Maternal Mental Health Report hosted by Jawspeaksdigital

Jessica A. Walker
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Maternal Mental Health Report – Hosted by Jawspeaksdigital A digital podcast for providers working to improve maternal mental health outcomes. Hosted by Jessica Walker, this series delivers real stories, expert insights, and actionable tools to help you better serve moms—especially in Black and Brown communities. Designed for those on the front lines of care.

Episodes

  1. May 7

    Can We Fix Black Maternal Mental Health? Accountability & Research - Dr. Brittany Chambers-Butcher

    The real question here is Can We Fix Black Maternal Mental Health? Research, Racism & Accountability In this episode, host Jessica Walker of Founder of Be Mom Aware sits down with Dr. Brittany Chambers-Butcher — an epidemiologist at UC Davis and NIH grant recipient who has spent her career asking the question nobody in healthcare wants to answer: why are Black women still being failed in the birthing room? In this episode, Dr. Chambers-Butcher breaks down the EMBRACE study — a community-based research project comparing group prenatal care to traditional individual care for Black women in Fresno — and what the data is revealing about racism, mental health, and birth outcomes. We get into how racial bias shows up in prenatal appointments, why current depression and anxiety screening tools don't account for what Black women actually experience, and why there is still no funding for preconception care when we know it matters. She also talks about what managed care plans are getting wrong, why community trust can't be bought — only earned — and the one simple thing any provider, family member, or community leader can do right now to support Black birthing people. This episode is for the researchers, the providers, the advocates, and every Black woman who has ever walked into a healthcare setting and felt invisible. This isn’t just about awareness—it’s about accountability and change. Connect with Jessica:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maternalhealthspeakerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maternalhealthspeakerEmail: Podcast@jawspeaksdigital.com DM me your thoughts. What hit different for you in this episode? Connect to Care:Web: https://www.Bemomaware.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemomaware/

    40 min

  2. 06/28/2025

    Breaking the Silence: The Urgent Need for Perinatal Mental Health Training

    Dive into the world of maternal mental health with an engaging discussion that sheds light on the critical issues surrounding perinatal mental health care. Join Jessica and Elyse Springer, a dedicated marriage and family therapist, as they explore the challenges and triumphs in transforming mental health support for new parents. Elise shares her personal journey, highlighting the lack of awareness and training in the field, and the pivotal moments that fueled her passion for advocacy and policy change. Discover the importance of mandatory training for healthcare providers, the need for systemic change, and the role of organizations like Postpartum Support International in leading the charge. This conversation emphasizes the necessity of recognizing and addressing perinatal mental health concerns, not only for mothers but also for fathers, to ensure comprehensive family support. Uncover the insights and strategies that can pave the way for a more informed and responsive mental health care system, ultimately benefiting countless families on their journey to parenthood.#maternalhealthcare #blackwomenmaternalhealth #blackmothers #maternalmentalhealthhttps://jawspeaksmaternal.typeform.com/to/jAhyKE

    22 min
  3. Maternal Mental Health Equity & The Embrace Study with Shanell Williams

    05/11/2025

    Maternal Mental Health Equity & The Embrace Study with Shanell Williams

    Join us for a powerful conversation on the groundbreaking Embrace Study with Shanell Williams —a community-led initiative redefining maternal mental health care for Black mothers and birthing people. Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), this project centers lived experience, builds trust, and drives systemic change through cultural humility, education, and community collaboration. In this episode, we unpack the real impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black maternal health—highlighting the role of systemic racism, gaps in care, and the urgent need for provider training in cultural responsiveness. Chanel shares how the Embrace Study elevates community voices through advisory boards, peer engagement, and data that drives action. 🔗 Learn more about the Embrace Study: https://www.embraceprenatalcarestudy.org/💻 Connect families to culturally aligned mental health support: https://www.bemomaware.com/careconnector📘 Read the lived experience of Jessica Walker – I Wish Somebody Would Have Told Me:https://jawspeaksdigital.company.site/I-Wish-Somebody-Would-Have-Told-Me-Donation-p666650979 This conversation is a call to action: Let’s build systems that listen, heal, and transform. Share this episode and join the movement for equitable, person-centered maternal care. Quotes from this episode: "Racism is a root cause of health disparities for Black women and birthing people." "Black women are three to four times more likely to die during childbirth." "We don’t move without hearing from those directly impacted." "There was a sisterhood created in those spaces." "It’s not about attacking providers—it’s about listening to the community." "Group prenatal care works—and it needs to be integrated into the system." "Affirmations matter. Black moms need to feel seen, heard, and respected." "This isn’t just about data—it’s about healing, trust, and change." "We need accountability, not just awareness." 🗣️ Be part of the solution. Share this episode with your network—especially providers, doulas, home visitors, and advocates. Your share could help someone shift their practice, start a conversation, or feel seen for the first time. 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to support this ongoing dialogue on equity, healing, and maternal health transformation.

    31 min

  4. 04/18/2021

    Maternal Health Report - Lakeisha C-section Birth

    Welcome to episode 2 of the Maternal Health Report, this week we are joined by Lakeisha who tells us all about her c-section birth, the trauma she suffered during it and the impact on her maternal health she suffered as a result of this.  Better care of our  OBGYN https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2019/12/15/to-improve-maternal-and-baby-healthcare-we-must-take-better-care-of-ob-gyns/ Is insurance the answer? https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/could-greater-access-to-medicaid-reduce-high-death-rates-for-new-moms More Doulas needed? https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/16/health/midwives-doulas-every-mother-counts-wellness/index.html 4. parents magazine  don’t want to have a c -section avoid these 22 hospitals https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/everything-pregnancy/dont-want-a-c-section-avoid-these-22-hospitals/

    34 min

  5. 04/17/2021

    Maternal Health Report with Natalie - PPD, Anxiety and Depression

    Today's episode features Natalie Nicole, she will be sharing the story of her experiences with maternal mood disorders. She experienced postpartum depression after both of her earthside children. During her ppd experience with her rainbow baby she was terrified of day to day life. She found herself facing a worse case of PPD after the birth of her miracle baby. With a mustard seed of faith, she found the strength to get through. Both of her experiences moved her to start advocating for the maternal mental health and wellness of Black women. Better care of our  OBGYN https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2019/12/15/to-improve-maternal-and-baby-healthcare-we-must-take-better-care-of-ob-gyns/ Is insurance the answer? https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/could-greater-access-to-medicaid-reduce-high-death-rates-for-new-moms More Doulas needed? https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/16/health/midwives-doulas-every-mother-counts-wellness/index.html 4. parents magazine  don’t want to have a c -section avoid these 22 hospitals https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/everything-pregnancy/dont-want-a-c-section-avoid-these-22-hospitals/

    52 min

  6. 04/16/2021

    Maternal Health Report - VBAC After C-section with Kaesha Jackson

    Welcome back to the maternal health report, this week we're joined by Kaesha Jackson a mum who has turned to social media to be an advocate for other young black mother's and show her story.   Kaesha had two c-sections and then went on to have a VBAC, she tells us how she managed to track someone down who would let her have a vaginal birth after two c-sections and why she now wants to be the advocate who she never had.  Better care of our  OBGYN https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2019/12/15/to-improve-maternal-and-baby-healthcare-we-must-take-better-care-of-ob-gyns/ Is insurance the answer? https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/could-greater-access-to-medicaid-reduce-high-death-rates-for-new-moms More Doulas needed? https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/16/health/midwives-doulas-every-mother-counts-wellness/index.html 4. parents magazine  don’t want to have a c -section avoid these 22 hospitals https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/everything-pregnancy/dont-want-a-c-section-avoid-these-22-hospitals/

    55 min

  7. 04/14/2021

    Maternal Health Report - Doulas with Linda Jones

    Welcome to Episode 3 of the Maternal Health Report, this week we are joined by Doula, photographer, grandmother and author tells us how we doulas are essential, how racism has a massive effect on the the birthing experience of black mothers and how the medical service has forgotten to let women listen to their bodies.  Better care of our  OBGYN https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2019/12/15/to-improve-maternal-and-baby-healthcare-we-must-take-better-care-of-ob-gyns/ Is insurance the answer? https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/could-greater-access-to-medicaid-reduce-high-death-rates-for-new-moms More Doulas needed? https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/16/health/midwives-doulas-every-mother-counts-wellness/index.html 4. parents magazine  don’t want to have a c -section avoid these 22 hospitals https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/everything-pregnancy/dont-want-a-c-section-avoid-these-22-hospitals/

    53 min

  8. 04/13/2021

    EP 2 Frontline Doulas - Doula In action with Khefri Riley & Sayida Peprah

    Frontline doulas is a Perinatal Health Program Providing Black Families With Black Doulas At NO COST! Dr. Sayida Peprah, Linda Jones of Black Women Justice & Khefri Riley ran the program during the pandemic. In this episode Khefri and Sayida share how this organization started and why the work is so important to saving the lives of Black Birthing Families. Follow Frontline Doulas on IG : https://instagram.com/frontlinedoulas?igshid=w47arv1zy7up What did you like most about today’s episode? Tag us Instagram- https://instagram.com/maternalhealthspeaker?igshid=ezljm0ctz5uz. Share your thoughts and takeaways!

    45 min

  9. 01/14/2020

    Why I started the Maternal Health Report Podcast

    We want to hear from you?  EP 1 Maternal Health Report Topic # 1 Better care of our  OBGYN https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2019/12/15/to-improve-maternal-and-baby-healthcare-we-must-take-better-care-of-ob-gyns/ Topic #2  Is insurance the answer? https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/could-greater-access-to-medicaid-reduce-high-death-rates-for-new-moms Topic #3 More Doulas needed? https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/16/health/midwives-doulas-every-mother-counts-wellness/index.html Topic# 4 don’t want to have a c -section avoid these 22 hospitals https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/everything-pregnancy/dont-want-a-c-section-avoid-these-22-hospitals/ Send us your report:  maternalhealthreport.yolasite.com Join the Maternal Health Report Podcast Collaborative: Support educational content:  https://jawspeaksmaternal.typeform.com/to/jAhyKE Questions, Comments  Email Podcast@jawspeaksdigital.com

    21 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Maternal Mental Health Report – Hosted by Jawspeaksdigital A digital podcast for providers working to improve maternal mental health outcomes. Hosted by Jessica Walker, this series delivers real stories, expert insights, and actionable tools to help you better serve moms—especially in Black and Brown communities. Designed for those on the front lines of care.

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