Center for Maternal and Family Health

Join us for a virtual webinar on the Black Birthing Futures Study, an in-depth, asset-based narrative study exploring how Black midwives are addressing the Black perinatal crisis in the U.S. Led by Dr. Kaytura Felix, MD. This discussion will highlight key findings, amplify the wisdom of Black midwives, and examine the role of community-centered care in advancing birth equity. Attendees will gain insights into the systemic challenges and transformative solutions shaping the future of Black maternal health. Register here: https://shorturl.at/Qnd6x

Our community partners are doing incredible work to support us and many members of the Baltimore community! In this month’s #CommunityPartnerSpotlight, we spoke with Leah Hairston, MSSW, CLC, CD, founder of Sweet Bee Services, a doula agency specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum support. Maternal Health in Baltimore: A Complex Landscape Leah shared her insights on maternal health in Baltimore, emphasizing that her clients are often "heavily resourced and still underserved." She noted recent growth in: - Increased recognition of community-based organizations - Expanded access to doula services - Strategic partnerships with programs like WIC - Collaborative approaches among health organizations Critical Challenges in Maternal Care: Despite these advancements, Leah highlighted urgent concerns: - Inadequate responses to patient concerns - Challenges with Medicaid coverage for doula services - Limited postpartum support infrastructure - Gaps in mental health resources She remarked, "The postpartum period remains incredibly isolating," stressing that Sweet Bee emphasizes support throughout the postpartum journey. Resources and Community Support: Leah underscored the importance of comprehensive support for maternal health, which includes: - Integrating partners from initial consultations - Building community networks - Recommended local resources: Baltimore Healthy Start, Early Child Development Center, Center for Maternal and Family Health, New Mamas Old Wives Tales: Myth or Reality?: Leah discussed old wives' tales related to motherhood. She finds "Sleep when the baby sleeps" valid but warns against distractions during that time. She also cautioned against harmful expectations such as the unrealistic “snapback” phenomenon and oversimplified views on breastfeeding. Expect The Best: Leah believes that creating an ideal birth experience requires intentionality. "Every person is unique. Expect the highest level of care, create your ideal support plan, and understand that a safe birth experience requires deliberate planning." About Sweet Bee Services: Founded by Leah Hairston, Sweet Bee Services provides comprehensive doula support across Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia, matching and training doulas to offer holistic reproductive health care. This interview was conducted by Eyek Ntekim, Communications Coordinator at The Center For Maternal and Family Health.

Today, we honor the healers and visionaries who break boundaries to empower families, transforming lives not only in Baltimore but across the globe.

On #MaternalHealthAwarenessDay, we take a moment to reflect on the importance of maternal health for women, particularly in Baltimore. Maternal health goes beyond physical care—it includes mental and emotional well-being, and it’s crucial that mothers receive the support they need throughout their pregnancy and beyond. ??

On #MLKDay, we take a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s powerful fight for justice and equality. His words, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane,” remind us of why we do the work we do. At Center for Maternal and Family Health, we’re committed to fighting health disparities and ensuring every family gets the care and support they deserve. Let’s keep pushing for a world of justice, equity, and love.????#HealthEquity #MaternalHealthMatters #JusticeInHealth #CMAFH

Our Doula Bridge project empowers Baltimore families by supporting doulas through specialized Medicaid enrollment training and targeted resources. Together, we're breaking down barriers to accessible, culturally responsive healthcare. Fill out our interest form for more information! The deadline is January 22, 2025. https://lnkd.in/e3KiHeFz #HealthEquity #DoulaCare #MaternalHealth #BaltimoreHealth #CommunityWellness

Meet Zainab “Zee”, CMAFH’s Center Director, and Eyek, our Communications Coordinator! Zee’s innovation and passion for community leadership shape much of the work we do, while Eyek brings her voice and creativity to amplify our mission. They both share a deep passion for driving meaningful change in the maternal health disparity space.

Baltimore's story is one of resilience and the power of community. At the Center for Maternal and Family Health, we are building on this legacy through research, collaboration, and community-driven solutions. Dr. Lorece V. Edwards, DrPH, MHS is driving change by addressing issues such as community trauma, HIV prevention, and more. She will be leading a series of seminars at The Center. Our first seminar focused on the impact of racially charged historical policies on Baltimore communities. We believe that together, we can create a future where every family has the opportunity to thrive.

This year, the Center for Maternal and Family Health is excited to continue expanding our impactful work within the Baltimore community and beyond. Happy New Year! #2025 #MaternalHealthEquity #BaltimoreCommunity #HealthEquityMatters #AdvancingCare

From our family to yours: Happy Holidays! We look forward to continuing our work in the New Year!?