NATAL

In our season finale, we pass the microphone to U.S. Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO) and reproductive justice activist, abortion storyteller and writer Renee Bracey-Sherman for a heartfelt discussion about the stories we tell, believe and redefine about our bodies and abortions. The two discuss their own abortion experiences, the moments in pop culture that shaped their understandings of pregnancy,...

We pass the microphone to Jenice Fountain, executive director of the Yellowhammer Fund, and midwife Tanya Smith-Johnnson, executive director of Birth Future Foundation. From mutual aid to midwifery, they discuss their organizing work, the power of relationship building, and why the Deep South is forever their North Star. For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow @natalstories on Tw...

Season Three continues with new episodes next week. In the meantime, let us know what you think about Parts One and Two. Head to our IG @natalstories , or email us hello@natalstoris.com. For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Use code NATAL15 for 15% off at baby-yams.com

We pass the microphone to physician-activist Dr. Jamila Perritt and movement lawyer Yveka Pierre for a dialogue spanning the post-Dobbs criminalization of abortion patients and providers, period tracking apps and digital footprint protections and new imaginings of privacy and care. For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow @natalstories on Twitter and Instagram.  Learn more about Dr...

In our season premiere, we pass the microphone to two prolific reproductive justice organizers, Marie Leaner and Kwajelyn Jackson. With more than a combined 70+ years of fighting for abortion access, the pair sit down for lively conversation unpacking the rich legacy of Black women organizing for reproductive freedom before, during and beyond Roe. For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com ....

NATAL returns Thursday, November 14.

We head home for a final good-bye to hear how Anasia, Ciara, Erick, Shayla and more are building new legacies exactly where they are. Featured guests: Crystal Starr Flowers , Katy Kozhamminil, PhD , DaLyah Jones and Tanya Smith-Johnson For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

Alabama Birth Collective founding member, Nadia Gramby, on the sisterhood of birthwork. For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

The parents adjust to life postpartum and the powerful transformations they've undergone. Guest featured this episode: Crystal Starr Flowers For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

The babies are coming.  For more on birth plans, listen to our NPR Life Kit episode . For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

From the physical to the emotional, all four parents navigate the highs and lows of pregnancy – and for some, even during a pandemic.  For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

Alabama Birth Collective founder Jasmine Merritt on answering the call to serve. For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

Ciara explores the multitude of care options after learning she's pregnant. Guests featured this episode: Oriaku Njoku , Quita Tinsley Peterson , and Tanya Smith-Johnson For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

Taking matters into her own hands, Anasia charts new pathways to parenthood uniquely her own. Featured guest: Dr. Tonya Hawkins Hunter For resources on pregnancy loss, listen to our NPR Life Kit episode .  For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

Fannie Lou Hamer, Southern freedom fighter and one of the oldest Black-founded towns in the country spark The Browns' most transformational decision yet.  Featured guests: Katy Kozhamminil, PhD and Arrianna Planey, PhD . If you loved learning about Mound Bayou, check out this video . For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

The moments that (re)introduced Shayla, Erick and Anasia to their bodies. For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

Meet the founding members of The Alabama Birth Collective.  Learn more about ABC members Charity Moore , Jasmine Merritt , Mariah Brown , Nadia Gramby and Tori Rodriguez, or visit their Instagram . For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

Anasia Sturdivant and Ciara Hunter leave city life behind to find new places to call home. For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

Eight months pregnant during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shayla and Erick Brown return home to rural Mississippi for a chance to finally get it right. For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com . Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram .

Hosts Gabrielle Horton and Martina Abrahams Ilunga share what inspired this season. Interwoven between narrative interludes, this 10-part story album highlights the rich traditions and structural challenges that have moved four Black rural parents to birth new life and legacies on their own terms. Featured guests: Arrianna Planey, PhD and DaLyah Jones . If you loved learning about Black rural comm...

Coming Soon: NATAL heads to rural America for season two.

Despite how common pregnancy loss is, families often suffer in silence. In honor of Black Maternal Health Week (#BMHW21), we teamed up with NPR’s Life Kit to share stories from parents who have experienced loss, and expert advice about how to support loved ones through grief. In this episode we mention: Episode Five: Marilyn and Yvonne’s Stories Sisters in Loss The NATAL Resource Hub NPR: Life Kit

Welcome to The NATAL Summit! In this bonus episode, several parent storytellers from NATAL Season One gathered in a multi-generational conversation about the value of oral traditions, agency, and healing for Black birthing parents. You'll hear from: Marilyn Abrahams, Episode Five Shellie Blackson, Episode Four Trish Jones, Episode Eight Moderators: Co-Hosts Martina Abrahams Ilunga & Gabrielle Hort...

Welcome to The NATAL Summit! In this bonus episode, our very own production team offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to produce Black stories with dignity and how the team approached the season from a craft perspective. You'll hear from our: Editor, Tiara Darnell Sound Designer & Engineer, Jessica Jupiter Producer, Jhodie Williams Co-Hosts, Gabrielle Horton and Martina Abrahams Ilunga

Welcome back to The NATAL Summit! In this bonus episode, medical providers and birthworkers share steps needed to create a more integrated model of care that empowers Black birthing parents and protects the sacredness of the childbirth process.   In this episode you'll hear from: Dr. Sinmi Bamgbose ( Cedars-Sinai Medical Center ) Latham Thomas ( Mama Glow ) Dr. Jamila Perritt ( Board-certified OBG...