Ruth Health (YC S21)’s Post

Virtual doulas have been a part of Ruth Health (YC S21) since our pre-Y Combinator roadmap in 2021. This incredible research from Maven Clinic proves what many of us at the intersection of birthwork + digital health have known for years: ACCESS changes OUTCOMES. Including: >>C-section rates lowered (especially among Black birthing people) >>Odds of VBAC increased (vaginal birth after Caesarean) >>Birth satisfaction increased >>Learning medically accurate info >>Managing anxiety or depression We've seen evidence from Ruth Health (YC S21) Birth Navigator programs with virtual doulas, too—though not yet on this massive scale. Our 23% average utilization means the value of accessible remote doulas to our clinical partners and their patients is meaningful and continuous. Thank you Maven Clinic team—Julie Binder Christa Moss Dawn Godbolt, Ph.D. Neel Shah Kate Ryder —for a data tide that lifts all virtual doula boats!

Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the CDC. There are multiple reasons for this alarming statistic, as Christina Hiebert, MD, chief of the Kaiser Permanente Fresno Birthing Center explains in this news story about efforts to improve maternity care and birth outcomes for Black women in California’s Central Valley. Kaiser Permanente recently made a grant to the Fresno-based maternal-health focused, Black Wellness & Property Center, to help increase the number of certified Black doulas in the area – another way we are working to address the root causes of racial disparities in access to high-quality maternity care and health outcomes for Black mothers and babies.  https://lnkd.in/gun4RyMF

We came across a powerful NY Times article highlighting the challenges faced by pregnant Black women in our healthcare system. Shakima Tozay's story at Providence Regional Medical Center underscores the critical need for change in maternal healthcare practices. Share this eye-opening article to foster awareness and advocate for equitable, compassionate care for all mothers during childbirth. Read the full article by Roni Caryn Rabin here: https://lnkd.in/g_y964xZ #MaternalHealth #EquityInHealthcare #Advocacy #LinkedInPost

Let’s all pause and recognize that we can play a part in improving maternal-fetal survival of black and brown families in our communities, practices, and patients. The IHI has created these amazing toolkits for providers and professionals. For my non-medical connections I encourage you to learn about why particularly black women are at a very high rate of death, compared to their white counterpart mothers to be during childbirth. What can you do? You can talk about it. You can make space for it and understanding for those who have been affected by it. You can help prevent it by encouraging healthcare professionals you know to be aware. Let them know #blackmamasmatter

I recently spoke with Essence about the state of maternal and infant health. For the second year in a row the United States received a D+ and continues to be one of the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth especially for women of color. This is simply unacceptable, but the good news is that these factors are preventable and the work that March of Dimes is doing through research, advocacy and programs is helping to improve outcomes for all. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eGS_W4Yz #blackmaternalhealth #maternalhealth #infanthealth

The latest NY Times article by Roni Caryn Rabin uncovers a stark reality: Black women's mortality rates during childbirth are two to three times higher than those of white women. This points to systemic biases influencing medical care. Let's come together to raise awareness and champion equitable, compassionate care for all mothers during childbirth. Read and share the full article #MaternalHealth #EquityInHealthcare #Advocacy #LinkedInPost

Doulas are crucial pillars of support for expectant parents, empowering birthing people to navigate prenatal care and childbirth safely by providing respectful care. Despite being uplifted as a vital partner in addressing New Jersey's racial disparities in maternal and child health care, doulas are being forced to choose between providing support services for low pay or walking away from families because the work is not economically viable on its own. Challenges like unlivable wages, administrative barriers and even distrust from medical staff are just to name a few, and these obstacles are pronounced for Black doulas, whose essential services are often undermined by inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates, convoluted billing processes, and exclusion from pre-approved certification lists. While recent New Jersey legislative efforts — like Medicaid expansion coverage for doula services — represent progress, they fall short without comprehensive support and integration into the healthcare system. To truly address the maternal health crisis, New Jersey must go beyond well-meaning laws and ensure doulas receive the resources and respect they deserve. This means seamless, sustainable coverage, better visibility into maternal health data, and full integration of doulas into medical teams as trusted partners. It’s time to turn promises into practice and make New Jersey a true leader in maternal and infant health, ensuring every mother and baby has the best opportunity to thrive. https://lnkd.in/e9C_8a-T #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity #BirthJustice #RWJFLife

"Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship." - Brené Brown Connection is a powerful force, especially when it's fueled by the collective voices of those advocating for positive change. We are proud to be hosting the Black MAMAS Connected Live Audience Experience Podcast, a platform that celebrates and amplifies the diverse experiences of Black women during their motherhood journey. 🌟 As birth workers, healthcare providers, and community leaders, we understand the importance of providing unwavering support to Black women during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. By using our voices for good, we can advocate for equitable, respectful and culturally competent care, and work towards eradicating the disparities that exist within maternal healthcare. The Black MAMAS Connected Podcast serves as a catalyst for connection and empowerment, offering a space for the narratives of Black mothers to be heard, valued, and championed. We invite all healthcare providers and community leaders to join us in this movement, amplifying these vital conversations and leveraging our collective voices to create positive change. Only 10 tickets are left for this incredible Live experience. Click the link in bio, and secure your spot. Saturday, March 30th 12-3pm @studio1807 Food will be catered by @fancifulfusions Wanna be in the room, but having financially difficulties? Message me as we have a sponsored ticket just for you! #BlackMamasConnectedPodcast #mommytupodcast #MaternalHealth #HealthcareProviders #CommunityLeaders #Advocacy #RepresentationMatters”

This International Women’s Month, we recognize the incredible strength of parents and women who overcome everyday challenges to build a better world. Women help make the world go round. And it’s why supporting postpartum health is a mission that we here at Nanit are passionate about. But acknowledgment isn’t enough. We stand together demanding change for a more equitable future. Join us in supporting Saving Mothers wonderful work to make a difference for women globally and honoring the extraordinary women and moms in your life, wherever they may be. Here’s why: More than 300,000 women die from pregnancy and childbirth complications each year. That’s 1 mother dying every 2 minutes from preventable complications. Show your support in these ways: - Visit the Nanit Pro Parent Shop: Our hand-picked partner products are confidence-boosting pieces that support you on your parenting journey, from prenatal to postpartum. - Make a purchase: A portion of every sale will go to Saving Mothers’ incredible work in Kenya and around the world. Learn more + support: https://lnkd.in/eWswicyt

"The current standard of postpartum care in this country includes just one checkup at the six-week mark after giving birth, which nearly every survey, statistic, and study on the topic suggests is insufficient." Our founders, Meghan Doyle and Matthew Rogers, agreed, and that's why they created Partum - to change the standard of care. Thank you, Erica Sloan and Well+Good for the in-depth coverage of this topic and for including Partum in your 2024 trend report alongside so many other incredible companies that are taking action to support mothers and families. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gwRPRtMR