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Credit: Illustration by Alexa Imani Spencer/Photo Courtesy of Quonnetta Johnson By Alexa Spencer, The Observer, August 29, 2023 Long before giving birth to her first child at home, Quonnetta Johnson knew she wanted to breastfeed. For the 23-year-old mom, the health and financial benefits made nursing her number one option. “Since I found out I was pregnant, I just began to do a bunch of research and joined different Facebook groups, like Black breastfeeding groups…to learn more information...

Doula services can be especially important for mothers of color, especially in communities where the demographics of care-givers don't reflect the population they serve. Martha Swann-Quinn By Anna Spidel, KBIA, May 12, 2023 When a person has a baby, their health outcomes can be impacted by a variety of factors. And in the U.S., where rates of maternal mortality are higher than in other high-income countries, race is one of those factors. Missouri Doulas are aiming to do something about this.

From Advancing New Standards In Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), Image: From article, ANSIRH, May 16, 2023 A new report presents the preliminary findings of the Care Post-Roe Study, and shows how health care providers have been unable to provide the standard of care in states with abortion bans since the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade ten months ago, leading to harm and negative health outcomes for patients. The report, Care Post-Roe: Documenting cases of poor-quality care since the...

From American Hospital Association, Photo: Screenshot from article, American Hospital Association, May 15, 2023 The Health Resources and Services Administration announced a new toll-free number (1-833-TLC-MAMA) and promotional toolkit for its National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for pregnant and postpartum individuals with mental health concerns. Since its launch on Mother’s Day 2022, the hotline’s professional counselors have provided free and confidential emotional support, resources...

SENT BY NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE COALITION CALL OR EMAIL YOUR CONGRESSPERSON OR THE PRESIDENT TODAY. SPREAD THE WORD May 18, 2023 The Honorable Kevin McCarthy The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries Speaker of the House House Minority Leader H-232, The Capitol H-204 O’Neill House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Washington, DC 20515 The Honorable Charles Schumer The Honorable Mitch McConnell Senate Majority Leader Senate Minority Leader 322 Hart Senate Office Building 317 Russell Senate Office...

By Laura Gallant, 5/18/23, https://positiveexperience.org/category/blog/ May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage month, a time to celebrate, honor and recognize the many cultures, histories, and contributions of the AAPI community. AAPI cultural recognitions and expressions have the power to connect children and families to positive childhood experiences. AAPI Heritage month reminds us all that HOPE is not one-size-fits-all framework in part because children and families...

The Better Together series highlights some of our most dynamic partnerships across Unite Us’ first decade. For over 10 years, we have been expanding what’s possible, bringing sectors together to achieve whole-person health for every member in our communities. Hear from those partners here and learn how you can join us to unlock the potential of your community. The first 1,000 days of life are a critical period of rapid brain development that can influence a baby’s health over a lifetime.

Researchers from the University of Montana want to hear about your learning experiences! If you've been trained in the science of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), or in trauma-informed practices, or if you've learned about NEAR science -- neurobiology, epigenetics, adverse childhood experiences, and resiliency, we would appreciate your participating in our confidential survey located here . It takes 20-30 minutes to complete the survey. It is best done on a tablet or a computer. (You...

Equity in education has the power to support all students' success. In this two-part series, the ParentPowered team curated inspiring examples of equity in action from the field that promote positive learning outcomes and help students thrive. Read On

Outdoor play is key to the health and well-being of children. Getting muddy and staying out till sunset is great for children’s development and can help them refine their motor coordination skills. Kids who play outdoors have improved cognitive skills, too. A recent systematic review found that children who have regular access to green spaces show improved “mental well-being, overall health, and cognitive development.” Children who play outside also had better self-discipline and showed...

Research has found that there is credibility to the term mind-body connection. There is a clear link between our thoughts, feelings, emotions and our physical body. At this point, should we, as a society, stop separating mental health and physical health? Are they not one in the same? As we continue to reflect on Mental Health Awareness month, please join us for this encore episode with special guest and former PACEs Connection team member, Donielle Prince, PhD. Prince discusses the...

Mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. However, it has been heavily stigmatized in our society. Stigma can make people feel ashamed, afraid, or even embarrassed about their struggles, making it challenging for them to reach out for support when they need it. By promoting mental health awareness and taking care of our own mental health we can reduce the stigma. In a world of pandemics, social media, and busy schedules, it is easy to feel like we are alone in our struggles, but the...