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Dr. Venice Haynes shares her groundbreaking work on the 100 Weeks Project, which aims to transform maternal healthcare from preconception through the postpartum year by addressing systemic barriers and creating culturally congruent solutions. She reveals how the project's comprehensive journey maps and state-by-state analysis expose critical gaps in care while highlighting opportunities for employers, policymakers, and communities to better support birthing people.

• Black women are almost three times more likely to die from maternity-related causes than white women
• The 100 Weeks framework covers preconception (4 weeks), pregnancy (40 weeks), and extended postpartum (56 weeks)
• Journey maps compare clinical recommendations with actual experiences and highlight ideal care scenarios
• State analysis shows Southern states generally provide poorer postpartum support, tracking with areas that haven't expanded Medicaid
• Cultural congruency in healthcare providers is key to building trust and improving outcomes
• Ideal postpartum care includes more frequent check-ups, home visits, lactation support, and mental health resources
• Employers play a crucial role through parental leave policies and comprehensive health benefits
• Community-based solutions like home visits and non-traditional appointment hours can improve access
• Building trust takes time
• Advocates should contact legislators, donate to community organizations, and create safe spaces for support

• The Journey Map – Maternal health polices often focus solely on birth, overlooking the challenges that Black mothers face before and after pregnancy.

• The State of Postpartum Care – Interactive maps from USofCare show that postpartum outcomes remain worst in the South, home to the largest share of Black Americans.

• Bright Spots in Maternal Health – USofCare identified promising programs and practices improving maternal health outcomes by engaging with Black women and other women of color.

• Listening to Women of Color – Through in-depth conversations, USofCare uncovered key challenges that Black women face.

• Birthing Bias – Through listening work, USofCare identified that Black women frequently experience racial bias and dismissive treatment.

• 100 Weeks of Care Issue Brief – A comprehensive look at the full Black maternity health journey, identifying gaps and inequalities across pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

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Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier Frampton
Voiceover: Ryan Parker