Maternal Health Innovation

Disability Advocacy and Inclusivity in Maternal Health

December 20, 2023 09:00 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

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 sensory disabilities, and the need for a more inclusive approach in maternal health. Mallory shares insights on reclaiming the word "disab...

Maternal Revolution: Chauntel Norris on Transforming Incarcerated Births

December 13, 2023 09:00 - 35 minutes - 80.7 MB

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 Prison Birth Project, providing doula care and support to incarcerated birthing individuals, revolutionizing maternal health within the pris...

The Motherhood Career Tax and the Path to Change

December 06, 2023 09:00 - 39 minutes - 91.3 MB

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 discriminatory practices based on reproductive age to the complexities surrounding healthcare access, accommodations during pregnancy, an...

PM3: A Digital Ally for Maternal Health Empowerment

November 29, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 54.2 MB

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 their journey in creating this dynamic digital resource, emphasizing community engagement, self-agency, and empowering women to take contr...

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence and Its Impact on Maternal Health in Diverse Communities

November 15, 2023 09:00 - 46 minutes - 85.8 MB

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 take, from physical violence to emotional and financial control. Larissa sheds light on the impact of IPV on different communities, incl...

Revolutionizing Maternal Mental Health with Canopie

November 08, 2023 09:00 - 21 minutes - 49.9 MB

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 journey and the inspiration behind founding the company. Join us as we discuss the importance of breaking down barriers to mental health...

How the "I Gave Birth Bracelet" Initiative is Reducing Maternal Mortality and Morbidity

November 01, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 78 MB

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 effective and tailored care for postpartum mothers. Join us in this conversation as we discuss maternal care, addressing OB deserts, Doula care...

Closing the Maternal Health Disparity Gap with Mae

October 25, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 68 MB

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 faced by Black women during pregnancy and childbirth, emphasizing the importance of being heard and respected by healthcare providers. L...

Breaking Barriers in Maternal Health: BELIEVE Project's Vision for Change

October 18, 2023 08:00 - 46 minutes - 106 MB

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 escape room approach, cultural sensitivity, and diverse perspectives are bridging healthcare disparities and transforming the maternal healt...

How Irth Empowers Black Birthing People

October 11, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 67.6 MB

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 at Irth. MHLIC is dedicated to highlighting the innovative approaches organizations and individuals take to make a positive impact in m...

Lived Experiences, Collective Action: Voices from the Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG)

October 04, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 98.4 MB

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 Carter, and Maya Jackson. Listen as MHLIC’s LEAG members share their personal stories and collective activism, shedding light on the profo...

Coming Soon: Maternal Health Innovation Season 3!

August 02, 2023 04:00 - 1 minute - 3.89 MB

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 that support them. Episodes will be released bi-weekly.

From Research to Action: Merck for Mothers' Evidence-based Approach to Maternal Health

June 07, 2023 04:00 - 42 minutes - 97.5 MB

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 collaborations. Jacque shares her personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and deep listening to...

The Maternal Monologues: Community support and action through storytelling, with AIM CCI's Dr. Valerie Newsome Garcia

December 08, 2022 05:00 - 27 minutes - 62.3 MB

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. In this episode, Race for Equity's Deitre Epps is joined by Dr. Valerie Newsome Garcia to discuss how to use this toolkit and the import...

Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project: Inspiring a bright future for Black mothers, with Dr. Rahmatu Kassimu

November 29, 2022 05:00 - 39 minutes - 90.9 MB

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. Shalon's legacy and how MAP is on a mission to create a world in which Black women are heard, respected and cared for in their birthing p...

Colorado Birth Equity Bill Package and The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP)

November 15, 2022 05:00 - 53 minutes - 122 MB

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 overall improve obstetric care in the state, this comprehensive and community-led response to the maternal health crisis is the first eve...

Structuring Maternal Care to Support Spanish-speaking Communities

November 08, 2022 05:00 - 51 minutes - 117 MB

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 professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and part of the UNC Collabora...

Medicaid Coverage for Doula Services: A conversation with Averjill Rookwood and Amy Chen

November 01, 2022 04:00 - 43 minutes - 98.6 MB

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 Program, to discuss the importance of accessible doula coverage and the National Health Law Program’s Doula Medicaid Project. The informa...

Examining maternal health in Indigenous communities, with Amy Stiffarm and Dr. Donald Warne

October 18, 2022 04:00 - 36 minutes - 84.4 MB

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 address those disparities through Indigenous medicine. In this episode, hosted by Amy Stiffarm—a member of the Aaniiih White Clay Tribe of Fo...

Doulas' need for support in clinical settings, with MOMCares' Ana Rodney

October 11, 2022 04:00 - 42 minutes - 96.4 MB

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 noticed a difference between the two: one is composed of professionals, institutions and government organizations, and the other of doula...

Avoiding burnout and rediscovering your love for your work, with Dr. Kira Schabram

October 04, 2022 04:00 - 31 minutes - 72.6 MB

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. Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org. M...

Strengthening public health’s capacity to improve maternal health, with ASTHO’s Ellen Pliska and Britta Cedergren

September 27, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 93 MB

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 changing in its ways of supporting birthing people and their care providers. Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find...

Maternal health and sexuality, with Dr. Tanya Bass

September 20, 2022 04:00 - 31 minutes - 72.5 MB

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 as care providers and community leaders to improve access to treatment and education. Learn more about us, explore our resource center ...

Maternal Health Innovation is back with season two!

September 20, 2022 04:00 - 1 minute - 3.16 MB

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, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org. Maternal Health Innovat...

9. Facing maternal mortality rates, mental health in pregnancy, and more

December 08, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 78.5 MB

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 these teams are implementing to address issues facing birthing people in rural areas. Today's guests are Anna Taranova, Barb Gleason, Mari...

8. What tribal nations' ancestral knowledge teaches us about maternal health

November 30, 2021 17:11 - 37 minutes - 86.4 MB

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 Program Managers at Arizona Department of Health Services, and Reena Oza-Frank and Ali Stevens with Ohio Department of Health's Division...

7. Is Midwifery a Right or a Privilege?

November 23, 2021 05:00 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

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 nonprofit in Puerto Rico that supports birthing people from gestation to parenthood and helps them make informed birthing decisions. Toda...

6. How a hotline is transforming breastfeeding culture and access to care in Appalachia

November 16, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 81 MB

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 found a way to help - a hotline to address transportation gaps, access to care, and support during the pandemic. Stephanie Hutchinson is...

5. The Stress of Being Black and Pregnant, with Karen Sheffield-Abdullah

November 09, 2021 05:04 - 43 minutes - 100 MB

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 rate of white women. Nurse midwife, mindfulness teacher, and adjunct professor Karen Sheffield-Abdullah is trying to figure out why. Today'...

4. The fight for lactation rights, with Stevie Merino and To-wen Tseng

November 02, 2021 04:00 - 44 minutes - 102 MB

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 Islander and Chamorro breastfeeding, chest feeding, birth traditions, and the disparities in birthing health outcomes. Today they discu...

3. Advocating for Moms Who Don't Have Resources, with Shaunette Howard

October 26, 2021 04:00 - 48 minutes - 110 MB

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. Kristin Tully, co-chair of the MHLIC Innovation Support Core, and researcher at UNC Chapel Hill. Learn more about us, explore our resource ...

2. Spotlighting Inequities and Disparities in Maternal Health, with Dr. Rachel Caskey

October 18, 2021 04:00 - 27 minutes - 62.1 MB

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 disparities. Dr. Rachel Caskey is the chief of the division of academic internal medicine and associate professor of internal medicine and pe...

1. Doulas are Magic, with LaToshia Rouse (Birth Sisters Doula Services)

October 12, 2021 04:00 - 48 minutes - 111 MB

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 unfortunaely, there's a dark side to stories, which include hearing about the maternal mortality statistics and mistreatment numbers. Fo...

Introducing Maternal Health Innovation

August 26, 2021 19:12 - 1 minute - 1.93 MB

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. Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org. M...