Power of MoMMAs Voices

In this powerful episode, Desere shares her deeply personal journey through miscarriage, stillbirth, and a traumatic pregnancy after loss. From the grief of saying goodbye to her daughter Stella to the anxiety-filled road toward her rainbow baby, Desere opens up about the moments that broke her, the nurse who saw her, and the community that helped rebuild her hope. She explains how her experience transformed from ministry to maternal health advocacy and how MoMMAs Voices empowered her to speak not just for herself but for families who may never get the chance to share their stories. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that we are never alone, healing is possible, and serving others can become the very path that heals us. About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

In this episode of The Power of MoMMAs Voices, Nicole is joined by patient family partner Briaa Baldwin, who opens up about her three high-risk pregnancies, the hidden scars she carried, and the moment she realized her story truly mattered. Briaa shares how asking questions became her path to self-advocacy, and why no birthing person should ever feel dismissed or “non-compliant.” She reflects on the support she wished she had, the importance of involving partners in care, and the communication gaps that shaped her birth experiences. Briaa also discusses her current work strengthening connections between outpatient clinics and community organizations, and why MoMMAs Voices’ patient training became a turning point in her advocacy journey About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

In this episode of The Power of MoMMAs Voices podcast, we sit down with Liz Gray, LCSW, an infertility advocate and trauma therapist, to discuss her journey through infertility, a complicated birth, and the challenges of the fourth trimester. Liz opens up about how one dismissive interaction during her fertility treatment reshaped her understanding of care and sparked her mission to help others access trauma-informed, compassionate support. She shares what trauma-informed care looks like in practice, why words matter, and how both patients and providers can build trust through empathy and repair. About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

In this powerful episode of The Power of MoMMAs Voices, host Nicole speaks with Trinity Lueder, a maternal health advocate whose journey began after experiencing an early pregnancy loss complicated by a rare blood disorder. Trinity shares her story of heartbreak and purpose. She opens up about the challenges of advocating for herself within the healthcare system, the isolation that often surrounds early pregnancy loss, and the life-changing impact of compassionate care. Through her experience, Trinity found healing and a new mission to improve the way families are supported through pregnancy loss. Her advocacy reminds us that while the fight for better maternal health is not easy, it is worth every step. Join Nicole and Trinity for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation that encourages all women to share their stories, trust their instincts, and know that their voices can drive real change. About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

When comedian and advocate Traci Stumpf was diagnosed with preeclampsia that progressed into HELLP syndrome, she had no idea it was something that could happen to her. What began as a desire to help others feel included, seen, and supported has evolved into a powerful mission to help people stand up for themselves and take ownership of their health. In this episode, Traci shares her journey from patient to advocate, reflecting on what it means to find your voice in the face of medical uncertainty. She reminds listeners that while community is vital, self-advocacy is essential, and that asking questions, pushing for answers, and trusting your instincts can make all the difference. Tune in for an honest and empowering conversation about preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, resilience, and the strength it takes to speak up for your own care. About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

As a mom of three, Felicia Watts jokes that she brought her babies into this world like hip-hop albums – every 10 years. Her motherhood journey spanned a unique path from being a younger mom, all the way to being considered high-risk because of “advanced maternal age.” In this episode, she shares her wisdom of how she navigated those challenging motherhood experiences including anxiety, depression, and preeclampsia while also balancing her important professional work in public health. Those experiences led her to recognize the lack of support and resources for expectant moms, and inspired her to speak up, tell her story, and advocate at the highest level for better maternal health support. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about empowerment and motherhood. Retired after 20 years service in Public Health. An advocate for Black Maternal Health & Wellness, as well as economic empowerment. In support of Working Mothers' rights in the workplace. Mom of 3. Mom before 21, after 40 and in-between. Writer and Patron of the Arts. Multi experiences during my pregnancy journey to include premature delivery. About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

“There needed to be a space; a safe space for people to go in… so we’re really proud that that space came out of this in Lincoln’s honor.” Alexis LaVacca started her pregnancy journey like every mom – looking forward to the next steps in her life. Tragically, early-onset preeclampsia transformed that journey from one of excitement to a story of premature birth, a month-long NICU stay, and the heartwrenching loss of her sweet baby Lincoln. In honor of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, join our “Power of MoMMAs Voices” podcast as Alexis shares her story and honors Lincoln through the work she does as a maternal health advocate in her community in Long Island, NY. About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

“Create a community who is there to support, advocate, and be there for you across your motherhood journey.” Colleen Grant’s motherhood journey began with the preterm birth and loss of her first child. She subsequently experienced other preterm births, miscarriages, and complications that left her passionate to make things better for the next mom down the line. Today, she serves as a Patient Family Partner, physical therapist, and wellness coach to help moms through their pregnancy and create the village around women who are most in need of comfort and support. About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

As a high-risk perinatal nurse, Autumn Mels understood the potential for pregnancy complications better than most… yet she never thought that those challenges could hit so close to home. An unexpected emergency c-section in her own pregnancy left her reeling, struggling to find the resources she needed to process her own and others’ traumas. Now as a maternal health advocate and patient family partner, Autumn is speaking up and speaking out about how obstetric nurses can care for themselves and others as they continue the important work they do. About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

Today’s episode of Power of MoMMAs Voices highlights a “Pain into Purpose story of Kate Boydston. Kate is a survivor of placental abruption, gestational diabetes, and postpartum anxiety and depression, as well as a NICU stay. She has since used her “mom voice” on local, national, and international stages as both a Patient Family Partner and as Mrs. New York American. “Being able to know that I had a goal of being on a stage, being an advocate for maternal mental health, really gave me an area to set some goals for my therapy.” “I'm able to feel like my voice is actually making an impact in my state and community.” “…my mom voice has been able to travel internationally and that's all due to MoMMAs Voices and the training that I received as a Patient Family Partner.” “And I think that it's important to find your group of people that will support you in getting to that ultimate goal that you're looking for. And I found my people through MoMMAs Voices.” Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts Come join the Power of MoMMAs Voices family and don't forget to leave us a review! By showing your love, you'll help other moms out there discover how they can use their voice too. It only takes a few clicks – just head here, rate with five stars at the bottom of page then share what was most meaningful for you about this episode. Your support really does make all the difference—thank you! About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

In this “Pain into Purpose” episode of Power of MoMMAs Voices, we hear from Melissa Gordon Metzler about her traumatic twin-pregnancy experience, her desire to advocate to help others, the connection between advocacy and her therapy career, and how she found MoMMAs Voices. “So at that moment just kind of started connecting with myself, connecting with a higher power, and just really felt I needed to live. And I was gonna do whatever it took to get there.” “We're here and on a mission to help other women to make sure that, that a story like mine doesn't live on for generations to come and we can, we can do better and, and learn from it.” “I learned sharing my story was my healing adventure.” About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

This episode of Power of MoMMAs Voices is a conversation with Mandi Gross, a Patient Family Partner and also the Administrative Coordinator for MoMMA’s Voices. Hear Mandi discuss her journey from pregnancy to postpartum preeclampsia to maternal health advocacy with MoMMAs Voices Program Manager, Bekah Bischoff. “I truly found my calling in advocacy and my MoMMAs Voices crew.” “It's been such an unexpected, but amazing thing in my life. I would say take the training, join the community, find the ‘momeraderie’ that we have…” About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

On this episode of the Power of MoMMAs Voices Podcast, Nicole speaks with Brace Gibson from the Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative (CPCQC). Brace explains how her desire to make a difference in maternal health outcomes stems from her own lived experience with severe preeclampsia during her first pregnancy and her experience being compounded by the exceptional life circumstances of being 16 years old. She additionally experienced postpartum OCD and PTSD. Now, Brace serves as the Director of Policy and Engagement for the CPCQC. The CPCQC has many initiatives to improve the maternal health outcomes in Colorado, and Brace explains some of them, specifically the Family Integration to Restore Trust Program, otherwise known as FIRST. She also explains the importance of Perinatal Quality Collaboratives, or PQCs. Finally, Brace and Nicole chat about the MoMMAs Voices’ Community of Learning and how it has benefitted the CPCQC. “I'm never not amazed by the impact that lived experience integration has on patients, that it has on family members, providers, and care teams.” “We're doing the work of addressing sources of care disparities through partnerships of care, and it's absolutely evident now that the role of the patient advocate can be leveraged to build alliances and facilitate shifts in practice and in culture.” “It's my belief that PQCs are well positioned to amplify patient voices and to facilitate more equitable partnerships between patients and clinicians, to ultimately improve care and outcomes.” “The community of learning sessions were incredibly rewarding. Sharing space with other lived experience experts and just having opportunities to learn with and from other PQCs, I found to be invaluable.” About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

In this must-watch podcast episode, Nicole Purnell, MoMMAs Voices Program Director, speaks about something we all need to hear - having a culture of acceptance. As someone who has experience in quality improvement projects, Nicole stresses the importance of listening and being open to those with lived experience. She reminds us that when people feel accepted and valued, great things can happen. So take a few moments to listen to this powerful message and let it inspire you to create a more accepting and inclusive world. About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

Power of MoMMAs Voices this week highlights certified Patient Family Partner Judith Francis. Judith shares her birth stories including, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes and how her experiences led her to her passion and mission to spread the message that preeclampsia is not over at delivery. She also talks about the MoMMAs Voices Patient Family Partner training and some of her advocacy work and engagements. “I feel like there's something that I can do and that this is what my purpose is.” “We’re constantly being told that preeclampsia is something that… goes away after birth, and I'm a strong advocate that it does not.” “Through training, you're taught not to dismiss those pains, but just to let your voice overcome the pain.” “You will get the courage one day to just get up and say, okay, this is a day that I'm gonna do it. And each time you speak, just remember that it's a possibility that you're saving lives, you're saving a mom's life, you're saving a baby life.” About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

In this episode of Power of MoMMAs Voices, we have a special episode to commemorate Amniotic Fluid Embolism Awareness Day. Nicole Purnell interviews Miranda Klassen, an AFE survivor and the founder and executive director of the Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE) Foundation. Her passion for raising awareness of AFE was created from her own experience, which she shares in this podcast. She also explains the mission of the AFE Foundation and some of the life-changing programs that the foundation is involved with including, education, research, the AFE registry (which is the largest in the world), and support groups. “We do a lot of things to support our community. They're so very special to us,” said Miranda. Miranda also discusses meaningful volunteerism and the role that MoMMAs Voices plays. The conversation concludes with a discussion of AFE Awareness Day and the tradition of lighting a candle on March 27th. “We as a community embrace one another, despite whatever the outcome is, where we have grievers and survivors that get together…” (Miranda) “I think some of the biggest wins we've had have been having a space where families can go and have hope.” (Miranda) “…being able to connect with others that really understand the shoes that you're walking in. They've worn their own. They've worn them down. There might be on their second pair. But they understand what it's like.” (Nicole) About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

In this episode of MoMMAs Voices, Emily Taylor speaks with Dr. Christina Davidson and Patient Family Partner, Trashaun Powell about the Patient Safety Toolbox. Created as a collaboration of many perspectives including, physicians, nurses, midwives, and the lived experiences of MoMMAs Voices, the toolbox explains how to incorporate “health equity into all quality and patient safety projects.” Trashaun and Dr. Davidson also discuss how patients should advocate for themselves and use their voices. “Because I think as the healthcare team, we're just thinking medically-- what do we need to do? And I think this has really opened our eyes and broadened the perspective…” (Dr. Davidson) “There was a panel of patients with lived experiences, and I always found that to be one of the most impactful components of the entire session.” (Dr. Davidson) “Using my mom voice was really a natural part of who I became after losing Mia.” (Trashaun P.) “To be a part of this engagement… It's really powerful. It really, it really is. It's connection, it's resources, it's friendship, it's community.” (Trasuan P.) About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

Eleni Tsigas, CEO of the Preeclampsia Foundation, talks about her personal experiences that drive her passion. Eleni further discusses the important work the Preeclampsia Foundation is engaged in, including the 10th anniversary of the Preeclampsia Registry and how it is impacting research. Also, covered is the future of maternal care and the Preeclampsia Foundation’s impact on it, including the growing Cuff Kit program, and the new initiative, the Take 10 campaign. Launching soon, Take 10 will work with partners to increase diverse representation of all people in the registry. The Preeclampsia Foundation was designed to be a “place to come to, to get reliable information, to find a community that [people] can connect with…” We are a “collaborator, a partner…to work hand-in-hand with you to make the world a better place for those who experienced hypotensive disorders of pregnancy” There are many ways to get involved: Become a MoMMAs Voices Patient Family Partner, get involved with Promise Walks, volunteer with the foundation, or even do DIY fundraisers. Contact the Preeclampsia Foundation and we will try to help match you with opportunities “where you are.” About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

Patient Family Partner, Huda A., speaks about her birth story including preterm birth, cardiac arrest, hypertension, bleeding, clotting, respiratory effects, and amniotic fluid embolism. She also talks about her recovery and advocacy including working with an MMRC (Maternal Mortality Review Committee), a PQC (Perinatal Quality Collaborative), the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation, and how she was pivotal in establishing AFE Awareness Day. “I have no memory of waking up. I didn’t know that I even had a baby…9 years later and I have no memory of that at all.” “How it is literally ok to not be ok, while feeling blessed to be alive.” “I highly recommend the moment that you feel like you are someone who can advocate for yourself and for others.” About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

Patient Family Partners, Amanda Quillin and Emily Liczbinski discuss their experiences as “context experts” working with Catherine Mather, a Senior Project Director at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), on a patient safety bundle. IHI partners with the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) to create Patient Safety Bundles. The bundles suggest actionable changes to improve maternal health outcomes. --“It was a little emotional, honestly, it was a proud moment…it meant a lot.” (Amanda Q.) --“I honestly got chills …To have it validated in writing was an amazing feeling.” (Emily L.) --“Amanda and Emily’s input was invaluable…we had a much stronger product thanks to their thought, leadership, and guidance…” (Catherine M.) About MoMMAs Voices MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.