#Mamatoto

[90sfantasyanimestuff]

mamatoto (nsfw game), art by min-naraken

[witchofcustom]

Would you rec playing the orig versions of Rance 1-3? Also would it be good to also play Kaeru and Mamatoto? I know Little Princess is canon but I'm not sure of those two (and other canon(?) games)

Very late to reply, but yes, I highly recommend you play them! Honestly I’d say play them before the remakes. It’ll make the transition from 3 to 4 seamless and you’ll be able to enjoy how much the company has evolved over time.

Kaeru Nyo Panyon isn’t really required to play, but Pitten and Poron appear in IX and X, so playing it will give some details as to who they are.

Mamatoto takes place in an entirely different universe, but it’s practically a requirement to play it before Rance IX, since there are many callbacks to it. It’s also a masterpiece and one of AliceSoft’s best titles.

[mamatoto-vos]

[mamatoto-poow]

[mamatoto-5050]

[mamatoto-yuta]

[okaeri-ossan]

I've been under the weather so I randomly picked up this Alice Soft visual novel called Diabolique. The company is a legend in the industry as is known for creating the (much praised and maligned) Rance series. I haven't played that but I have played Toushin Toshi and Mamatoto, both of which I enjoyed quite a bit. However, I've been really surprised by Diabolique so far...

Diabolique is a pure love story about a demon-ish kinkiller guy named Azulite falling in love with a very punished little girl named Leticia. Tragedy befalls them, and the immortal Azulite travels the land in search of Leticia's reincarnations with the goal of making her happy throughout all her lifetimes.

I was seriously surprised by how pure it all is. There were some lines in Toushin Toushi that made me go "awww" and I assume that's thanks to the writer Tori, who has had her in hand on Alice Soft since the start. There's lots of tooth-rottingly sweet sentiments, like "I'll chase all the bad things in your nighmares away" or "even if you won't speak to me, I'll watch over you so you're happy". They're the kind of straight-forward precious words that I always fall victim to. TOO KYUUUUUUTE! It gives the work a feeling not dissimilar to... joseimuke? But there's a bunch of monster r*pe sometimes too. But also there's cute stuff. So yeah, too kyute LOL

The most moe character isn't any of the heroines, though (even if Leticia and Aria are very adorable). It's the immortal demon protagonist, killer of his own kind. Azulite is the gentlest, sweetest man I have no clue how he ended up in an H-game.

When I said the game was pure love, I meant it. This man is too pure. He starts off the game wandering through the desert alone all badass-like before stopping to talk to flowers ("aren't flowers and humans the same?"). He's timid in front of people and painfully polite, always bowing and saying excuse me, tripping over his words when he's flustered (which is often). He has a genuine deep care for the heroine, promising to protect her from the painful things in her life. It's a promise so strong he follows her into her next lives. It's okay if she falls in love with someone else, as long as she's happy and safe. He tries to do all the domestic chores (FRILLY APRON TIME!), he gets up early to cook for her, he draws her a hot bath if she needs it, and most of all he watches over her when she sleeps so she won't get nightmares. In that case, isn't he like a guardian angel? He's a demon who hates himself and prays to God because he wants to be good, but I think he ended up acting like a real angel. Leticia, the poor heroine who experiences endless tragedy throughout her many lives, will always be loved where ever she goes. I still have yet to finish it but I want them to be happy in the end. And if they can't have a happy ending, then I hope he will continue following Leticia through her many lifetimes...

It's not a game I would recommend for various reasons-- the painfully outdated system, the menu functions that break the pacing in areas, the previously mentioned r*pe that pops up-- but it's got so much wholesomeness (I know that sounds silly after what I've just said) I can't stop reading. Sometimes, you need some sugar sweetness in a brutal world. Sometimes... malewife (╯▽╰ ) Okay time to go see if I can snag any doujinshis of the main couple they are mega totes adorbz KYAHHHH!!! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

[the-holistic-goddess]

Honoring Black Maternal Health Week: April 11th - April 17th

From April 11th to April 17th, we recognize Black Maternal Health Week, a crucial time to raise awareness about the unique challenges and disparities faced by Black birthing mothers, birthing parents, and their families. This week is especially significant as it begins with the International Day of Maternal Health and Rights on April 11th, highlighting the intersectionality of maternal health and human rights.

Black Maternal Health Week shines a spotlight on the alarming disparities in maternal health outcomes experienced by Black mothers and birthing parents. Despite advances in medical care, Black women are disproportionately affected by pregnancy-related complications and have significantly higher rates of maternal mortality compared to their white counterparts. Black infants also face higher rates of mortality and morbidity, highlighting systemic inequities in access to quality healthcare and support.

It is unacceptable that in the United States, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These disparities persist regardless of socioeconomic status, education level, or access to healthcare. Structural racism, bias, and unequal treatment within the healthcare system contribute to these disparities, perpetuating a cycle of inequity and injustice.

During Black Maternal Health Week, we stand in solidarity with Black mothers, and birthing parents, families, and communities, and we amplify their voices in calling for action. We demand policies and programs that prioritize maternal health equity, address systemic barriers to care, and center the experiences and needs of Black birthing individuals. We advocate for culturally competent care, access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, and support for maternal mental health.

As we observe Black Maternal Health Week, let's continue to take action to address the disparities in maternal health outcomes. Let's educate ourselves and our communities about the root causes of these disparities and the importance of advocating for change. Let's support organizations and initiatives that work to improve Black maternal health and empower birthing parents to navigate the healthcare system with dignity and respect. If we work together, we can create a future where every mother and family receives the care and support they deserve, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Organizations that we can support or promote to our Black Communities for assistance:

- Black Mamas Matter Alliance

- Black Women's Health Imperative

- National Birth Equity Collaborative

- Sista Midwife Productions

- National Black Doulas Association

- SisterSong

- The Shades of Blue Project

- Mamatoto Village

- Black Birth Justice

- Loveland Foundation

- Every Mother Counts

- Momology Maternal Wellness Club

- Sisters in Loss

- Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings

Dr. Deilen Michelle Villegas, Ph.D., DNM- Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Traumatic Stress Expert, Trauma Recovery and Behavioral Health Specialist, Certified Holistic Doula

[innovation008]

How MamaToto's Reusable Cloth Diapers are Reducing Kenya's Waste

[iwillwakeherinthemorning]

Howard University Men’s Basketball is fundraising for Black women’s maternal health. 35% of proceeds raised in January will go directly to Mamatoto Village. ❤️

[amphigary]

J’ai posté un SOS, non sans me sentir illégitime, non sans hésiter.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Ayant besoin d’une présence féminine et amicale pour souffler… sans attente… j’ai lancé cet appel. ⁣⁣ J’ai pourtant eu un bel accouchement, l’allaitement bien en place, le papa s’occupe des enfants, mais l’isolement est là. ⁣⁣ Une femme mets ~ 40j pour que ses organes reprennent leur taille et place, et même plus encore pour se remettre de 9 mois de gestation.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ C'est normal et pourtant, on culpabilise de demander de l’aide, de peur de paraître fragile ou capricieuse… ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ D’ailleurs on voit souvent des femmes qui reprennent une activité rapidement grâce a un regain d’énergie au bout de 5j... parfois bien avant !⁣⁣ Les gens donnent à penser qu'après 15j cela suffit de se reposer, c’est « assez ». Peu savent ou admettent qu'il faut deux tiers de plus en temps de repos. Peu de mères se l’autorisent et encore moins peuvent l’obtenir…⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Mais comme le dit @Green_Love_Family : Être une warrior ce n’est pas ce qui est prévu pour notre espèce, ça ne devrait pas être une norme, ça ne fait pas de nous quelqu’un de meilleur et surtout pas une meilleure mère. Le lien mamatoto, la diyade mère/enfant a besoin de se tisser, dans le confort, le calme et la sérénité. Le bébé doit rester dans le milieu microbien familier, pour développer sa flore intestinale de façon optimale. Et la mère doit être assistée, soutenue, afin de maintenir les efforts nécessaires pour s’occuper de son bébé. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Émotionnellement c’est dur d’être isolée sans femme à ses côtés. Et le bal des hormones qui rend si fragile, si sensible à la moindre critique, cet éveil sensori-émotionnel nécessaire à l’écoute fine et accrue des besoins du bébé.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Les mères ont des besoins d’attention et de soins aussi intenses que leurs bébés. Pour réussir à se consacrer à leur bébé, elles ont besoin de femmes qui se relayent autour d’elle pour les soutenir et les épauler. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Durant cette période elles sont très vulnérables. Aucune maman ne devrait vivre cela sans femme amicale à son chevet. Soyez la pour elles, osez. #postpartum #mamatoto #tribudefemmes #doula #reseaudemeres #sos #amphigary https://www.instagram.com/p/CU5Oj5dsJSq/?utm_medium=tumblr

[90sfantasyanimestuff]

Airvy/Eirvee from Mamatoto ~a record of war~ (nsfw game)

[witchofcustom]

Mamatoto ~A Record of War~: ITS GOOOOODDD!!! It’s honestly one of AliceSoft’s best titles, and a perfect way to close off their golden age. While it’s not the deepest or more complex thing around, it more than makes up for it with its great cast and insanely fun and addicting gameplay. Not to mention this is one of the most beautiful games ever as well.

[presentsofmindhypnosis]

i juuuust donned this amulet by @sentient.sa.ma 🙏🏻 thank you! this piece will soothe a gaping, collective abandonment wound, further dissolve the illusion of separation, and activate the gifts encoded in my DNA. i feel the stars, the weavers, dreamers and warriors aligning; starseeds awakening, embodying, sharing cosmic wisdom ❤️ ...from @sentient.sa.ma, “This piece is saturated in the frequencies of Mamatoto ~ the Motherbaby. Mamatoto is a Swahili word meaning 'motherbaby', reflecting the reality that mother and infant are not two separate people, but an interrelated dyad. The Ammonite in the center is our golden Gaian design of life and creation. This spiral is a reflection of our true nature. Feel into it and breathe deeply of its medicine. The beads used here are red jasper and golden rutilated quartz. . . #presentsofmind #sacredhumxn #ammonite #amulet #rutilatedquartz #jasperjewelry #redjasper #spiral #mamatoto #chiron #woundedhealer #abandonment #starseedawakening #cosmicconsciousness #subconscious #quantumhealing #vibrationalhealing #crystalhealingjewelry #weaver #dreamer #warrior #chironinaries #ariesseason #dnaactivation #epigenetics #spiritualalchemy #alchemist #healingart #mysticalart #creatrix https://www.instagram.com/p/CMr0_o5JAwL/?igshid=1ty8jy96p250t

[ficsnooneaskedfor]

I'm feeling really down about this ruling today (to put it mildly) and needed to do something constructive about it before heading to a protest. I'm seeing many people sharing wonderful organizations that fight for reproductive justice and as a doula/student midwife, I've learned of tons of awesome ones over the years. I wanted to share some lesser-known organizations that you can consider donating to at this time if you have the means.

I've included organizations that focus on the racial disparities in maternal healthcare as well since this ruling will disproportionally affect low-income BIPOC and we have worse birth outcomes/infant mortality rates than white people.

*For gendered language on the site.

Funds:

Repo Legal Defense Fund: The Repro Legal Defense Fund covers bail and funds strong defenses for people who are investigated, arrested, or prosecuted for self-managed abortion. Fund Texas Choice: Funding for Texans to travel for abortion care. DC Abortion Fund: For DC, Maryland, and Virginia residents as well as people who travel to the DC area seeking an abortion. *Indigenous Women Rising Abortion Fund: Serving Indigenous and undocumented people nationwide. *Indigenous Women Rising Midwifery Fund: "This fund will help pregnant Indigenous people in New Mexico access quality care for themselves and their latest addition."

Full-spectrum doula services & trainings (This includes abortion doulas)

The Doula Project: The Doula Project is a New York City-based 501(c)(3) organization that provides free compassionate care and emotional, physical, and informational support to people across the spectrum of pregnancy. The Baltimore Doula Project: "We seek to recognize the obstacles that people of all backgrounds face in reaching reproductive health services, but particularly low-income people, LGBTQI-identified people, youth, and people of color."

BIPOC maternal health/support organizations:

*Mamatoto Village (Washington, DC) A list of BIPOC owned/managed community birth centers throughout the USA.

Public policy & advocacy organizations:

Lawyering for Reproductive Justice Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice: National Birth Equity Collaborative *Sister Song: Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective) Medical Students for Choice

Other:

Faith Aloud: "Faith Aloud is dedicated to providing compassionate spiritual and religious support for people in all their decisions about pregnancy, parenting, abortion, and adoption. Faith Aloud provides nonjudgmental spiritual counseling to people across the country on our free, confidential clergy counseling line."  *Midwifery in Color: "Midwifery in Color is at the forefront of revolutionizing women’s healthcare through health equity and women-centered care. The lens through which we view women’s healthcare is colored by the experiences of black and brown women in order to revolutionize their care ultimately providing health equity and mitigating healthcare disparities." Birth Center Equity: Birth Center Equity Foundation grows philanthropic partnerships to increase grant making to BIPOC birth center leaders in support of sustainable community birth infrastructure and optimal maternal infant health.

[96thdayofrage]

“Things that we know about maternal mortality and women who are at increased chance of dying from a pregnancy-related cause, is that being structurally and socially disadvantaged and marginalized is a huge contributor to risk,” says Dr. Christina Marea, a cofounder of the committee. “Factors that put particularly Black birthing people at a disadvantage, like structural and historical racism, underinvestment in communities, the carceral state that treats Black families as criminalized for things that white families wouldn’t [be]…all of these combine and contribute.”

The study, conducted by the Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC), reviewed all pregnancy-associated deaths in D.C between 2014 and 2018. The group – consisting of local experts and residents – first formed in 2018, after a legislative push from Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and calls for the city to seriously investigate the District’s maternal mortality crisis. For years, D.C. has reported a maternal mortality rate well beyond the national average. According to the United Health Foundation, the city’s maternal mortality rate in 2018 was roughly 36 per 100,000 live births, compared to the national rate of 20.7 – and the gap widens further for Black birthing people. In 2018, the national Black maternal mortality rate was 47.2 per 100,000 live births; for Black birthing people in D.C., the rate was 70.9.

The MMRC chaired by Marea and Aza Nedhari, the Executive Director of Mamatoto Village, a collective of Black birth workers in Northeast D.C., released the first of its annual studies on Tuesday, providing further insight into the city’s crisis by reviewing all 36 pregnancy-associated deaths in the city between 2014-2018. The city-wide maternal mortality rate over that five year period was roughly 23 – meaning for every 100,000 live births, the city recorded 23 maternal deaths. Maternal death refers to the death of a person while pregnant, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, for any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy and its management – but not from an incidental or accidental cause. Over that same period, the national maternal mortality rate fell somewhere between 20 and 21.3, according to the study.

D.C.’s pregnancy-related mortality rate was nearly 44 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to the national rate of 28 over the same period. Unlike maternal death, a pregnancy-related death refers to any death within one year of pregnancy from a pregnancy complication, a chain of events initiated by pregnancy, or the aggravation of an unrelated condition by the physiological effects of pregnancy.

The report outlined wide disparities by race and geography. While Non-Hispanic Black birthing people made up 90% of the city’s pregnancy-related deaths, white residents reported no pregnancy-related deaths, despite comprising 30% of all births in the city. Wards 7 and 8 residents comprised 70% of pregnancy associated deaths, while residents of wards 2 and 3 reported no pregnancy-associated deaths in the reporting period.

“The disparities and the statistics are very real and very concerning,  and they are very much along racial lines — racial lines that are underlined by these social and structural causes,” says Marea. “There’s nothing about Black birthing people that makes them more likely to die, it’s the environments to which they’re exposed in our social, environmental, and health systems.”

The committee’s review also looked at the most prevalent causes of death in pregnant people, top among them being cardiovascular diseases, heart diseases, or pregnancy-related complications, like hemorrhage or uterine rupture. These conditions (which are already more prevalent in Black D.C. residents, pregnant or not, than in white residents) reflect layers of structural racism, according to Marea, and are driven by the same “social determinants of health” that influence pregnancy outcomes. Social determinants of health refer to environmental factors like economic stability, housing, and discrimination (among others) that affect a wide-range of health outcomes.

The disparity in D.C.’s maternal mortality rate mirrors disparities in other health conditions — namely COVID-19 — where underlying illnesses like heart disease and hypertension put residents at highest risk of dying. By May of 2020, Black Washingtonians made up 80% of coronavirus deaths, despite making up less than half of the population. In early 2022, as the omicron wave swept through the region, Black D.C. residents accounted for 84% of deaths.

“Yes, there are increased rates of pre-existing and pregnancy-related cardiovascular diseases that contribute to mortality,” says Marea. “But let’s go farther upstream than that, and say ‘why are young women at such high risk of developing heart disease or other cardiometabolic disorders at such a young age?’ Well, we look at these social and structural factors that increase the chronic stress that their bodies are under.”

A data point not included in the MMRC’s review, but in which similar disparities appear, is the city’s preterm birth rate. Preterm births occur when a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and are the second-leading cause of infant mortality in the nation. D.C.’s preterm birth rate improved from 10.4 in 2019 (equating to a grade of D+) to 9.8 in 2020, a rating of a C, according to the March of Dimes. But the disparity ratio between preterm births of Black and white babies did not improve.

Since the formation of the MMRC in 2018, D.C. lawmakers have passed a number of initiatives aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes and bolstering support for mothers in the city. The 2022 budget includes investments in a D.C. Medicaid plan to reimburse doula services starting this fall and funding for transportation costs to medical visits. But the MMRC’s report outlines further solutions — like increasing the availability of inpatient social workers to support a patient during hospitalization, and large-scale changes to the transition from in-hospital care to in-home care.

“So many of our patients in our case reviews, they have multiple intersecting levels of vulnerability,” says Marea. “Often there’s an aspect of isolation and lack of social support, and also a medical complexity that can be really difficult to navigate. One of the things that we as a committee hope for our prenatal patients, and particularly for our perinatal patients with complex medical or social needs, is that they have someone who is proactively reaching out to them to ensure that they understand their diagnosis.”

The committee, still playing catch up from time lost during COVID, plans to release its report on 2019-2020 data in July. Marea says as the committee continues its work, they’re looking to implement an interviewer program to speak with families who lost a loved one during or related to pregnancy.  Their also hoping to expand their research on maternal morbidity, which refers to severe unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that result in short or long-term health consequences.

“We have to have the political will and public health approach of moving farther upstream, of doing better care of our children who are involved with Child Protective Services in the foster care system, taking better care of families that experience housing insecurity, having earlier screenings for children and adolescents who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences, addressing excess stress within our communities related to transportation, excess policing, community violence, and environmental stressors,” says Marea. “So women at 23-years-old don’t have heart disease because they haven’t already accumulated so much physical, psychological, environmental and structural stress that their bodies are at risk for these pregnancy complications.”