Good Birth For All

"International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) has connected with the majority of its 143 midwives’ associations in all regions of the world and accounts from the midwives working on the front lines during this pandemic are harrowing, unveiling an increase in gender discrimination, domestic violence, human rights abuses, the over-medicalization of birth and fear and misinformation, all culminating in growing distress among women and midwives. These findings are echoed by World Health Organization staff in country offices globally.    As a result of communication with midwives, ICM released a Joint Statement with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) calling for governments, decision makers, donors and health institutions to ensure the protection of midwives, women and newborns during the COVID-19 pandemic." 

In a prototyping collaboration, three organizations came together to make connections, heal trauma and create resilient State level partnerships for the future of their collective communities. In this Part Two interview, Carmen Parra Cano discusses her perspective on collaboration and relationship as birth workers of color in Arizona.

In a prototyping collaboration, three organizations came together to make connections, heal trauma and create resilient State level partnerships for the future of their collective communities. In this Part one interview, Lakisa Muhammad and Michelle Ponce discuss their perspectives on collaboration and relationship as birth workers of color in Arizona.

The Birth Center Equity Fund was created to make birth center care an option for every person who wants it, by growing and sustaining birth centers led by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC).

Indra Lusero discusses resources inspired by their work with countless pregnant women, doulas, and other folks offering support to birthing people who had either experienced or witnessed violations during childbirth.

An interview with the team over at  GoodBirth Network to talk about their vision of bringing "together health professionals to support a global network of midwifery centers in collaborative quality initiatives. The GoodBirth Network consists of midwifery centers in low and middle income countries that desire to work with global peers to achieve and recognize excellence." Their open-hearted and brilliant team includes: Cris Alonso, Stan Shaffer, and Jennifer Stevens.

Cris Alonso agreed to come on to update us on COVID-19 specific to midwifery and midwifery centers with her unique global perspective.

An interview with Franka Cadee, President of the International Confederation of Midwives, discussing the world's midwives and the upcoming 32nd Annual Confederation of Midwives Congress.

Motherboard Birth provides evidence-based information to birthing families, helps them make decisions and build a visual birth "plan," aka a "Motherboard," and helps them to communicate their wishes with their provider and birth team.   This podcast explores the journey of creating tech for birthworkers and is full of tips and ideas for anyone interested in pursuing a tech solution for better birth options.

Led by Betsy McNamara of Full Circle Consulting, Transforming Birth Fund focused on research and best practice dissemination, operational support and coalition building. It took risks, and was willing to get creative, leading the way for foundations to support the work of midwives and maternal health changemakers.

Part two of a fascinating life and book discussion with Michael C. Klein, Family Physician, Pediatrician, Neonatologist, Maternity Care Researcher, and author about his book "Dissident Doctor".

A fascinating life and book discussion with Michael C. Klein, Family Physician, Pediatrician, Neonatologist, Maternity Care Researcher, and author about his book "Dissident Doctor".

An interview with Amy Wright Glenn from the Institute of Birth, Breath and Death on what it mans to hold space in a way that makes room for imperfection on all sides, and to reflect on what it means to hold space for deep pain (like pregnancy/infant loss) and show up as loving, honest, real and imperfect people.

"The InTune Mother Society supports childbearing families through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting in a sustainable way, with focus on healing justice and human development from an eco-social justice framework"   RaShaunda Lugrand is an artist, wife, mother and social entrepreneur. Now residing in Oklahoma, RaShaunda is a certified homebirth consultant and homeschool learning coach. She is a self published author of the children's book "The Karma of The Butterfly", Founder, along with husband Melvin Lugrand, of the InTune Mother Society, and also the innovative Beehive Birth Consulting Service.

Tewa Women United is a multicultural and multiracial organization that was founded and is led by Native women. The name “Tewa Women United” comes from the Tewa words 'wi don gi mu' which can be translated as “we are one” in mind, heart, and in the spirit of love for all. They have four main programs: Environmental Health and Justice V.O.I.C.E.S. - Valuing Our Integrity with Courage Empowerment and Support Indigenous Women’s Health and Reproductive Justice - includes Yiya Vi Kagingdi Community Doula Project Women’s Leadership and Economic Freedom - includes A’Gin Body Sovereignty and Healthy Sexuality Project"

This podcast is the story of how the community helped visionaries create a midwifery-led birthplace in rural New Mexico. Hear insightful and illuminating discussion around the process of the founding, the day to day work that is done at Breath of My Heart Birthplace and how advocacy and policy work is done in collaboration with other New Mexico activists. Belin Marcus is a midwife and founding community stakeholder of BMH. She is a member of Ohkay Owingeh pueblo and the first Pueblo midwife to receive licensure under the LM credential in NM. She trained with BMH from 2012-2017 and is a single mother and Sii’ya (grandma). Jessica Frechette-Gutfreund  LM, CPM, IBCLC, MSM is a midwife and executive director of BMH. Jessica is a white, gender non-conforming midwife with 15 years of expertise in midwifery practice, policy and education.

Gina Dacosta Rivera, midwife and founder of Grow Pregnancy and Parenting Center, the first perinatal wellness center on the island, talks about the richness and complexities of being a midwife in Puerto Rico. Gina Dacosta Rivera, partera y fundadora de Grow Pregnancy and Parenting Center, el primer centro de bienestar perinatal en la isla, habla sobre la riqueza y complejidad de ser una partera en Puerto Rico.

Tina Sherman discusses the Family Leave Act, FMLA, MomsRising and speaks about breastfeeding campaigns around the country.

Professor Saraswathi Vedam will Chair the US Birth Summit IV: Addressing Our Shared Responsibility to Ensure Equity, Safety, and Respect Across All Communities. Overall, the aim of Birth Summit IV is risk reduction and improved access to high quality care across all communities.

Lena offers her unique perspectives on Title X in this second pod of the series. Her work as a midwife is grounded in the reproductive justice framework developed by Sistersong, and informed by research on trauma-informed care, interpersonal neurobiology, and Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting