Episodios

  • The Effects of Stillbirth on Maternal Health Outcomes with Count the Kicks
    Jul 31 2024

    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 its first decade, with a 39% decrease among Black birthing people in the first five years. Emily shares her personal connection to Count the Kicks, explains the importance of tracking fetal movements, and discusses how the campaign has evolved to save both babies and birthing peoples' lives. Learn how this simple practice can be a critical early warning sign for complications and how the free Count the Kicks app can help expectant parents everywhere.

    Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

    Music provided by Graham Makes.

    MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

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    27 m
  • Maternal Heart Health with The Heart Truth
    Jul 24 2024

    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 before, during, and after pregnancy. Tune in to learn about the latest research, including the nuMoM2b Heart Health Study, and valuable resources to support maternal heart health.

    Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

    Music provided by Graham Makes.

    MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

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    29 m
  • Engaging Diverse Communities in Maternal Health Research
    Jul 17 2024

    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 Perinatal Holistic Health Center in Puerto Rico, Hannah Mesa, a project manager at the University of Michigan, and McClain Sampson, an associate professor at the University of Houston. This episode explores the importance of building trust, centering community voices, and addressing health disparities to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

    Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

    Music provided by Graham Makes.

    MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

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    52 m
  • Expanding Maternal Mental Health Care with Mamaya Health
    Jun 26 2024

    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 the origins of Mamaya Health, a virtual service supporting women throughout their reproductive journey, and the importance of integrating technological advancements to enhance care delivery. Amy addresses the challenges in the mental health field, emphasizing the need for affordable services, and delves into the impact of collaborative care models in reducing maternal mental health issues. She also shares inspiring user feedback and outlines potential policy changes to support maternal mental health care. Tune in to learn how Amy Green and Mamaya Health are breaking barriers and paving the way for better mental health care for mothers.

    Learn more about Mamaya Health here.

    Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

    Music provided by Graham Makes.

    MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

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    33 m
  • Empowering Maternal Health Innovators: Insights from The Practical Playbook III Editors
    Apr 17 2024

    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 to implement change and improve maternal health outcomes through multi-sector collaborations. Join the conversation as they discuss the collaborative process, practical tools, and hidden gems within the playbook!

    Get your copy of The Practical Playbook III here.


    Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

    Music provided by Graham Makes.

    MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

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    43 m
  • Black Mamas Matter: Advancing Black Maternal Health
    Apr 11 2024

    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 and justice, addressing the crisis of Black maternal mortality in the U.S.


    Milan shares insights into BMMA's mission, strategies, and ongoing projects aimed at improving maternal health outcomes for birthing people of color. Discover how BMMA tackles systemic issues such as racial and gender disparities in healthcare, socioeconomic factors, and access to quality healthcare services. Learn about key policy issues advocated by BMMA, such as expanding licensure for midwives, and explore the comprehensive policy agenda outlined in "Black Mamas Matter in Policy and Practice." Join us in advancing reproductive justice and transforming maternal health outcomes for Black mamas and birthing people.

    For all information related to 2024 BMMA events, visit www.blackmommasmatter.org/bmhw-2024.

    Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

    Music provided by Graham Makes.

    MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

    This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U7CMC33636 State Maternal Health Innovation Support and Implementation Program Cooperative Agreement. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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    45 m
  • Disability Advocacy and Inclusivity in Maternal Health
    Dec 20 2023

    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 "disability," the importance of disability justice, and the intersectionality often overlooked in maternal and child health discussions. Discover actionable steps healthcare providers and individuals can take to dismantle ableism in the healthcare system, ensuring inclusivity and support for people with disabilities in the context of maternal health.

    Resources for this episode:

    • MHLIC's Perinatal Disabilities Resources
    • "U.S. medical schools aren’t teaching future doctors about 7.4 million of their patients," STAT News
    • "These Doctors Admit They Don’t Want Patients With Disabilities," The New York Times
    • "Perceived Disability-Based Discrimination in Health Care for Children With Medical Complexity," National Library of Medicine

    Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

    Music provided by Graham Makes.

    MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

    This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U7CMC33636 State Maternal Health Innovation Support and Implementation Program Cooperative Agreement. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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    47 m
  • Maternal Revolution: Chauntel Norris on Transforming Incarcerated Births
    Dec 13 2023

    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 prison system. Learn about the three components of their program, including one-on-one doula support, prenatal education groups, and a unique lactation program, emphasizing the importance of emotional and informational support. Hear about the Alabama Prison Birth Project has played a pivotal role in reshaping the birthing process within the prison system, moving away from shackling and fostering a gender-informed, trauma-responsive approach.

    Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

    Music provided by Graham Makes.

    MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

    This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U7CMC33636 State Maternal Health Innovation Support and Implementation Program Cooperative Agreement. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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    35 m