At 39 weeks during her first pregnancy, our founder faced gestational hypertension and a high-risk pregnancy, culminating in an emergency c-section. In her latest blog, she shares her personal journey with postpartum anxiety and OCD, from the isolation of prolonged bed rest to the fear and intrusive thoughts that followed her daughter’s birth. Through therapy, psychiatric care, and ongoing support, she reflects on the slow, messy, but real process of healing. This story aims to raise awareness about postpartum mental health, maternal anxiety, and the challenges many mothers face after childbirth.

Here are scripts you can use to advocate for yourself and your baby when speaking directly to healthcare providers or medical personnel, especially in situations where you feel dismissed or uncomfortable. These statements are designed to help you assert your concerns and demand respectful, equitable care.

Meet Cherish Heard, our new Director of Data Collection and Study Recruitment at Edith Institute! A passionate advocate for equity in healthcare, Cherish brings her lived experiences and academic expertise to drive groundbreaking research that amplifies patient voices and promotes compassionate care. We’re thrilled to have her on board as we continue our mission to create a more just and equitable healthcare system.

"The Mama We See" is a transformative initiative that centers the experiences of Black mothers to drive meaningful improvements in maternal healthcare.

The world is changing, and it’s not always easy to navigate. As America becomes more diverse, many of us are facing frustration from others who feel threatened by this change. It can be exhausting to constantly carry the weight of others' fear and misunderstanding. Now what? Honestly, I am not sure. I just know now is the time for me to make space for my feelings and allow time to process and heal. Next steps will reveal itself. For now, I am holding grace for myself and for others.

National Grief Awareness Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of grief, especially for Black mothers. Grief, defined as "deep and poignant distress caused by or as if by bereavement," is a universal human experience. While all expectant mothers hope for the joy of welcoming new life, many mothers end up facing grief during their pregnancy and childbirth. Unfortunately, Black mothers face this grief more often, with the highest rates of infant loss and maternal mortality in the country.

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural process that nourishes both mother and baby. However, for Black mothers, the journey can be uniquely challenging. Let’s talk about it.