Hearing Native Mothers – A Tribal Discussion Session on Supporting Maternal Health

Mothers are cherished, sacred members of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, and hold distinct roles of nourishing, teaching, and leading their families. For many, pregnancy can be an exciting, joyous time. However, while rare, too many mothers die each year from complications related to pregnancy, and AIAN people are disproportionately affected. NIHB is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to better understand and amplify the ways in which AI/AN mothers, partners, caregivers, and community members can best keep mothers and babies healthy and safe during pregnancy and beyond. It is essential to work together to protect Native families and communities. The National Indian Health Board and the CDC hosted a special discussion session on a new campaign segment aimed to support AI/AN healthy pregnancies and postpartum health, based on the existing Hear Her campaign. This overview of the campaign is provided by Dr. Wanda Barfield, MD, MPH, FAAP, RADM USPHS (ret.), director of the Division of Reproductive Health (DRH) within the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) at the CDC. For more information about NIHB’s work, visit: https://www.nihb.org/public_health/maternal_mortality.php.