Let’s talk maternal health
This isn’t just a ‘mom’ problem. It’s a systems failure | 3 min read
When I became a mom in 2021, I thought I was ready.
I’ve spent over 15 years in healthcare—building programs to improve care. But living it, as a pregnant patient, was totally different.
I had paid leave, a support system, and decent insurance. And I still struggled.
I can’t stop thinking: If it was hard for me, what’s it like for moms with fewer resources? Especially for moms of color who have to figure just to be taken seriously?
What moms are up against.
The U.S. has the highest maternal death rate of any wealthy country.
Black women are 3X more likely to die from complications than white women.
84% of these deaths are preventable.
1 in 5 moms experience a mental health condition, but 75% never get care.
Over 2 million women live in places with no maternity care at all.
This isn’t just a ‘mom problem’. It’s a system failure.
What better could look like.
Every mom deserves an experience shaped around her needs, not the system’s limits:
Care that supports her whole self (physical, emotional, and mental).
Guidance rooted in trust, not bias or dismissal.
Support that doesn’t disappear at six weeks postpartum.
Real prep before birth about her rights, mental health, and what postpartum is really like.
Yes, there are bright spots. Frontline care workers, innovators, researchers, and funders are doing the work.
But most moms are still stuck navigating a confusing, fragmented system on their own.
And they’re exhausted.
That’s why I’m joining Let’s Talk Women.
On April 24th, Let’s Talk Women is bringing together 150+ leaders committed to rethink maternal health–especially for women who’ve been left behind.
This isn’t just another event. It’s a space to think bigger, ask harder questions, and make connections that lead to real change.
Change doesn’t come from one big dea.
It happens when we pull the right ones together—and move forward with intention. That’s how systems shift.
Because every new mom deserves to feel seen, heard, and treated like a whole human.
And I’m here for all of it. To keep learning, listening, and building care that truly cares.
