In this powerful episode, Desere shares her deeply personal journey through miscarriage, stillbirth, and a traumatic pregnancy after loss. From the grief of saying goodbye to her daughter Stella to the anxiety-filled road toward her rainbow baby, Desere opens up about the moments that broke her, the nurse who saw her, and the community that helped rebuild her hope. She explains how her experience transformed from ministry to maternal health advocacy and how MoMMAs Voices empowered her to speak not just for herself but for families who may never get the chance to share their stories. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that we are never alone, healing is possible, and serving others can become the very path that heals us. 

About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

In this episode of The Power of MoMMAs Voices, Nicole is joined by patient family partner Briaa Baldwin, who opens up about her three high-risk pregnancies, the hidden scars she carried, and the moment she realized her story truly mattered. Briaa shares how asking questions became her path to self-advocacy, and why no birthing person should ever feel dismissed or “non-compliant.” She reflects on the support she wished she had, the importance of involving partners in care, and the communication gaps that shaped her birth experiences. Briaa also discusses her current work strengthening connections between outpatient clinics and community organizations, and why MoMMAs Voices’ patient training became a turning point in her advocacy journey

About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

In this episode of The Power of MoMMAs Voices podcast, we sit down with Liz Gray, LCSW, an infertility advocate and trauma therapist, to discuss her journey through infertility, a complicated birth, and the challenges of the fourth trimester.

Liz opens up about how one dismissive interaction during her fertility treatment reshaped her understanding of care and sparked her mission to help others access trauma-informed, compassionate support. She shares what trauma-informed care looks like in practice, why words matter, and how both patients and providers can build trust through empathy and repair.

About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

In this powerful episode of The Power of MoMMAs Voices, host Nicole speaks with Trinity Lueder, a maternal health advocate whose journey began after experiencing an early pregnancy loss complicated by a rare blood disorder.

Trinity shares her story of heartbreak and purpose. She opens up about the challenges of advocating for herself within the healthcare system, the isolation that often surrounds early pregnancy loss, and the life-changing impact of compassionate care. Through her experience, Trinity found healing and a new mission to improve the way families are supported through pregnancy loss.

Her advocacy reminds us that while the fight for better maternal health is not easy, it is worth every step. Join Nicole and Trinity for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation that encourages all women to share their stories, trust their instincts, and know that their voices can drive real change.

About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

When comedian and advocate Traci Stumpf was diagnosed with preeclampsia that progressed into HELLP syndrome, she had no idea it was something that could happen to her. What began as a desire to help others feel included, seen, and supported has evolved into a powerful mission to help people stand up for themselves and take ownership of their health.

In this episode, Traci shares her journey from patient to advocate, reflecting on what it means to find your voice in the face of medical uncertainty. She reminds listeners that while community is vital, self-advocacy is essential, and that asking questions, pushing for answers, and trusting your instincts can make all the difference.

Tune in for an honest and empowering conversation about preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, resilience, and the strength it takes to speak up for your own care.

About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

As a mom of three, Felicia Watts jokes that she brought her babies into this world like hip-hop albums – every 10 years. Her motherhood journey spanned a unique path from being a younger mom, all the way to being considered high-risk because of “advanced maternal age.” In this episode, she shares her wisdom of how she navigated those challenging motherhood experiences including anxiety, depression, and preeclampsia while also balancing her important professional work in public health. Those experiences led her to recognize the lack of support and resources for expectant moms, and inspired her to speak up, tell her story, and advocate at the highest level for better maternal health support. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about empowerment and motherhood.

Retired after 20 years service in Public Health. An advocate for Black Maternal Health & Wellness, as well as economic empowerment. In support of Working Mothers' rights in the workplace. Mom of 3. Mom before 21, after 40 and in-between. Writer and Patron of the Arts. Multi experiences during my pregnancy journey to include premature delivery.

About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

“There needed to be a space; a safe space for people to go in… so we’re
really proud that that space came out of this in Lincoln’s honor.” Alexis LaVacca started her pregnancy journey like every mom – looking forward to the next steps in her life. Tragically, early-onset preeclampsia transformed that journey from one of excitement to a story of premature birth, a month-long NICU stay, and the heartwrenching loss of her sweet baby Lincoln. In honor of October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, join our “Power of MoMMAs Voices” podcast as Alexis shares her story and honors Lincoln through the work she does as a maternal health advocate in her community in Long Island, NY.

About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

“Create a community who is there to support, advocate, and be there for you across your motherhood journey.” Colleen Grant’s motherhood journey began with the preterm birth and loss of her first child. She subsequently experienced other preterm births, miscarriages, and complications that left her passionate to make things better for the next mom down the line. Today, she serves as a Patient Family Partner, physical therapist, and wellness coach to help moms through their pregnancy and create the village around women who are most in need of comfort and support. 

About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

As a high-risk perinatal nurse, Autumn Mels understood the potential for pregnancy complications better than most… yet she never thought that those challenges could hit so close to home. An unexpected emergency c-section in her own pregnancy left her reeling, struggling to find the resources she needed to process her own and others’ traumas. Now as a maternal health advocate and patient family partner, Autumn is speaking up and speaking out about how obstetric nurses can care for themselves and others as they continue the important work they do.

About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.

Today’s episode of Power of MoMMAs Voices highlights a “Pain into Purpose story of Kate Boydston. Kate is a survivor of placental abruption, gestational diabetes, and postpartum anxiety and depression, as well as a NICU stay. She has since used her “mom voice” on local, national, and international stages as both a Patient Family Partner and as Mrs. New York American. 

“Being able to know that I had a goal of being on a stage, being an advocate for maternal mental health, really gave me an area to set some goals for my therapy.”

“I'm able to feel like my voice is actually making an impact in my state and community.”

“…my mom voice has been able to travel internationally and that's all due to MoMMAs Voices and the training that I received as a Patient Family Partner.”

“And I think that it's important to find your group of people that will support you in getting to that ultimate goal that you're looking for. And I found my people through MoMMAs Voices.”

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About MoMMAs Voices
MoMMAs Voices (Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Advocates) is the first-ever maternal health patient advocates program bringing together real patient and family voices. We're made up of dozens of maternal health organizations who represent all types of maternal health conditions, as well as cross-cutting topics like maternal mental health, racial equity, healthcare delivery, and patient-provider partnership. We sit at the center of maternal health improvements, connecting and training patients with lived experiences, providers, quality improvement leaders, researchers, and policymakers to move forward improvements in maternal care. We are a program of the Preeclampsia Foundation.