In this episode of The Heart Next Door Podcast, I sit down with Elon Geffrard, co-founder of Birth Detroit, the city's first and only freestanding birth center. Elon is a doula, certified lactation counselor, childbirth educator, and long-time maternal health equity advocate. With over a decade in public health—including work with the CDC and the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention—she has dedicated her life to ensuring families receive holistic, respectful, and community-centered care. We talk about the story behind Birth Detroit and what it means for families in the city. We also unpack why birth equity and reproductive justice are vital for healthier outcomes. This conversation is about more than birth—it’s about liberation, dignity, and building systems of care that truly serve families. Whether you’re a parent or birth worker, this episode will inspire you to reimagine what maternal health can look like when it’s rooted in community and love.

To learn more about Birth Detroit visit https://www.birthdetroit.com/