About The Best Gift
A public service announcement (PSA) campaign to transform how we support Black maternal and infant health.
The Mission
The Best Gift Campaign addresses the alarming rates of Black maternal and infant mortality in Los Angeles County and beyond.
Rather than focus on the morbid aspects of maternal and infant mortality, The Best Gift Campaign aims to be upbeat and model helpful actions that any family member or close friend can take to alleviate the burden of “birthing while Black.” The campaign is based on the popular trend of baby shower unboxing videos posted by social media influencers, with each expecting mom recognizing that the unorthodox baby shower gift of support services or help around the home is really “the best gift.”
Informed by discussions with birth workers and Black families, the campaign aims to shift public conversation from grim statistics toward prevention and care by encouraging the “village” aka close family and friends of new and expecting parents to take active roles in ensuring safer, healthier outcomes.
Key Factors
Each PSA addresses one of the three leading risk factors of Black maternal and infant mortality:
1.
Limited Postpartum Care
Risk Factor: Limited access to consistent, quality postpartum support and education
Solution: Midwives, postpartum doulas, lactation consultants, and pelvic floor therapists provide critical recovery support
Risk Factor: Delayed diagnosis of pregnancy-related complications after birth
Solution: Midwives provide comprehensive postpartum care and checkups, while maternal-fetal medicine specialists (or perinatologists) monitor patients with high-risk conditions
2.
Delayed Diagnosis
Risk Factor: Untreated depression and anxiety can impact physical health outcomes
Solution: Therapy and comprehensive support networks including meal delivery, childcare, and emotional support
3.
Chronic Stress
Behind the psagraybayne film/media
graybayne film/media was founded by Elizabeth Gray Bayne with the belief that media has the power to influence and inspire. We use a research-informed approach to storytelling to develop innovative campaigns and films in partnership with health organizations and government agencies. Our work is designed to engage audiences in a crowded media space and motivate them to make informed decisions for healthier world. If you are interested in collaborating with us or would like to request a media interview, please use our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!
View our work at www.graybayne.com
L.A. Care Health Plan
This campaign was made possible with funding from L.A. Care Health Plan. L.A. Care Health Plan’s mission is to provide access to quality health care for Los Angeles County's vulnerable and low-income communities and residents and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose. L.A. Care Health Plan does not endorse private products, services, or enterprises.
Join the Campaign