Award-winning journalist Reniqua Allen-Lamphere has created the first infertility wellness platform specifically for people of color. Her new app, Oshun Griot, launched last month to address the unique challenges faced by Black women and other women of color during their fertility journeys. The platform combines cultural healing practices with community support and expert guidance.
Allen-Lamphere founded the app after her own difficult infertility experience. She became a mother to two rainbow babies in her early 40s following years of reproductive health struggles. Her personal journey revealed major gaps in fertility support for communities of color, inspiring her to create this groundbreaking solution.
Personal Infertility Journey Inspires Revolutionary Platform
Allen-Lamphere’s fertility struggles began when she was just 13 years old. She experienced excruciating cramps that left her lying on bathroom floors in pain. Doctors later discovered multiple fibroids, some the size of grapefruits, along with endometriosis causing her symptoms.
“I’ve been in hospitals often, and no one had any answers for me,” Allen-Lamphere told ESSENCE magazine. She received birth control pills before becoming sexually active and underwent a myomectomy for fibroids in her late 20s. “It was the first time I’d even heard of the term endometriosis,” she explained about her diagnosis.
The lack of clear medical guidance left her feeling hopeless about her reproductive health. “I just thought that everything was broken. I thought I was broken,” she reflected. Her uterus seemed to continually fail her despite multiple medical interventions and treatments over the years.
App Addresses Critical Gap in Fertility Support for Women of Color
Research and personal experience revealed significant diversity issues in existing fertility support systems. Allen-Lamphere joined Facebook groups, downloaded fertility apps, and interviewed doctors during her journey. However, she discovered a troubling lack of representation in traditional in-person support groups.
This discovery motivated her to create Oshun Griot as a culturally relevant alternative. The platform specifically addresses the needs of people of color navigating infertility challenges. Allen-Lamphere recognized that fertility decisions shouldn’t exist in isolation from cultural context and community support.
Statistics show that 1 out of 6 American families face infertility, according to the World Health Organization. Yet existing resources often fail to address the unique experiences of Black women and other women of color. Oshun Griot fills this critical gap in fertility care and support services.
Cultural Healing Practices Form Foundation of Wellness Platform
The app’s name carries deep African cultural significance and meaning. Oshun represents the Yoruba goddess of fertility and love in traditional African spirituality. “Griot” refers to storytellers in African culture who preserve and share community narratives.
“I was inspired to name it that, because I realized that for so long, especially for Black and other communities of color, our stories of our fertility weren’t told in the way we would’ve wanted them to be,” Allen-Lamphere explained. She emphasized that fertility stories have been controlled by others rather than the communities experiencing them.
The platform empowers users to share their own fertility stories and experiences. “The Black family is important. Black children are so centrally important,” she stated. Allen-Lamphere believes the process of building families deserves equal attention and respect within these communities.
Comprehensive Support Goes Beyond Traditional Fertility Apps
Oshun Griot offers much more than typical fertility tracking or medical directories. The platform provides culturally grounded content including expert Q&As addressing fibroids, PCOS, and medical bias. Partners of those experiencing infertility also receive dedicated support and resources.
The app features healing rituals rooted in cultural traditions including meditations, yoga, and affirmations. Users can access real-life stories from individuals of color navigating their fertility journeys. Additionally, the platform offers helpful yoga videos designed specifically for fertility support.
“The words ‘stigma’ and ‘shame’ frequently appear” when people discuss infertility, Allen-Lamphere noted. Oshun Griot aims to create a safe space that erases these negative feelings. The platform encourages open dialogue about fertility challenges within communities of color.
Expert Team Features Diverse Healthcare Professionals
Allen-Lamphere assembled a team of primarily healthcare professionals of color as advisors. Dr. Kecia Gaither serves as medical advisor, bringing expertise as an OBGYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Dr. Ashley Elliott provides mental health guidance as a licensed therapist and wellness educator.
Mel Douglas contributes yoga and wellness expertise as founder of Black Women’s Yoga Collective. Namrata Rohack offers specialized knowledge as a fertility yoga educator. This diverse team ensures culturally competent care and guidance for platform users.
The expert team reflects Allen-Lamphere’s commitment to representation in fertility care. Having professionals who understand cultural nuances makes a significant difference in patient care. Users can connect with experts who share similar backgrounds and experiences.
Healing Boxes Provide Physical Support During Difficult Moments
The platform will soon launch healing boxes designed for challenging IVF process moments. These carefully curated packages support hopeful parents during the two-week wait period. The boxes also provide comfort during failed cycle experiences and other difficult milestones.
The two-week wait refers to the time between embryo transfer or IUI and pregnancy testing. This period often causes significant anxiety and emotional stress for hopeful parents. The healing boxes offer tangible support during these emotionally challenging times.
Allen-Lamphere wanted users to have “something physical to hold on to” during difficult moments. The boxes complement the app’s digital resources with real-world comfort items. This comprehensive approach addresses both emotional and physical needs during fertility journeys.
Platform Launches During Critical Time for Reproductive Rights
The app’s launch comes during uncertain times for fertility care access in America. Political changes have created concerns about reproductive healthcare availability and accessibility. Allen-Lamphere recognized the need for comprehensive fertility support beyond basic tracking tools.
“In the political times we’re in, where we’re not sure if we can even access fertility care, it felt like a time when we needed something more,” she explained. The platform provides resources that remain accessible regardless of changing healthcare policies.
Oshun Griot offers a “more comprehensive package” compared to existing fertility apps. Many current apps fail to address the complex nuances of infertility experiences. The platform’s holistic approach better serves communities facing multiple barriers to fertility care.
Users can download Oshun Griot from both the App Store and Google Play. The platform’s website also provides access to resources and community support. Allen-Lamphere’s vision creates new possibilities for fertility support within communities of color.
