Episode #13: The Power of Your Voice: Advocacy and Health Equity with Ellen Breslin

Episode #13: The Power of Your Voice: Advocacy and Health Equity with Ellen Breslin

Does your voice really matter? If you’ve ever wondered whether navigating daily workplace challenges and sharing the realities can truly impact the broader system and the communities we live in, this episode is for you. Hosts Ginger and Denise are joined by state and federal advocacy guru, Ellen Breslin who holds a masters degree in public policy. Drawing from her vast expertise with the largest healthcare consulting firm in the nation, and centering her work in Massachusetts—tackling everything from state budget battles to fighting for justice, health equity, and reducing disparities—Ellen brings invaluable lessons on why and how midwives must use their voices. While not a direct expert in maternal child health, Ellen’s extensive career in breaking down regulatory restrictions and aggressively defending quality of life offers a masterclass in advocacy. Tune in to discover: * How the "quadruple aim" aligns perfectly with the goals of modern midwifery. * Practical strategies to grow and support the workforce while ensuring provider satisfaction. * Priceless "pearls" from Ellen's advocacy career that you can easily overlay onto your own practice. Note: Ellen is also a featured speaker at the July 23rd, 4th Annual Grow Midwives, "Care at the Crossroads" virtual conference. Don't miss this chance to preview her powerful insights! Register: https://www.kumc.edu/institute-for-community-engagement/our-divisions/ku-ahec/professional-development/4th-annual-healthcare-at-the-crossroads.html [https://www.kumc.edu/institute-for-community-engagement/our-divisions/ku-ahec/professional-development/4th-annual-healthcare-at-the-crossroads.html] Contact: Ellen Breslin, MPP (she/her/hers) Breslin Health Consulting, LLC ellen@breslinhealth.com Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNM Email The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com  Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/ [https://growmidwives.com/] Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/ [https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/] Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwives [http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwives] Producer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby Collaboration GM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, Keynote Thanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends! (c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026

Episode #12: Consumerism, Coding, and C-Sections: Navigating the Future of Maternity Care

Join hosts Ginger and Denise for a probing and extraordinarily fun hour with OB/GYN Dr. Neel Shah. Together they will take you on the rapidly shifting landscape of maternal healthcare, discussing everything from the rise of C-sections and the true cost of care to the vital role of midwives.  The discussion moves to the unknown healthcare industry's changing tides including forecasts about new OB coding, the rise of direct-to-consumer healthcare, and how consumerism is reshaping patient expectations. But this episode isn't just about the challenges— if you follow us, it's a forward-looking exploration of what is ‘possible’.  Neel highlights the innovative strategies and advancing technologies that are driving real improvement in the field. From AI-driven evidence-based research and better predictability for pre-eclampsia, to the integration of Ambient Listening and the transition from Up-to-Date to Open Evidence. We know you will be challenged to think about how these tools shape your delivery of healthcare.  Favorite Podcast Neel’isms, "Modern midwifery requires working against the grain," and “Midwives see color when everyone else sees black and white." If you are looking for a thoughtful, deeply insightful conversation that balances systems critique with genuine hope for the future of maternal care, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Vital Statistics Births provisional data for 2025. Report No. 43, April 2026.  https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr043.pdf [https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr043.pdf] Heartland Forward HHS Collaboration to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes. May 2026. https://heartlandforward.org/new-heartland-forward-hhs-collaboration-aims-to-improve-maternal-health-outcomes/ [https://heartlandforward.org/new-heartland-forward-hhs-collaboration-aims-to-improve-maternal-health-outcomes/] Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNM Email The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com  Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/ [https://growmidwives.com/] Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/ [https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/] Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwives [http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwives] Producer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby Collaboration GM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, Keynote Thanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends! (c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026

SPECIAL Episode #11: Embracing the Dance of Conflict with William Ury, PhD

When faced with challenging workplace situations, concerning contract negotiations, or conflict in power-over relationships, most resort to recoil—a response that only increases anxiety and frustration. In this truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, hosts Ginger and Denise sit down with world renown negotiator William Ury to discuss how to shift your mindset and embrace conflict as a powerful catalyst for change. Dr. Ury—a Harvard-trained social anthropologist, co-founder of Harvard’s Program on Negotiation, and co-author of the groundbreaking bestseller Getting to Yes—has spent his life negotiating in high-stakes environments. Part memoir, part manual, part manifesto, his newest book Possible offers stories and sage advice from nearly 50 years of experience on the front lines of some of the world’s toughest conflicts. From the White House Crisis Center and corporate boardrooms to coal mines and active war zones, he has dedicated his career to finding "win-win" solutions.  Key Takeaways: * Redefine Conflict: Learn to stop running from conflict. Instead, "Befriend your fear... conflict is normal... play with it… dance with it... move towards the thing that you fear." * The Midwifery Metaphor: "Midwifery is a metaphor for what society needs to do.... it’s an action." Discover how to move toward collaborative, positive outcomes from difficult situations. * Shift Your Perspective: When dealing with opposition think about Ury’s recommendation: "Meet animosity with curiosity!" Get the book, Possible https://www.williamury.com/possible/ [https://www.williamury.com/possible/] Register for July 23rd Grow Midwives CME Conference with William Ury as the Keynote Speaker https://www.kumc.edu/institute-for-community-engagement/our-divisions/ku-ahec/professional-development/4th-annual-healthcare-at-the-crossroads.html [https://www.kumc.edu/institute-for-community-engagement/our-divisions/ku-ahec/professional-development/4th-annual-healthcare-at-the-crossroads.html] Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNM Email The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com  Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/ [https://growmidwives.com/] Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/ [https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/] Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwives [http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwives] Producer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby Collaboration GM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, Keynote Thanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends! (c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026

Episode 10: The Big Tent: Leadership, Relevance, and the Future of Midwifery with ACNMs new President, Dr. Peter Johnson

What is the value of a professional society in a changing world? In this episode, hosts Ginger and Denise sit down with Dr. Peter Johnson, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, the new President of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM). With over 40 years of experience as an educator, clinician, and global health leader, Dr. Johnson brings a "not on my watch" dedication to the future of the organization. What We Discuss: ·       The Power of Small Organizations: Why being a member of the ACNM matters and how individuals can make a tangible difference. ·       Relevance & Value: A deep dive into the value proposition of the ACNM today and how to remain relevant as a professional society. ·       The "Big Tent" Philosophy: Exploring how to maintain a unified profession despite differing perspectives and why membership numbers are shifting. ·       Future Initiatives: Dr. Johnson’s goals for his term, including workforce initiatives and the Task Force on Name Change. ·       AND a Provocative Question: We wrap up with a brief, fascinating look at the possibility of U.S. Midwives forming a union. Want to email Peter Johnson? president@acnm.org ACNM Membership Levels - WE NEED EVERYONE to re-think what is possible with joining and/or return to membership. https://midwife.org/membership/ [https://midwife.org/membership/] Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNM Email The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com  Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/ [https://growmidwives.com/] Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/ [https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/] Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwives [http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwives] Producer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby Collaboration GM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, Keynote Thanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends! (c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026

Episode 9: The $17 Million Blind Spot. Why TMaH is the Most Important Acronym You've Never Heard About

If I told you there was a $17 million dollar check sitting on a table with your name on it, you’d probably pull up a chair, right? Now, what if I told you that check is already signed, the seats are being filled, but midwives a key component of the funding objectives aren't even in the room? Episode 9 explores the TMaH—Transforming Maternal Health state grants with a focus on Alabama.  In 2025, fifteen State Medicaid Associations were awarded $17 million each. States are now in the three-year Pre-Implementation Phase. This is the 'assessment and planning' period that will dictate exploration and implementation concepts funded until December 31, 2034. What is a required objective? Workforce expansion. But here is the problem: * What happens when a State Medicaid Association staff has zero familiarity with midwife scope of practice or credentials? * What happens when the grant applications aren't in the public domain, and midwives don't even know the funding exists? This is about power. If midwifery is being held hostage by barriers to practice and inequitable reimbursement, TMaH is the key to the lock. But you can't wait for an invitation that might never come. If we don’t organize now, 'workforce expansion' will be defined for us, not by us. In This Episode Ginger, Denise and guest Dr. Elizabeth Munoz DNP, CNM break down strategy to move from the sidelines to the conversation. We discuss: * How to track down your state’s TMaH roadmap * Organize your Affiliate WHY aligned with funding objectives * Bring objective actions to collaborate as an expected organization Federal program overview https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/tmah [https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/tmah] Alabama TMaH webpage https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/2.0_Newsroom/2.7_Special_Initiatives/2.7.7_Transforming_Maternal_Health_TMaH_Model.aspx [https://medicaid.alabama.gov/content/2.0_Newsroom/2.7_Special_Initiatives/2.7.7_Transforming_Maternal_Health_TMaH_Model.aspx] Co-hosts: Dr.'s Ginger Breedlove, PhD, CNM, FACNM, FAAN & Denise Fryzelka, PhD, CNM, FACNM Email The Possibilist Midwives, with questions: possibilist.midwives@growmidwives.com  Product of Grow Midwives, LLC https://growmidwives.com/ [https://growmidwives.com/] Follow on FaceBook for daily posts https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/ [https://www.facebook.com/growmidwivesofficial/] Grow Midwives YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwives [http://www.youtube.com/@growmidwives] Producer: Isaac Booth; Music by Moby Collaboration GM Annual Conference: Virtual Only, July 23rd - William Ury, Keynote Thanks for listening, following & sharing with your friends! (c) Grow Midwives, LLC January 2026