or recently postnatal to share, listen and reflect on how experiences of pregnancy, birth, maternity care and motherhood have changed across generations — and perhaps some of the ways they haven't.
What to Expect
👩🏾🦳 Stories Across Generations
Hear reflections from women with different experiences of pregnancy, birth and motherhood and consider what we can learn from one another.
🤰🏾 Pregnancy & Birth Then and Now
Explore how experiences, expectations and maternity care may have changed between generations.
🤎 The Messages We Inherit
Reflect on the beliefs, traditions, advice and expectations about motherhood that have been passed through our families and communities.
🗣️ Making Space for Our Stories
Explore why Black women's birth stories and lived experiences matter and the value of creating spaces where those experiences can be heard.
🌿 What Do We Want to Carry Forward?
Together, we'll consider the knowledge, strength and traditions we want to preserve — and what we might want to do differently for future generations.
☕ Connection & Community
Enjoy a welcoming environment where you can meet other women, listen, reflect and connect across generations.
Sharing Is Always Optional
You are welcome to share your story, but there is absolutely no expectation to do so. You can participate by simply listening and reflecting.
This is a gently facilitated space for storytelling, connection and reflection rather than therapy. Some conversations about pregnancy and birth may bring up difficult emotions, and participants are encouraged to take care of themselves and engage only in ways that feel comfortable.
Who Is This Session For?
This session has been created for Black and Black mixed-heritage women across generations, including:
- Pregnant women
- New and postnatal mums
- Mothers with older children
- Grandmothers and older generations of mothers
Babies are very welcome.
Come to share, come to listen, or simply come to be part of the circle. Together, we'll honour the stories that shaped us and consider the stories we want the next generation to inherit.
Event venue & nearby stays
Pannel Croft Village, 290 Hospital Street, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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