We have so much work to do for the health of women and families in this country. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to attend the Maternal Health Forum 2025 in March. I spent several days with women and organizations committed to improving and changing this climate!
As I looked around the room, I was inspired to do better and stay focused on doing this important work. It’s easy to feel alone in this work: results are often slow and filled with setbacks. Being reminded that there are so many powerful, knowledgeable, and empathetic people doing this meaningful work day in and day out filled my cup and fueled me.
Making meaningful connections
Trailblazer Joy Burkhard is the founder of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. In addition, she hosts this annual forum to bring together not only state and federal policymakers but also agency staff, payers and purchasers, health systems leaders, advocates, and many others. As a result, the forum fosters collaboration and drives meaningful change in maternal mental health policy.
There are too many highlights to name them all! But meeting the president of AWHONN Rose Horton, Joy Bullard, lead researchers, program directors, innovators, philanthropists, White House staff and overall, the most committed and caring individuals in the field.
Actively working to improve health outcomes
Powerful people filled the room, all working together to improve health outcomes for women and babies. Moreover, their shared goal is to bridge the gap in care. In fact, one quote from the forum that truly resonated with me was,
“There is a clinical need to address the invisible scars of childbirth.” by Sharon Dekel, PHD Founding Director of the Mass General Postpartum Traumatic Stress Laboratory and the Postpartum Traumatic Stress Disorders Research Program.”
As a doula and childbirth educator, I could clearly see how we make a positive impact on families. Doulas and childbirth educators continue to:
- Reduce fear.
- Decrease incidences of post-traumatic stress disorder from birth trauma.
- Reduce birth trauma.
- Empower families.
- Provide clear communication and understanding in situations that are overwhelming.
I left this forum proud and grateful! I love playing a small part in making a big difference in the lives of women, infants and families. We have a lot of work to do: but I feel inspired knowing how many people are working together to create this needed change!
