Search Results: MCHLine

Annotation: This toolkit is for midwives, doulas, and other childbirth educators to introduce newborn screening into midwifery practices and into nontraditional settings including childbirth education classes. Brochures, videos, and other educational materials are provided for the states of New York, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Links to resources for national audiences are provided from the March of Dimes, the Health Services and Resources Administration, Genetic Alliance, and the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation. Materials are available in English and Spanish, with items from Pennsylvania available in Chinese, French, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Russian.

Contact: Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, NYS Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, P.O. Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, Telephone: (518) 474-2160 Web Site: http://www.wadsworth.org Available from the website.

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Keywords: Childbirth education, Educational materials, Genetic screening, Midwifery, Midwives, Neonatal screening, Newborn infants, Spanish language materials

Annotation: These resources for clinicians involved in the care of pregnant and postpartum women include position papers, algorithms, toolkits, guidelines for treatment, screening tools, research on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, professional organizations, training and continuing education, books, and other resources. Information and peer support for pregnant and new moms with postpartum depression and other mental illnesses related to pregnancy and childbirth are also available from the website.

Contact: Postpartum Progress, E-mail: postpartumprogress@gmail.com Web Site: http://www.postpartumprogress.com Available from the website.

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Keywords: Childbirth, Mental disorders, Mental health, Perinatal bereavement, Perinatal health, Perinatal influences, Postpartum care, Postpartum depression, Postpartum women, Pregnancy, Pregnant women, Puerperal disorders, Resources for professionals, Women', s health

Annotation: This booklet introduces expectant parents to TeamBirth, a collaborative approach that promotes patient involvement in pregnancy and childbirth decisions. It provides a structured format for communication between patients and their care team through regular "huddles" and a shared whiteboard system. The booklet includes sections on documenting pregnancy experiences, planning for different stages of labor and delivery, identifying preferences for pain management and birth support, and reflecting on the birth experience afterward. Practical tools include checklists for labor support options, discussion guides for admission and assisted delivery scenarios, and suggested questions to help patients advocate for themselves during the birth process. The booklet emphasizes that patients are essential members of the care team and encourages them to share their preferences, ask questions, and participate in decisions throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Available in both English and Spanish.

Contact: Ariadne Labs, 401 Park Drive, Third Floor WEST , Boston, MA 02115, Telephone: (617) 384-6555 E-mail: info@ariadnelabs.org Web Site: https://www.ariadnelabs.org/

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Keywords: , Childbirth, Collaboration, Labor, Patient-centered care, Perinatal care, Postpartum care, Prenatal care

Annotation: This collection of online tools is intended to accelerate the work of communities, coalitions, and funders in strategically assessing their efforts, identifying opportunities, and committing to actions aimed at assuring conditions that lead to optimal births for all people. The tools include: (1) The Birth Equity Action Map, which describes actions needed by specific birth equity partners to improve birth and racial equity; (2) the Birth Equity Ecosystem Map, which visualizes the factors and conditions needed to achieve equitable outcomes; and (3) the Birth Equity Iceberg, which offers insights on the barriers that perpetuate inequitable outcomes and limit efforts to advance birth equity.

Contact: Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, 1825 K Street, N.W., Suite 250, Washington, DC 20006-1202, Telephone: (202) 775-0436 Fax: (202) 478-5120 E-mail: info@amchp.org Web Site: http://www.amchp.org

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Keywords: Barriers, Childbirth, Health care systems, Health equity, Racism

Annotation: This resource for professionals provides actionable guidance that encourages collaboration across diverse sectors to address and improve inequities and maternal health outcomes. It provides examples of partnerships that leverage new ideas and resources, including innovative approaches to gathering and using data; highlights policies and practices that are improving the health and well-being of birthing people and children across the United States; and includes stories from birthing people and women about their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. Graphics and sample text for social media posts are also provided.

Contact: Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC Web Site: https://maternalhealthlearning.org/

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Keywords: Prenatal care, Advocacy, Childbirth, Colllaboration, Community action, Data, Health equity, Maternal health, Models, Policy, Pregnancy, Resources for professionals

Annotation: Podcast host Christie Allen talks with Amy Romano, founder and CEO of Primary Maternity Care. Romano, a nurse midwife with an MBA, who shares her experience blending clinical expertise with system-level healthcare leadership to revolutionize maternity care in rural communities. They discuss the critical role of freestanding birth centers, their capacity to offer low-risk, community-based care, and how these centers could be a key part of the solution to the growing issue of maternity deserts. Romano also dives into the challenges of regulatory barriers, the importance of risk-appropriate care, and the unique quality improvement strategies needed for safe community births. From pandemic-driven innovations to rethinking the future of rural maternity care, this episode is packed with actionable insights for improving maternal health outcomes in underserved areas. It is part of the AIM for safer Birth podcast series that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

Contact: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health, 409 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20024, E-mail: aim@acog.org Web Site: https://saferbirth.org/

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Keywords: Birthing centers, Childbirth, Maternal health, Quality assurance, Risk factors, Rural health, Safety, Underserved communities

Annotation: This website describes the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model, a new CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) initiative designed to improve maternal health care for women enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. The CMS site explains how the new model supports participating state Medicaid agencies in developing a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care that addresses physical, mental health, and social needs.It details the model's three main pillars: Access to care and workforce capacity, quality improvement and safety, and whole-person care delivery. The site includes a link to the 2024 CMS funding opportunity notice (NOFO) and identifies the 15 states selected to participate in the 10-year program that launched January 2025. It explains how the model aims to improve maternal outcomes while reducing health disparities and program expenditures and provides information about technical assistance for participating states to implement evidence-based protocols, develop health equity plans, and create alternative payment models for maternity care services. Links to related fact sheets, recorded webinars, and CMS service-delivery partners are also included.

Contact: U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244, Telephone: (800) 633-4227 Secondary Telephone: (877) 267-2323 Fax: Web Site: https://www.cms.gov

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Keywords: Applications, Childbirth, Federal initiatives, Grants, Maternal health, Medicaid, Model programs, Postpartum care, Pregnancy, State programs

Annotation: This patient safety bundle was revised in 2023 to incorporate respectful care concepts, revise existing elements, include new elements related to evidence-informed practices, and update data collection plans. The bundle provides actionable steps to support labor and care processes that can be adapted to a variety of facilities and resource levels to improve quality of care and safely reduce cesarean births. Implementation details and resources, a data collection plan, an evidence-informed "change package," and learning modules are included on the website. Some materials are available in English, Spanish, and French.

Contact: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health, 409 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20024, E-mail: aim@acog.org Web Site: https://saferbirth.org/ Available from the website.

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• Printable Patient Safety Bundle

Keywords: Cesarean section, Childbirth, Data collection, Measures, Obstetrical care, Prevention, Protocols, Quality improvement, Resources for professionals, Safety, Vaginal birth

Annotation: In this podcast episode, host Christie Allen and Dr. Gillispie-Bell discuss how acknowledging the need for change and understanding the difficulty of the journey are the starting points for positive transformation. With a focus on practical steps, they address how healthcare providers can engage with systems and structures already in place to promote equity. From engaging with quality departments and hospital teams to fostering a culture of transparency, they outline actionable strategies for both providers and institutions to create a future where safe and equitable births are the norm. This episode is part of the AIM for Better Birth series of podcasts that dive deeper into the rising severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality rates in the United States through a data-driven, quality improvement lens.

Contact: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health, 409 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20024, E-mail: aim@acog.org Web Site: https://saferbirth.org/

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Keywords: Childbirth, Health care reform, Health care systems, Health equity, Maternal health, Quality improvement

Annotation: This toolkit to support vaginal birth and reduce primary cesarean sections includes evidence-based tools and resources to support pregnant patients who transfer to the hospital from a community birth center and to effectively integrate midwifery care and doula support into the hospital setting. The toolkit serves as a “how to” guide to help educate and motivate maternity clinicians to apply best practices to support vaginal birth. Included are strategies to (1) improve the culture of care, awareness, and education for cesarean reduction; (2) support intended Vaginal Birth; (3) manage labor abnormalities and safely reduce cesarean births; and (4) use data to drive reduction in cesareans. Twenty appendices include checklists, guidelines, partograms, performance measures, and assessment tools for healthcare providers.

Contact: California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative, Center for Academic Medicine, Neonatology, MC 5660, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, Telephone: (650) 725-6108 E-mail: info@cmqcc.org Web Site: http://www.cmqcc.org Available from the website.

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Keywords: Birthing Centers, California , Cesarean section, Childbirth, Doulas, Hospitals Quality assurance, Labor, Midwives, Model programs, Pregnant women, Prevention, Vaginal birth

Annotation: This recorded webinar provides background information on the global maternal mortlaity crisis and highlights opportunities for birth workers to intervene and alleviate the crisis. Guest presenters from international maternal and child health organizations give an overview of their practice to support pregnant and birthing people, and prevent maternal deaths. Special guests: Andrew Herrera, MPH, MBA, Executive Director of Curamericas; Mario Rodriguez Valdez Ramirez, Executive Director of Casa Maternas, Guatemala; Juany Valdez, Head Nurse of Casa Maternas, Guatemala; Nick Pearson, Founder and Co-Executive Director of Jacranda Health; Chanel Porchia-Albert, Founder of Ancient Song Doula Services.

Contact: Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, 1825 K Street, N.W., Suite 250, Washington, DC 20006-1202, Telephone: (202) 775-0436 Fax: (202) 478-5120 E-mail: info@amchp.org Web Site: http://www.amchp.org Available from the website.

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Keywords: Childbirth, Community health workers, Doulas, International health, Maternal mortality, Midwifery, Pregnancy, Prevention, Social support

Annotation: This website explains how Cesarian sections can saves lives, but the risk of infection and blood clots argue against C-sections in low-risk pregnancies. The site contains data on Cesarian section births among low-risk pregnant women with no prior births. Charts and tables with data from 2018 to 2021, along with the data methodology and links to evidence-based resources, show that the rates of this kind of C-section are increasing despite efforts to lower the numbers.

Contact: U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite LL100, Rockville, MD 20852, Fax: (240) 453-8280 E-mail: https://odphp.health.gov/about-odphp/contact-us#socialmedia-email Web Site: https://odphp.health.gov/

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Keywords: Cesarean section, Childbirth, Low risk pregnancy

Annotation: This manuscript presents findings from a literature review examining the implementation of community health workers (CHWs) to improve birth outcomes among Black and Latina women who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The document analyzes how nurse-trained CHWs can decrease healthcare costs and improve maternal-child health outcomes through education and support services. It outlines evidence that CHWs help reduce preterm births and low birth weight infants, particularly through home visits and culturally appropriate care. The review includes systematic reviews, qualitative research studies, prospective cohort studies, and longitudinal analyses published between 2017-2022, focusing on populations experiencing low income and poor birth outcomes.

Contact: University of San Francisco, School of Nursing and Health Professions , 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco , CA 94117-1080, Telephone: (415)422-5555 Web Site: https://www.usfca.edu/nursing

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Keywords: Childbirth, Community health workers, Cultural competence, High risk groups, Literature reviews, Low birthweight, MCH Services, Preterm birth, Prevention, Vulnerability

Annotation: This report presents findings from a qualitative exploratory research study on Black women's and birth workers' experiences of disrespect and abuse in maternity care in Atlanta. The study, conducted in 2018 by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and the Averting Maternal Death and Disability program at Columbia University, examines how racism and discrimination impact Black women's childbirth experiences. Through focus group discussions with Black women and birth support workers, the research identifies five key themes of mistreatment: harsh language, ineffective communication, lack of informed consent and confidentiality, dismissal of concerns and pain, and racism and discrimination. Women reported feeling devalued, dismissed, and experiencing heightened anxiety about potential negative outcomes. The report emphasizes that these experiences stem from systemic racism in healthcare and calls for recognition of racism as a modifiable risk factor for poor maternal health outcomes for Black women, who are 2.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

Contact: Black Mamas Matter Alliance , PO Box 571894 ·, Atlanta, GA 30357, E-mail: info@blackmamasmatter.org Web Site: https://blackmamasmatter.org/

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Keywords: Blacks, Childbirth, Focus groups, Maternal health, Qualitative evaluation, Racial discrimination, Racism

Annotation: This fact sheet outlines strategies for incorporating community-based doulas into Medicaid to improve maternal health outcomes. It describes how doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy and can help reduce high-risk pregnancies, low birthweight babies, and cesarean section rates, particularly benefiting communities with high maternal mortality rates. The document presents three key strategies for state Medicaid agencies and managed care organizations to support doulas in becoming Medicaid providers: engaging doulas in benefit design and implementation, allowing diverse doula training organizations to meet community needs, and simplifying the Medicaid enrollment process. Examples from states like Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Virginia illustrate successful approaches such as creating advisory groups, hosting stakeholder meetings, accepting both national and BIPOC-led training organizations, and providing enrollment guidance. The resource emphasizes the importance of a diverse workforce that meets the needs of birthing individuals.

Contact: Center for Health Care Strategies, 300 American Metro Boulevard, Suite 125, Hamilton, NJ 08619, Telephone: (609) 528-8400 Fax: (609) 586-3679 Web Site: http://www.chcs.org

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Keywords: Childbirth, Community health services, Doulas, Financing, Health insurance, Maternal mortality, Medicaid, Prevention, State initiatives

Annotation: This issue brief reviews the evidence for new maternity care models and discusses how policy makers, payers, providers, and health care systems can help to advance effective models that will improve maternal health outcomes and promote health equity.

Contact: Commonwealth Fund, One East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021, Telephone: (212) 606-3800 Fax: (212) 606-3500 E-mail: info@cmwf.org Web Site: http://www.commonwealthfund.org

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Keywords: Childbirth, Community programs, Community services, Health equity, Maternal health, Minority health, Models, Perinatal care

Annotation: This issue brief focuses on actions Medicaid agencies can pursue with provider organizations or through their managed care programs to promote health equity and improve outcomes. It highlights state interventions and collaborations that demonstrate promise in reducing disparities and health inequities in birth-related policies. Programs in Virginia, North Carolina, and Colorado are highlighted.

Contact: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 50 College Road East, Princeton, NJ 08540-6614, Telephone: (877) 843-7953 Fax: Web Site: http://www.rwjf.org

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Keywords: Childbirth, Health care disparities, Health equity, Maternal health, Medicaid, Model programs, Policy, State health insurance programs, State initiatives

Annotation: This data brief examines severe maternal morbidity in the United States, which affects approximately 50,000-60,000 women annually. It describes the scope and severity of maternal health complications before, during, and after childbirth, highlighting stark racial and socioeconomic disparities. The brief discusses different definitions and measurement approaches for severe maternal morbidity, common indicators and conditions, risk factors, and implications for health care costs and postpartum health. It also provides recommendations for improving maternal health outcomes and measurement, including expanding insurance coverage and adopting more comprehensive, culturally appropriate care models.

Contact: Commonwealth Fund, One East 75th Street, New York, NY 10021, Telephone: (212) 606-3800 Fax: (212) 606-3500 E-mail: info@cmwf.org Web Site: http://www.commonwealthfund.org

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Keywords: Data , Maternal death, Maternal morbidity, Maternal mortality, Childbirth, Postpartum care

Annotation: This report presents the Maternal Wellbeing City Dashboard, a data-driven platform developed by Ariadne Labs' Delivery Decisions Initiative to improve maternal health outcomes in U.S. cities. The dashboard uses a community livability framework to visualize neighborhood-level indicators across eight social determinants of health, with particular focus on reducing racial inequities. The project combines urban planning and public health approaches to center birthing people in local policy and programming. The report documents the dashboard's development process, including stakeholder engagement and pilot testing in Tulsa, Pittsburgh, and New York City. Testing results indicate the dashboard effectively builds knowledge among users and enables local engagement across various stakeholder groups. Key recommendations include improving navigation, enhancing data interaction capabilities, and enabling local customization to foster community building. The dashboard aims to serve as a catalyst for data-informed action to create more livable communities for birthing people through cross-sector collaboration.

Contact: Ariadne Labs, 401 Park Drive, Third Floor WEST , Boston, MA 02115, Telephone: (617) 384-6555 E-mail: info@ariadnelabs.org Web Site: https://www.ariadnelabs.org/

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Keywords: Childbirth, Collaboration, Community participation, Data aggregation, Health care disparities, Health equity, Maternal health, Maternal mortality, Racial factors, Social determinants of health, Urban health

Annotation: This report explores how community-based maternal support services provided by community-based doulas and maternity community health workers can improve maternal health outcomes. It also highlights the results of a national environmental scan of organizations that are actively working toward eliminating maternal health disparities and building community connections through the community-based maternal support model. Common barriers to implementing this model are identified, and opportunities for Medicaid stakeholders to provide support and increased access to these services are highlighted.

Contact: Institute for Medicaid Innovation, 1250 Connecticut Ave., Suite 700, PMB 5135, Washington, DC 20036, E-mail: info@medicaidinnovation.org Web Site: http://www.medicaidinnovation.org

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Keywords: Barriers, Childbirth, Community based services, Community health workers, Doulas , Maternal health, Medicaid, Model programs, Public health, Risk factors, Social support, initiatives