NATAL

Welcome to The NATAL Summit! In this bonus episode, birth equity advocates from the non-profit sector to government discuss how they're advancing public narratives, alongside effective data-informed public policies that result in better health outcomes for Black birthing parents.  In this episode you’ll hear from: Congresswoman Alma Adams, D-NC ( Black Maternal Health Caucus) Jamille Fields Allsbr...

In our season finale, Dallas-based mother and doula, Trish, demonstrates what agency from day one looks like for Black birthing parents: Trish shares what inspired her to become a birthworker, as well as the story of her home birth experience, including the phenomenal care she received from her Black midwife and doula. And Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC), co-founder of the Black Maternal Health Ca...

This week we’re at home with Alexius Hill, a Memphis-based young mother who chose to give birth at home despite her family and friends’ concerns about doing so. We discuss the stigma around home births, and explore the radical work of full-spectrum doulas and the ways they strive to provide quality perinatal support for all birthing parents. In this episode we mention: Homebirths, and their costs,...

After receiving subpar care with OBGYNs at her local hospital, Brittany pursues pre-natal care with a midwife. In this episode, we explore alternative care models for Black birthing parents, and hear from Demetra Seriki, a midwife in Colorado. In this episode we mention: Midwives , Birthing Centers , The Business of Being Born Documentary , and Demetra Seriki of A Mother’s Choice Midwifery   Follo...

Marilyn and Yvonne are two parents determined to grow their families. When pregnancy loss disrupts their plans, they turn to their faith. Please note, this episode contains graphic details about miscarriage and stillbirth. In this episode we mention: Miscarriage , Stillbirth and Sleeping Babies , and Black Millennial Marriage Podcast . For resources for coping with pregnancy loss, visit the Mayo C...

Today we’re airing a special episode from the Bodies podcast. Their show follows women and non binary folx on their journeys to solve the mysteries of their bodies.  In this episode you’ll hear from Kalalea. After more than a decade of suffering, KalaLea discovers that the cause of her painful periods is common for Black women, but far from normal. In this episode we mention: Fibroids Weathering F...

After trying to conceive for 10 years, Shellie was finally having her dream baby, but the challenges of motherhood slowly evolved into a silent struggle with postpartum depression. Reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Sinmi Bamgbose shares how she's working to expand mental health resources for Black birthing parents. In this episode we mention: Mind Over Melanin Podcast Dr. Sinmi Bamgboshe of Cedars Sin...

In solidarity with the uprisings, and in honor of the countless victims of police and state-sanctioned violence, we are holding off on publishing this week's episode. We'll return Wednesday, June 10. In this episode we mention three organizations whose work you should support: #FreeBlackMamas Survived & Punished LGBTQ Freedom Fund , Follow NATAL on social media: @natalstories Join our Facebook Com...

Facing unplanned pregnancies in their 20s, Mikah and Cecilia's hospital births reveal how access to childbirth education, support systems, and the lack of standardization of care shaped their individual journeys to becoming parents for the first time. In this episode we mention: Birth Stories in Color podcast, The Depo-Provera shot, and Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) Follow NATAL on social media: @na...

Martina explores the historical roots of modern obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Joia Crear-Perry and Dr. Mimi Niles explain how flaws in medical education and research contribute to the Black birthing crisis.   In this episode we mention: Dr. Joia Crear Perry of the National Birth Equity Collaborative;   Dr. Mimi Niles of The Birth Place Lab;  and Healing Circle Podcast.   Visit natalstories.com to...

Myeshia is a married, 34-year-old cis Black queer woman with a PhD. Two weeks after giving birth to her first child, things take a turn for the worse in a Southern California emergency room.   In this episode we mention:    * California cuts its maternal mortality rate in half * CA Senator Holly J. Mitchell's bias training bill * California as a "global reproductive technology hub" * Postpartum pr...

Visit  www.natalstories.com  to learn more about NATAL, access our resource hub, read our community blog, and donate to our production fund. Follow NATAL on social media: www.instagram.com/natalstories www.twitter.com/natalstories Join our Facebook Community to connect with other parents, birth workers, and advocates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/natalstories NATAL is produced by You Had Me at...

Visit www.natalstories.com to learn more about NATAL, access our resource hub, read our community blog, and donate to our production fund. Follow NATAL on social media: www.instagram.com/natalstories www.twitter.com/natalstories Join our Facebook Community to connect with other parents, birth workers, and advocates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/natalstories NATAL is produced by You Had Me at Bl...