Interview with Betsy McNamara

"International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) has connected with the majority of its 143 midwives' associations in all regions of the world and accounts from the midwives working on the front lines during this pandemic are harrowing, unveiling an increase in gender discrimination, domestic violence, human rights abuses, the over-medicalization of birth and fear and misinformation, all culminating in growing distress among women and midwives. These findings are echoed by World Health Organization staff in country offices globally.    As a result of communication with midwives, ICM released a Joint Statement with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) calling for governments, decision makers, donors and health institutions to ensure the protection of midwives, women and newborns during the COVID-19 pandemic." 

In a prototyping collaboration, three organizations came together to make connections, heal trauma and create resilient State level partnerships for the future of their collective communities. In this Part Two interview, Carmen Parra Cano discusses her perspective on collaboration and relationship as birth workers of color in Arizona.

In a prototyping collaboration, three organizations came together to make connections, heal trauma and create resilient State level partnerships for the future of their collective communities. In this Part one interview, Lakisa Muhammad and Michelle Ponce discuss their perspectives on collaboration and relationship as birth workers of color in Arizona.

The Birth Center Equity Fund was created to make birth center care an option for every person who wants it, by growing and sustaining birth centers led by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC).

Indra Lusero discusses resources inspired by their work with countless pregnant women, doulas, and other folks offering support to birthing people who had either experienced or witnessed violations during childbirth.

An interview with the team over at  GoodBirth Network to talk about their vision of bringing "together health professionals to support a global network of midwifery centers in collaborative quality initiatives. The GoodBirth Network consists of midwifery centers in low and middle income countries that desire to work with global peers to achieve and recognize excellence." Their open-hearted and brilliant team includes: Cris Alonso, Stan Shaffer, and Jennifer Stevens.

Cris Alonso agreed to come on to update us on COVID-19 specific to midwifery and midwifery centers with her unique global perspective.

An interview with Franka Cadee, President of the International Confederation of Midwives, discussing the world's midwives and the upcoming 32nd Annual Confederation of Midwives Congress.

Motherboard Birth provides evidence-based information to birthing families, helps them make decisions and build a visual birth "plan," aka a "Motherboard," and helps them to communicate their wishes with their provider and birth team.   This podcast explores the journey of creating tech for birthworkers and is full of tips and ideas for anyone interested in pursuing a tech solution for better birth options.

Led by Betsy McNamara of Full Circle Consulting, Transforming Birth Fund focused on research and best practice dissemination, operational support and coalition building. It took risks, and was willing to get creative, leading the way for foundations to support the work of midwives and maternal health changemakers.