Maternal Health Innovation Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center

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.

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.

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 MedicineLearn 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.

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.

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, and parental leave policies. Together, Alison and Tina unravel the layers of the Motherhood Career Tax, discussing the impact on lifelong earnings, workplace discrimination, and the pursuit of workforce justice for those who give birth.
Don't miss this insightful conversation as they also explore policy solutions, recent legislative developments like the PUMP Act and Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act, and the ongoing push for paid family medical leave.
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.

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 control of their health. Discover how PM3 is making waves in maternal health innovation and how you can get involved.
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.