Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Jackson.
Hi Lydia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my nonprofit The Leilani Foundation based off of my own lived experienced. I’m a women of color who lost their infant due to concerns not being heard or taken into serious consideration days before my daughters Leilani’s due date. She was pronounced dead Nov 7th 2022 I delivered vaginally Leilani was (stillborn) at 39 weeks. After suffering a loss of such, I noticed after losing Leilani that this narrative of infant mortality and maternal mortality was more common than not , especially for women of color. I began to research and I learned that this unfortunate narrative was becoming an epidemic. I learned that maternal and infant mortality was happening nationwide due to healthcare disparities. I was so hurt because the very system that is supposed to care and nurture us to complete health was killing us. So after suffering the loss battling with the lows, trying to return to my normal at the time drinking and using, I was given what some might call a vision or revelation. I was told by God get it together or loose everything, More importantly I recognize the fire that has been lit in me to help moms of who look like me, and have suffered a loss of such. I used my own lived experience to be the blue print on how I would build and operate The Leilani Foundation, I would support moms of infant and maternal mortality providing a host of wraparound services. I started the Leilani Foundation in April of 2023, posting content religiously and helped my first client providing support and hardship resources out of pocket shortly after that. I knew starting this foundation I would sacrifice a lot and I was willing to navigate the sacrifices seen and unforeseen because I believed in this movement of helping mothers with all of me. I went back to key organizations that supported me during my prenatal Journey, later becoming a Doula, Peer wellness specialist/Recovery mentor, Community Health Worker and Pregnancy and Infant Loss advocator. I knew not everyone had the ability to live out loud in grief and heal out loud in their grief which is the model that is used within my foundation to date. #Healoutloud!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe for the most part the Starting and operating of The Leilani foundation has been a smooth road because I’m in alignment. Nothing is perfect but I believe if your walking in your true calling all will align effortlessly,
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I believe what sets me apart from other maternal organizations is the fact that I specialize in supporting mothers of loss, very loud !! The wraparound services I provide. Comfort Bags that are curated with accessories that bring comfort and aide with healing during healing journey. Extended Postpartum Care, Empowerment monthly support circles/group and quarterly healing outings. Anything surrounding loss is often talked about quietly, very hushed,
Before becoming a Doula, Peer specialist, Community Health Worker I worked in health care setting for many years also studying to apply for Nursing or Respiratory specialist.
Currently I’m known for the foundational work, especially the postpartum support I love to cook and I provide love threw the soups I prepare in addition to the services I provide. Postpartum is the most fragile stage to support a mom, loss or no loss because were dealing with a ebb and flow of emotions, hormones and possible development of disorders so as a provider of support your have to be vigilant and very nurturing while providing postpartum support.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I aspire to do stand up comedy one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.info@theleilanifoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleilanifoundation22/
- Facebook: @theleilanifoundation.org
- LinkedIn: https://linkre.ee/theleilanifoundation
