Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Tennessee

Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care
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The Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC) presents Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Tennessee. This podcast is a discussion with medical providers and other industry experts on all aspects of perinatal health. Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC) seeks to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants in Tennessee by engaging key stakeholders in a perinatal quality collaborative that will identify opportunities to optimize maternal and infant outcomes and implement data-driven provider- and community-based performance improvement initiatives. Visit www.tipqc.org for more information on our improvement work in Tennessee. No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Tennessee Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC’s Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment. TIPQC is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee. This podcast is brought to you through a cooperative agreement with the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Connect with us: www.tipqc.org www.facebook.com/tipqc1 www.twitter.com/TennesseePQC www.instagram.com/tipqc1 www.youtube.com/channel/UCOZ0gpRWzimImh5XfsQdcvg/

  1. 1d ago

    EO: 231 Mother's Milk Bank Southeast with Amy Painter

    Amy.Painter@mymilkbank.org | Website: MyMilkBank.org Key Takeaways Donor human milk is medicine, not merely nutrition—it clinically reduces serious complications in preterm infants and serves as a critical bridge when mothers' own milk is unavailable or delayed. Financial barriers should never prevent access to donor milk; organizations must implement sliding-scale fees and seek philanthropic support to ensure equitable access across all socioeconomic levels. Donor screening and collection processes must prioritize convenience and flexibility—offering seven-day availability and flexible scheduling increases participation and expands the milk supply available to vulnerable infants. Milk banking requires rigorous safety protocols including health verification, lab work, pasteurization, and third-party bacteriological screening to ensure a safe, regulated product for vulnerable populations. Strategic partnerships with healthcare facilities, community organizations, and philanthropic donors are essential to sustain and expand milk banking services across regional and multi-state networks. Quotable Moments "For premature and medically vulnerable infants, donor milk is more than just nutrition, it's medicine." "Up to 60% of moms that have babies in the NICU do not have enough milk to provide to their baby. And so that's where donor milk plays such a key part in providing a bridge and a safe bridge as a viable source of nutrition." "We never want, as I said, for families to not be able to access milk because of financial situations." "Having donor human milk in well-baby nurseries promotes breastfeeding. It has been shown to improve breastfeeding rates moms are able to breastfeed longer because they're able to establish their supply." "Everyone's familiar with blood banking and understands its impact, but very few people understand what milk banking is about and our impact." No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC’s Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.

  2. Aug 14

    EO: 230 A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee with Julie Garner-Scruggs

    A secretsafeplacetn.org The 24/7 Tennessee statewide Safe Haven helpline is 1-866-699-7233 and the National Safe Haven helpline is 1-888-510-2229. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential, and here to help, 24/7 and the number is 1-833-TLC-MAMA. Postpartum support internatioal warmline is Call PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773 #1 En Español or #2 English Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (EN) Text en Español: 971-203-7773 Key Takeaways Tennessee's Safe Haven Law provides a legal, anonymous, and compassionate option for mothers unable to care for newborns, protecting both infants from abandonment and mothers from prosecution when surrendered within 45 days at designated facilities. The surrender process prioritizes maternal choice and dignity through trained staff, private rooms, comprehensive information packets, and support resources, recognizing the emotional complexity of the decision. Over 1,500 accessible facilities statewide—including hospitals, police stations, fire departments, and urgent care clinics—ensure geographic availability, with a 24/7 helpline and online locator tool for mothers seeking assistance. Legal protections include a 30-day reclamation window for both mother and father, with matching ID bracelets enabling identification if either parent changes their mind and contacts DCS. Mothers in crisis should know that safe haven surrender is not about "giving up" but about choosing life and safety for their newborn while accessing maternal support resources and mental health services. Quotable Moments "Safe haven isn't about giving up, but it is about choosing life for your newborn child." "If there is a mother out there that is listening, maybe you are facing a crisis and you feel desperate and you're convinced that there isn't another way, there isn't another option. I hope that you hear this message that there is a safe and compassionate option awaiting you." "The surrender would need to take place at a designated safe haven facility. And the baby would need to be surrendered to a staff member of that facility. So mom cannot pull up to the facility in her car and place the baby and a baby carrier on the sidewalk." Show Notes by Barevalue. No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC’s Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.

  3. Aug 7

    EO 229: Breastfeeding Expertise with Dr. Sarah Beth Erikson

    TN Breastfeeding Hotline 1-855-4BF-MOMS (1-855-423-6667) @drsarahbetheriksen on instagram, facebook and Youtube @flow.breastfeeding on instagram and facebook Key Takeaways Breastfeeding medicine is now a formal, board-certified medical specialty requiring a two-year fellowship, distinct from lactation consulting and offering diagnostic and prescriptive capabilities. Normal milk supply (25-30 ounces daily) rarely includes large surplus; families should be reassured that "having just enough" is the most common and appropriate production level. A comprehensive diagnostic approach to breastfeeding challenges requires examining maternal medical history, medications, birth circumstances, and physical findings alongside infant assessment. Prenatal breastfeeding education and establishing a support plan before challenges arise significantly reduces stress and improves outcomes when difficulties occur postpartum. Partner support is the strongest predictor of breastfeeding success; including partners in clinical visits and ensuring their understanding of the feeding plan is essential. The mental health and overall well-being of the parent must take priority; feeding method should support rather than undermine the parent's ability to enjoy and connect with their baby. Quotable Moments "A normal milk supply is normal. And that is between about 25 and 30 ounces per day for a term baby or one week old." "The most important thing a baby needs is a mentally and physically healthy parent who can provide a safe and nurturing relationship with them." "Partner support is the strongest predictor of meeting breastfeeding goals." "We have so many tools now that are just right at our disposal. We really have access to that information very quickly." "It's one of the most important things families can do because it gives us an opportunity to prepare them proactively for challenges that they may face." Show Notes by Barevalue. No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC’s Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.

  4. Jul 31

    EO: 228 Breastfeeding and Substance Use Disorder with Michelle McPherson and Dr. Anna Morad

    ABM protocol Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #21: Breastfeeding in the Setting of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder (Revised 2023) Infant Risk Center Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline at 1-855-4BF-MOMS (1-855-423-6667) Post Partum Support International Breastfeeding is not contraindicated for mothers in stable medication-assisted treatment; modern ABM protocols support initiation with appropriate multidisciplinary follow-up including SUD care, lactation, and mental health services. Breast milk's unique benefits for opioid-exposed infants—including colostrum's protective properties and comfort during withdrawal—make it particularly valuable; however, exclusive breastfeeding may not be realistic given these infants' high metabolic needs, requiring planned supplementation. The amount of MAT transferred through breast milk is negligible and not bioavailable; educating mothers and families on this fact directly counters the primary misconception preventing breastfeeding initiation. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders require careful assessment; breastfeeding can support recovery or worsen mental health depending on individual circumstances—flexible, individualized approaches prioritize maternal wellbeing as essential to infant wellbeing. Accessible resources (Infant Risk Center, Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline, LactMed, insurance-covered in-home lactation visits) enable clinicians without IBCLC support to make evidence-based decisions; establishing hospital protocols and escalation pathways prevents outdated blanket restrictions. Quotable Moments "My main goal is helping women to be the best mother that they can be. I want to decrease stigma and definitely improve child outcomes." "Breast milk is what will comfort those symptoms. That in the early days, that colostrum is such a protective factor. It's thick, it's rich, it coats the intestine, and it's so easy to digest that it requires less work of the gut." "You can't give from an empty cup. And you've got to take care of yourself and your baby needs a completely healthy mom, mentally and physically." "Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing... MAT allows these women to lead normal, happy lives. It's what helps them be a good mother." Show Notes by Barevalue No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC’s Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.

  5. Jul 24

    EO: 227 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) NICU Verification Program Part 2 with Nicole Faster and Drs. Colleen Moss and Tami Wallace

    Information about the AAP program: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/neonatal-care/nicu-verification-program/ https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/151/6/e2023061957/191305/Standards-for-Levels-of-Neonatal-Care-II-III-and?autologincheck=redirected Key Takeaways The NICU verification survey is designed as a collaborative partnership, not a punitive inspection, with the explicit goal of helping facilities identify and implement opportunities for improvement in neonatal care. The AAP standards for levels of care provide a common language and consistent evaluation framework across all facilities—rural and urban—ensuring unbiased assessment based on uniform criteria. The three-year cyclical process with rotating surveyor teams ensures continuous quality improvement while preventing bias, allowing facilities to demonstrate progress on previously identified areas for improvement. Direct engagement with the entire care team—from leadership to frontline staff and ancillary services—provides valuable insights into resource needs, workflow processes, and opportunities to elevate the quality of care provided to neonates and families. Quotable Moments "Our goal is to help facilities identify opportunities for improvement because we know facilities are doing great things and the best of their abilities to provide the best care." "The survey is your time to shine. I find that there's sometimes a misconception that the survey is really focused on finding deficiencies, and that is not our goal." "Through the AAP standards for the levels of care, it really defines the common language that we're all using. So that way, when we come into a facility, and like Nicole said, it could be a rural setting or an urban setting, we're still using the same language and standards to evaluate those facilities." "It's not like, oh, so-and-so is coming back again. They already said this about us, but it's a totally different team of experts that are coming in and truly giving an unbiased evaluation." Show Notes by Barevalue. No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC’s Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.

  6. Jul 17

    EO: 226 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) NICU Verification Program Part 1 with Nicole Faster and Drs. Colleen Moss and Tami Wallace

    Information about the AAP program: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/neonatal-care/nicu-verification-program/ https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/151/6/e2023061957/191305/Standards-for-Levels-of-Neonatal-Care-II-III-and?autologincheck=redirected Key Takeaways Third-party NICU verification addresses the evidence-based gap between self-assessed and actual capability, preventing facilities from overstating their level of care. The AAP's 12-18 month pre-survey engagement model allows hospitals to identify and remediate deficiencies before formal evaluation, reducing surprises and enabling proactive improvement. Successful verification requires multidisciplinary participation from C-suite leadership, clinical staff, and support services to ensure coordinated preparation and sustainable change. The three-year partnership structure emphasizes continuous quality improvement and ongoing support rather than punitive auditing, fostering collaborative relationships between surveyors and facilities. Tennessee's stable regionalization system positions the state uniquely to leverage verification data for statewide outcome improvements through risk-appropriate care placement. Quotable Moments "Where you're born affects your outcomes. And that being in the appropriate risk situation with appropriate care for mom and for baby and the appropriate resources really determines outcomes." "Our goal is that there's no surprises at the site visit, but that facilities really feel prepared going into that site visit itself." "Care is better when we can get everybody working together and working on the same. So we love to look at how those teams are working together, how they're communicating with each other." "Everything I do as a surveyor is reviewed multiple times by multiple people. It's never just the opinion of a single individual." Show Notes by Barevalue. No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC’s Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.

  7. Jul 10

    EO: 225 Infant Medical Director Transition with Drs. Karen Schetzina & Courtney Gutman

    Key Takeaways TIPQC's Born to Thrive bundle represents a strategic expansion of quality improvement efforts, with the Late Preterm Infant project addressing a significant population—8.1% of Tennessee's 2024 live births—requiring specialized discharge readiness protocols. Patient and family engagement through respectful care surveys and community listening sessions proved instrumental in improving care experiences and outcomes, establishing a model for sustained collaborative improvement. Rural health disparities and declining maternity hospital capacity create urgent opportunities for TIPQC to expand support beyond regional NICUs to underserved areas and smaller facilities. Rebuilding trust in evidence-based care requires intentional partnership with diverse community stakeholders, including midwives and doulas, to address vaccine hesitancy and other safety concerns affecting neonatal care. Quotable Moments "I fell in love with this field right then and there, and the baby girl too, and there was no looking back for me." — Dr. Courtney Gutman, describing her first patient encounter with a 25-week-old infant. "It was the perfect blend of my early public health interests and neonatal medicine. I was hooked." — Dr. Courtney Gutmann, reflecting on her first TIPQC conference experience. "The best thing about the opportunity to serve as infant medical director is all of the amazing, talented, and dedicated people that you get to work with on a regular basis." — Dr. Karen Schetzina, on her most rewarding experience. "I'll do my absolute best to follow in his QI footsteps for our babies." — Dr. Courtney Gutman, honoring Dr. Mark Anderson's legacy in quality improvement. Show Notes by Barevalue. No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC’s Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.

  8. Jun 5

    EO: 224 Postpartum Support International, Part 2 with Birdie Gunyon Meyer, RN, MA, PMH-C

    Post Partum Support International Get HelpCall the PSI HelpLine:1-800-944-4773 #1 En Español or #2 English Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (EN)Text en Español: 971-203-7773Key Takeaways Screening should occur at every touchpoint—first prenatal visit, all trimester visits, postpartum office visits, pediatric appointments, and WIC offices—with the goal of education and normalization rather than diagnosis alone. Providers must have helpline/hotline numbers, discussion tools, magnets, and cards readily available in offices and hospitals; free resources eliminate barriers to referral and support. Birth trauma is common and distinct from postpartum depression; providers should validate patient experiences, apologize for disappointing outcomes, and refer to trained PTSD therapists rather than attempting therapy themselves. Expectant families benefit from fourth trimester education covering visitor management, meal preparation, sleep expectations, and emotional changes; this preparation reduces postpartum shock and improves mental health outcomes. PSI's comprehensive infrastructure—including peer mentors, support groups (50+ in English, 28+ in Spanish), psychiatric consult lines, and specialized coordinators—provides accessible, free support for diverse perinatal mental health needs. Quotable Moments "Screening is only a piece of paper. And what it's really about is education, referral, and treatment." "One in five to seven women and one in 10 men will get depression or anxiety or any of the symptoms that we talked about in podcast one." "I'm so sorry that that turned out that way. We're both sorry. I'm sorry that that happened to you." "You're not alone. You're not to blame. And with the proper treatment, you will be well." "We don't talk about it, right? That's something we prepare for labor and delivery, for pushing and breathing. We don't think one second beyond when that baby's born." Show Notes by Barevalue. No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC’s Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.

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About

The Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC) presents Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Tennessee. This podcast is a discussion with medical providers and other industry experts on all aspects of perinatal health. Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC) seeks to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants in Tennessee by engaging key stakeholders in a perinatal quality collaborative that will identify opportunities to optimize maternal and infant outcomes and implement data-driven provider- and community-based performance improvement initiatives. Visit www.tipqc.org for more information on our improvement work in Tennessee. No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Tennessee Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC’s Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment. TIPQC is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee. This podcast is brought to you through a cooperative agreement with the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Connect with us: www.tipqc.org www.facebook.com/tipqc1 www.twitter.com/TennesseePQC www.instagram.com/tipqc1 www.youtube.com/channel/UCOZ0gpRWzimImh5XfsQdcvg/

Information

  • Creator
    Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care
  • Show Website
    Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Tennessee

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