The Bond: Our Babies, Our Voices

Black Maternal Health Week Panel, Part 2

Welcome to The Bond: Our Babies, Our Voices. In this episode we bring together a panel to celebrate Black Maternal Health Week 2025 in Minnesota. We are joined by Dr. Nathan T. Chomilo, Medical Director for the State of Minnesota’s Medicaid & MinnesotaCare programs; Dr. Rachel Hardeman, a leading reproductive health equity research and one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2024; and Shannon Gibney, an award-winning author and professor. The panel is moderated by Kimberly Seals Allers, the founder of the Irth App.  Kiwi Cares [https://www.kiwi-collaborative.com/] 501(c)3 is a non-profit in Minnesota that works to improve maternal health outcomes. We work towards our goal by collaborating with community partners and filling gaps in funding to support families.

Black Maternal Health Week Panel, Part 1

Welcome to The Bond: Our Babies, Our Voices. In this episode we bring together a panel to celebrate Black Maternal Health Week 2025 in Minnesota. We are joined by Dr. Nathan T. Chomilo, Medical Director for the State of Minnesota’s Medicaid & MinnesotaCare programs; Dr. Rachel Hardeman, a leading reproductive health equity research and one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2024; and Shannon Gibney, an award-winning author and professor. The panel is moderated by Kimberly Seals Allers, the founder of the Irth App.  Kiwi Cares [https://www.kiwi-collaborative.com/] 501(c)3 is a non-profit in Minnesota that works to improve maternal health outcomes. We work towards our goal by collaborating with community partners and filling gaps in funding to support families.

Building and Losing Trust

In this episode we will hear from a mom who had three different doctors during her pregnancy and delivery. The care team and mom navigated the challenges of hypertension, preeclampsia, the baby's size and how the mom felt with induction timetables.  Our partner featured in this episode is the Division of Indian Work: https://www.diw-mn.org/ [https://www.diw-mn.org/] To learn more about Ninde Doulas, visit: https://www.diw-mn.org/health [https://www.diw-mn.org/health].

Giving Birth Without Speaking English

In this episode we will hear from a mom who navigates the healthcare system through interpreters. We also hear about the common occurrence of separating moms and babies during the early hours of life. Please email kian@kiwi-collaborative.com [kian@kiwi-collaborative.com] for a full translation of Liz's experience.  Our partner featured in this episode is the Division of Indian Work: https://www.diw-mn.org/ [https://www.diw-mn.org/] Camila Valenzuela-Panza is the Ninde Doula Lactation Specialist. She is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. She has 2 children whom she breastfed for 3 years each, and in those struggles became a passionate advocate for informed consent, and helping families reach their lactating goals and reduce barriers. She also enjoys hiking, sewing, cooking, and dancing.

Doctors Are Not Listening to Black and Brown Women

In this episode we will discuss hear from Jerriah and several other moms about their experiences. Specifically we will explore how moms are advocating and voicing their needs but their needs are not being addressed. This episode also provides a brief history of gynecology and its roots in slavery. Featured partners: The Snuggle House Foundation: https://www.snugglehousefoundation.org [https://www.snugglehousefoundation.org] CDC Hear Her Campaign: https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/index.html [https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/index.html] Kiwi Cares 501(c)3 is a non-profit in Minnesota that works to improve maternal health outcomes. We work towards our goal by collaborating with community partners and filling gaps in funding to support families.