When former Teen Vogue editor and journalist Elaine Welteroth first became pregnant, she imagined the birth she saw depicted in television and movies–joyful, safe and supportive. But after eight different doctor visits and no luck finding the right type of care, Elaine pivoted to midwifery where she found the comfort and support she was seeking. She joins Dr. Sharon Malone to share her birthing journey, how she's working to make birth joyful again, and how her new non-profit, birthFUND, is helping families get access to life-saving midwifery care. 

Elaine Welteroth is an award-winning journalist, NYT bestselling author, and founder of birthFUND. Elaine was named one of TIME’s 2025 Closers, recognized for her work helping to close the racial equity gap. In April 2024, Elaine launched birthFUND, a movement for maternal health committed to expanding access to safe and affirming birth care across the country. Alongside founding funders such as Serena Williams, Kelly Rowland, and Karlie Kloss and corporate partners such as SoFi, Pampers, and BabyList, birthFUND has raised over $3 million for families seeking midwives while raising awareness and challenging the way the United States approaches maternal healthcare. Elaine is a mom of two living with her husband in L.A.

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Resources:

birthFUND

Kindred Space LA

Historical Significance of Doulas and Midwives

The Second Opinion with Dr. Sharon is a production of Higher Ground.

Hosted by Dr. Sharon Malone

Produced by Stella Hartmann

Production Assistance by Camila Thur de Koos and CJ Archerd

Sound Design and Engineering by Ryan Kozlowski and Andrew Eapen

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