Monthly update: New birth trends research, Black Maternal Health Conference recap, and more resources

October 2024

Latine Heritage Month* | Domestic Violence Awareness Month | SIDS Awareness Month

New Study Shows 10% Increase in Preterm Births in California

A new study led by Laura Jelliffe-Pawlowski, professor emeritus at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, examined changes in risk factors may be contributing to the increasing number of infants born prematurely. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study looked at the patterns of over five million births in California and also explored patterns in protective factors that can improve birth health.

Read the Research Paper

PTBi team, left to right: Associate Director Selina Lao Mason, Executive Program Coordinator Je’Meshia Wade, and Operations Manager Julie Taylor

Black Maternal Health Conference: Post-Gathering Afterglow

PTBi’s Executive Program Coordinator Je’Meshia Wade reports on this year’s Black Maternal Health Conference in Atlanta:

After attending the Black Mamas Matter Alliance’s Black Maternal Health Conference, I’m left with my cup full! I feel inspired and motivated to be part of the change needed to transform the landscape of Black maternal health. The conference provided not only vital information but also a space for genuine and raw emotions, both from myself and the other attendees and presenters. It was a moving experience that left a lasting impact.

What truly stood out were the personal touches throughout the event. From the branding to the decorations, everything was thoughtfully crafted to celebrate and center Black women. The attention to detail made me feel seen and valued!

For me, this event reaffirmed the power of community, the need for culturally competent care, and the urgency of improving maternal health outcomes for Black women. Overall, I appreciate the opportunity that I got to attend the conference because I have a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to advancing Black maternal health.

Honoring the Heart, Soul, and impact of Midwives

Let's celebrate National Midwifery Week (10/6-12) and return to Vice President Kamala Harris's visit to UCSF in 2022, where she highlighted the critical role of midwifery-led models like Black Centering Pregnancy. Black midwives significantly reduce maternal mortality and improve outcomes for Black women.

Read Story

Make an impact as PTBi's New Project Manager!

We are seeking a Policy, Advocacy, and Grants Project Manager to lead policy efforts while building community with internal and external partners. If you have a deep understanding of the Black maternal health crisis and a knack for project management, this is your chance to make a meaningful difference in maternal health equity.

Apply Now

Pregnancy Pop Up Village: New Name and Website, Same Excellent Services

Now called the SF Pregnancy Family Village, the change signals the end of a successful pilot phase and the transition toward growth and sustainability. The group of city agencies, healthcare and community-based organizations is committed to improving pregnancy experience and outcomes by delivering their services within community events in a coordinated, collaborative, and dignified way.

Visit New Website

Register to Vote and Let Your Voice Be Heard

We are committed to encouraging civic participation throughout our community, particularly when decisions are being made about our maternal health. Don’t let others decide for you; step up, make your choice, and empower your community by participating in the democratic process! Find a list of all national deadlines here.

Deadline to register in California is October 21st!

Voices for Birth Justice: Celebrating Latine Heritage

Ana Delgado

Midwife, Partera

Beginning her journey into midwifery through advocacy work, the core of Ana's approach is building trust with clients and prioritizing their voices to build true integrity in health care.

Read Her Story

Julie Taylor

Mom, Birth Justice Advocate

From a lineage of community organizers, Julie supports culturally competent care from Black and Brown doulas and midwives to transform childbirth to create meaningful change in maternal care.

Read Her Story

Celebrate joy with our October Zoom background

Alma Leon-Reveles and her children are featured on this month's Zoom background.

Download Background

* We avoid the term Hispanic, since it centers the heritage of colonists rather than the histories and ancestry of those from Central and South America and the Caribbean islands. An in-depth discussion of this can be found in this article on the Human Rights Campaign site.

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