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We are the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center, a network of maternal health equity experts and organizations working to make real change for women and birthing people in the U.S. Our podcast is a series of episodes connecting around culture, lifting voices and stories, exploring innovations in maternal care and discussing ways we can center equity in the way we approach our health and wellness. Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal hea ...
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HELP for Mothers : Solutions to the maternal health care crisis in America
Augustine Colebrook, MA-MCHS & Kesha Chiappinelli, JD, IBCLC
A Maternal/Child Health Investigator and an Obstetric Violence Lawyer report on the political, legal, and financial realities of childbirth in the United States.
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In this episode, host Deitre Epps of RACE for Equity speaks again with three remarkable members of the Lived Experience Advisory Group (The LEAGUE™)—Courtnie Carter, Maya Jackson, and Megan McKenzie. Together, they reflect on their five-year journey, which began with a maternal telehealth project during the pandemic and grew into impactful advocacy…
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Join Dietre Epps, CEO of RACE for Equity, as she engages with Maya Jackson, Courtnie Carter, and Megan McKenzie from the Lived Experience Advisory Group, known as The LEAGUE™. In this episode, the group discusses the critical role that community voices play in shaping maternal health policies. They share their journeys, challenges, and the importan…
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In this episode, host Deitre Epps, CEO and Founder of RACE for Equity, is joined by maternal health advocates Megan McKenzie and Courtnie Carter to discuss the transformative role of Lived Experience Advisory Groups, known as The LEAGUE™, in advancing maternal health equity. Megan and Courtney share their personal journeys as members of The LEAGUE™…
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In this episode, Venus Standard is joined by Zay Bell, Founder and Executive Director of Zeal of Xander. Zeal of Xander is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving Black maternal health by educating the community on grieving when tragedy strikes during the maternal health journey, the importance of exercising their voices at medical institut…
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Kelli Sheppard speaks with Tenesha Sellers, a dedicated lactation expert and Community Transformer Coordinator at ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere). Tenesha shares her extensive experience in addressing the critical gaps in maternal health care for Black and Brown families. She discusses how ROSE's innovative programs, like the Community Trans…
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Emily Price, CEO of Healthy Birth Day, Inc., leads the national expansion of the evidence-based Count the Kicks public health campaign, which educates and empowers expectant parents to monitor their baby's movements during the third trimester. This campaign has already made a significant impact, reducing stillbirth rates in Iowa by nearly 32% in it…
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In this episode, Kelli's joined by Victoria Pemberton, RNC, MS, CCRC, project scientist at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). They explore the critical link between heart health and maternal health, discussing high-risk populations, the impact of high blood pressure and stress, and steps for maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle…
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Join Dr. Ramona Olvera from Ohio State University and Dr. Holly Horan from the University of Alabama at Birmingham as they dive into community-engaged research, focusing on the Latinx population. Discover the transformative power of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and learn from experts Vanessa Caldari, a midwife and founder of the Pe…
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Host Kelli Sheppard talks with Amy Green, a pioneering clinical social worker and entrepreneur specializing in maternal mental health. Amy, the founder and CEO of the Nashville Collaborative Counseling Center (NCCC) and Mamaya Health, shares her journey and professional insights into creating accessible mental health care for women. She discusses t…
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In this episode, hosted by Dorothy Cilenti, Professor at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Dorothy is talking with Lindsey Yates and Natalie Hernandez, editors of the third edition of The Practical Playbook. This collaborative guide addresses maternal health disparities, focusing on BIPOC communities in the United States. Learn how t…
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In this episode, host Andrea Serano, Interim Director at Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE), is talking with Milan Spencer, Associate Director of Workforce Development and Partnerships at the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA). BMMA serves as the national voice and coordinating entity for stakeholders advocating for Black maternal health rights…
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In this episode, Dr. Sarah Verbiest dives into a crucial conversation about disability and maternal health with Mallory Cyr, Program Manager of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs at the Association for Maternal and Child Health Programs. Join as they explore the broad spectrum of disability, discussing chronic illness, physical and s…
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Join us in this empowering episode as Erin McClain, Assistant Director and Research Associate at the UNC Collaborative for Maternal and Infant Health, delves into a crucial conversation with Chauntel Norris, Co-director of the Alabama Prison Birth Project and Co-founder of Baobab Birth Collective. Discover the groundbreaking work of the Alabama Pri…
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In this episode, host Dr. Alison Steube discusses the Motherhood Career Tax with Tina Sherman, Senior Campaign Director at MomsRising. Tina, a seasoned advocate, legislative aide, and certified birth doula, shares her wealth of experience in supporting and empowering mothers and families. Discover the multifaceted challenges faced by mothers, from …
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In this episode, join Kelli Sheppard, Communications Director at the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center, as she explores the groundbreaking PM3 app. Developed in collaboration with Black women, PM3 aims to transform postpartum care and maternal health outcomes through mobile technology. Dr. Rasheeta Chandler and Sherilyn Francis share t…
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Understanding Intimate Partner Violence and Its Impact on Maternal Health in Diverse Communities
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In this episode, we delve into a crucial discussion with Larissa Mervin, Managing Attorney at Legal Aid of North Carolina's Charlotte office. Larissa shares her extensive experience in dealing with intimate partner violence (IPV) and its effects on maternal health. We explore the nuanced aspects of IPV, its definition, and the various forms it can …
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In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of maternal mental health and how technology is transforming perinatal care. We explore how Canopie, a digital company, is at the forefront of this revolution, offering a universal, low-cost solution for expectant and new parents. Anne Wanlund, the Co-Founder and CEO of Canopie, shares her inspiring…
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In this episode, hosted by Vicki Curtis, Director of Women's Services at the University of South Alabama Children and Women's Hospital, we dive into the groundbreaking "I Gave Birth Bracelet Initiative" with Jessica Noble from East Carolina University Health. Discover how these bracelets are revolutionizing maternal health outcomes, ensuring effect…
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In this episode of the Maternal Health Innovation Podcast, host Kelli Sheppard is joined by Maya Hardigan, the founder of Mae, an innovative app designed to support black women during their pregnancy journey. Mae is on a mission to reduce maternal health disparities, particularly among Black women in the United States. They discuss the challenges f…
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In this episode of the Maternal Health Innovation Podcast, hosts Alison Stuebe and Kimberly D. Harper are exploring the groundbreaking work of the BELIEVE Project. Joined by Kimberly C. Harper and Janiya Williams, they delve into how the project is revolutionizing maternal care in the United States. Discover how the BELIEVE Project's innovative esc…
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In this episode, we take a look at the Irth app, a platform designed to empower Black and Brown women during their maternity journey. Host Venus Standard, Assistant Professor at UNC School of Medicine and certified nurse midwife, is joined by Kimberly Seals Allers, the creator of Irth, and Sheridan Blackwell, Head of Systems Change and Partnership …
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Lived Experiences, Collective Action: Voices from the Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG)
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Welcome to Season 3 of the Maternal Health Innovation Podcast! In this first episode of Season 3, Rakiah Anderson, Evaluation Manager at MHLIC, dives into the world of the Center's Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG). In this episode, you are introduced to remarkable voices from LEAG members Eboni Williams, Amber Pendergraph-Leak, Courtnie Carte…
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Get ready for season 3 of Maternal Health Innovation! Be sure to follow this show to learn how to accelerate the implementation of evidence-informed interventions to eliminate inequities and improve maternal health and explore the creative and strategic work that is underway across the country to support moms, birthing people and the communities th…
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In this special bonus episode, Dr. Kristin Tully interviews Jacque Caglia, the Director of Learning Communications and US programs at Merck for Mothers. The episode focuses on Merck for Mothers' commitment to eliminating maternal mortality globally and their approach to improving maternal health outcomes through grant-making and strategic collabora…
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The Maternal Monologues: Community support and action through storytelling, with AIM CCI's Dr. Valerie Newsome Garcia
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AIM CCI is encouraging communities to come together using their Maternal Monologues Toolkit, whereby birthing people and their support systems can share their experiences related to the maternal health journey, illuminate what the national maternal health crisis looks like in their own community, and strategize about what they can do to address it.…
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Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project: Inspiring a bright future for Black mothers, with Dr. Rahmatu Kassimu
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In 2017, Dr. Shalon Irving passed away after complications from giving birth to her daughter. A passionate trailblazer for community health, her legacy inspired the Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project, which works to address inequities and disparities for the Black women and women of color in maternal health. In this episode, learn more about Dr. …
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Colorado Birth Equity Bill Package and The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP)
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In this special episode, Maternal Health Innovation is teaming up with AMCHP's MCH Bridges podcast to bring you this episode on maternal health policy successes, challenges and opportunities while discussing Colorado's recent passing of the Birth Equity Bill Package. A series of three bills designed to increase access to decrease inequities in and …
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Language matters. Body language matters. Accessibility matters. Inclusivity and equity should be at the heart of all maternal healthcare touchpoints. In this episode, Fernanda Ochoa Toro, research coordinator at UNC Chapel Hill and a patient navigator for Spanish speaking patients at UNC Health sits down with Dr. Kristin Tully, research assistant p…
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While several states are in the process of implementing Medicaid coverage for doula services, only a handful of states are actively providing that coverage. In this episode, host Deitre Epps, founder and CEO of Race for Equity, is joined by Averjill Rookwood, founder of The Corporate Doula, and Amy Chen, senior attorney at the National Health Law P…
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Indigenous communities have unique respect and traditions for bringing life into the world, but Indigenous women are three to four times more likely to die of complications related to pregnancy or childbirth than white women. A trained physician and member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Dr. Donald Warne is working to addr…
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After a difficult pregnancy and postpartum journey of her own, Ana Rodney founded MOMCares, a postpartum doula program designed to help support Black mothers in the NICU that are under-supported and facing financial stress. Ana is also chair of Baltimore's Maternal Mortality Review Board and a member of the Infant Mortality Review Board, and she's …
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Dr. Kira Schabram studies burnout as it relates to employees who view their work as a calling, as many healthcare workers do. So, how can you remind yourself that you're in the right place when you feel drained? In this episode, learn the signs of burnout to look out for and how to bounce-back from feelings of tiredness and cynicism in your work. L…
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Strengthening public health’s capacity to improve maternal health, with ASTHO’s Ellen Pliska and Britta Cedergren
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From the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Ellen Pliska and Britta Cedergren know that preventing maternal mortality and morbidity is crucial to promoting health across lifespan. Hosted by UNC Gillings School of Public Health’s Dr. Sarah Verbiest, this episode discusses the ways in which public health is succeeding, lacking and…
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In this episode, Erin McClain, assistant director at the UNC Collaborative of Infant and Maternal Health, is diving deep into the disparities Black birthing people face in care and education. Joined by Dr. Tanya Bass, an award-winning educator on sexual health and health inequities, the two discuss the challenges and—most importantly—what we can do…
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Season two episodes of Maternal Health Innovation episodes will be released weekly. This season, we're including topics about provider burnout, public health, and sharing experiences and creating policies that are helping propel maternal health toward a better future in the U.S. Episode one is out now, so be sure to tune in! Learn more about us, ex…
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RMOMS is a federally funded grant program that seeks to improve maternal health in rural communities. The Texas and Missouri RMOMS representatives with us today that you'll hear from our awardees of the initial pilot between the federal Office of Rural Health Policy and the Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Today, we discuss innovative solutions th…
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For true innovation in maternal health to occur, we need to take a look at what works (and what needs improving) with maternal health in various cultures. On this episode, we discuss learning from tribal and indigenous cultures, and the programs and trainings involved. Today's guests are Heidi Christensen and Lynn Lane, Maternal Health Innovation P…
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Vanessa Caldari founded Mujeres Ayudando Madres because she I realized that midwifery care, especially in Puerto Rico, was really for people with access to the finances and the education to have that care. She didn't want midwifery care to be a privilege, so she did something about it. Vanessa Caldari is the founder of Mujeres Ayudando Madres, a no…
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In the Appalachian region, poverty is a huge concern. Too often, pregnant women miss appointments because they don't have the money for gas. Or they'll have a baby on Thursday and return to work on Monday because they need the paycheck. And breastfeeding can be seen as for "hillbillies" or "rednecks." For our guests today, they saw the problem and …
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Black women have twice the rate of preterm birth compared to white women, and that has persisted despite decades of research, despite differences in socioeconomic status, maternal education, access to prenatal care. When you pair or look at a Black woman and a white woman who are pregnant, the Black woman will have their baby early at twice the rat…
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Eight years ago, when To-wen Tseng returned to work after giving birth to her first child, her right to pump at work was denied and the company refused to provide either a space or a break time to pump (lawsuit). Stevie Merino (Birthworkers of Color Collective) is a doula and lactation professional whose graduate school research focuses on Pacific …
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The sad reality is that people in rural communities don't have as many resources to healthcare, and that includes adequate prenatal and maternity care. For Shaunette Howard, her biggest role is advocating for birthing people and their families so that they can get as many of the necessary resources as possible. Today's episode is hosted by Dr. Kris…
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According to today's guest, Dr. Rachel Caskey, "stark disparities exist whereby Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related condition compared to white women. In addition, it is estimated that the majority of deaths are actually preventable." Today, we talk about what can be done to fix these inequities and dispar…
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For Birth Sisters Doula Services' LaToshia Rouse, becoming a doula changed her entire life because she gets to give people exactly what she wishes she had while delivering her 4 children (including triplets). According to LaToshia, "the reward is instant. It's addictive and you get to do it again and again, and you keep hearing the stories." But un…
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Join us as we speak with experts about ways we can better serve women and birthing people and advance maternal health equity. From what is going well to what needs to be done to improve our health outcomes, we will share innovative work, new strategies, and impactful stories from people who are changing birthing care for families in our country. Le…
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"What can parents do to make a smooth return to work after having a baby?" Returning to work after having a baby can be a daunting jump to make. In this episode, Augustine Colebrook and Kesha Chiappinelli talk with Lori Mihalich-Levin, JD, the author of Back to Work After Baby: How to Plan and Navigate a Mindful Return from Maternity Leave. They di…
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"How can astrology help me take control of my own life?" In the middles ages, the only two people present at a birth, aside from the mother, were a midwife and an astrologer. In this episode, midwife Augustine Colebrook, MA-MCHS, and astrologer Michelle Scarrott discuss how astrology is a blueprint for what you have to work with in this life, as we…
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How does fluoride consumption during pregnancy and early infancy impact a child's IQ? More than 70% of drinking water in the United States is fluoridated, while 97% of western European countries have rejected fluoridation. Over 60 studies have now linked fluoride with reduced IQ in children. In this episode, Augustine Colebrook and Kesha Chiappinel…
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How do early traumatic experiences affect children? In this episode, Augustine Colebrook, MA-MCHS is joined by Ilse DeKoeyer-Laros, Ph.D., who shares her 20+ years of research and experience in infant mental health and treatment. They discuss how early traumatic experiences have a lasting effect on children, systemic problems, solutions, and what s…
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How do you prevent trauma in your kids, when you are suffering from trauma yourself? Basically everyone who survives childhood has little ‘t’ traumas, but exactly how much those traumas effect you determines where you have memories or whether you have complex ptsd. In this in-depth episode, Augustine Colebrook and Kesha Chiappinelli speak with Lice…
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