We’re ending Season 1 with the community at the center. Guest host Aysia Jackson, VNPC’s Community Partner Liaison, sits down with Ciara Puryear to talk about her real-life experience using the CDC’s Hear Her conversation guide with her provider.

They discuss the power of being heard, why listening matters in maternal health, and how culturally responsive care can save lives.

It’s the season finale you don’t want to miss.

Don’t forget to take our post-listening survey to share your feedback. Click here to take the survey. Your input helps us make this podcast even better for you!

Show Notes Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC).

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Alexis Jackson, licensed therapist and founder of Embrace Your Therapy Services, who brings a unique dual lens to the conversation—as both a mental health professional and a new mom. Alexis shares her personal and professional insights on the emotional and psychological dimensions of urgent maternal warning signs, and why recognizing them goes far beyond the physical.

Join us for this heartfelt and informative conversation that reminds us all: your feelings are valid, and your voice matters.

Don’t forget to take our post-listening survey to share your feedback. Click here to take the survey. Your input helps us make this podcast even better for you!

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC).

Join us for a powerful conversation with community partner Maliqua White as she shares her experience using the Hear Her conversation guide, a resource from the CDC’s Hear Her campaign. Maliqua discusses how this tool supports better communication between pregnant and postpartum individuals and their care teams, and how it’s helping to amplify voices that need to be heard. Discover how you can use the Hear Her conversation guide and explore additional tools to support maternal health at cdc.gov/hearher. #welcometotheconversation

Don’t forget to take our post-listening survey to share your feedback. Click here to take the survey. Your input helps us make this podcast even better for you!

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC).

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Shannon Walsh from VCU's Emergency Department as she shares her expertise on what patients should communicate to the ED team when visiting during pregnancy or post-partum. Dr. Walsh provides a unique lens as an ED provider, highlighting crucial information that can enhance patients' care and outcomes. #welcometotheconversation

Don’t forget to take our post-listening survey to share your feedback. Click here to take the survey. Your input helps us make this podcast even better for you!

In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic that every expecting and new parent should be aware of. Join us as we sit down with Stephanie Spencer, the inspiring founder and executive director of Urban Baby Beginnings. Stephanie shares her invaluable insights on urgent maternal warning signs, what to look for, and how to communicate effectively with your healthcare provider.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this conversation is packed with essential information that could make a life-saving difference. Tune in to learn, share, and be part of a community that prioritizes maternal health and well-being.#welcometotheconversation

Don’t forget to take our post-listening survey to share your feedback.  Click here to take the survey. Your input helps us make this podcast even better for you!

Welcome to the very first episode of Bear Hug Conversations by VNPC! This podcast is your new space to explore meaningful and heartfelt conversations about maternal health. We're thrilled to partner with the CDC’s Hear Her campaign to amplify women’s voices and raise awareness about the warning signs of maternal health complications. Together, we’re building a community where everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered.

In this introductory episode, we’ll share the mission behind Bear Hug Conversations and what you can expect as we move forward. This is more than just a podcast—it’s a movement to bring communities together, one story at a time. By tuning in, you’re becoming an essential part of this mission, and we couldn’t be happier to have you on this journey.

Let’s inspire, educate, and connect. Welcome to the conversation!

And don’t forget to take our post-listening survey to share your feedback:  Click here to take the survey. Your input helps us make this podcast even better for you!