year 3 of the strategic plan for Nurturely

Building a Future of Perinatal Equity: Nurturely’s Vision for Year Three

by with No Comment PartnershipsResearch

As we enter the third and final year of our 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, Nurturely remains steadfast
in our commitment to perinatal equity, despite a national climate that continues to challenge the
very principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. While DEI work is being demonized in
political discourse and through direct executive action, we are deepening our dedication to this
work because the stakes have never been higher. The systemic inequities in perinatal health
demand urgent attention, and Nurturely is poised to continue driving transformative change in
2025 and beyond.

Why Our Work Matters Now More Than Ever

In a time when the U.S. perinatal mortality rate continues to rise—especially among Black and
Indigenous communities—Nurturely’s mission to transform perinatal systems, catalyze global
conversations, and build a sustainable foundation is more crucial than ever. The intersection of
racism, cultural biases, and systemic barriers in healthcare creates unacceptable disparities in
birth outcomes. Our work is not just about advocacy; it is about reimagining perinatal care
through an equity-centered lens that prioritizes prevention, community, and sustainability.

Our Strategic Priorities for the Year Ahead

  1. Transforming Systems with Science & Equity
    The current U.S. perinatal care system is reactionary rather than preventative, and this is
    only getting worse as public health funds are being stripped away before our eyes. With
    our newly-launching Perinatal Equity Advocates certification program, we will expand
    our equity-centered training programs for perinatal professionals, bringing more Black
    and Brown birthworkers into sustainable careers and equipping healthcare providers with
    anti-racist education. We will also launch new research initiatives on preventative
    approaches to perinatal health, ensuring that science drives systemic change.
  2. Catalyzing Global Conversations
    Perinatal health is not just a health issue—it’s a cultural one —which is even more
    important to highlight as culturally-inept leaders take the national stage. This year, we
    will ramp up our discussions on the connection between local and global perinatal equity
    through screenings of the Nurturely-produced mini documentary Cultures of Birth. As
    our documentary illustrates, birth, parenthood, and perinatal health is cultural and offers
    an opportunity for human connection that is deeply needed in these divisive times.
  3. Building Sustainable Foundations
    To ensure that our work continues for years to come, despite alarming fluctuations in
    federal grantmaking, we are investing in internal capacity and financial sustainability.
    This includes expanding our Board of Directors and our networks of advisors,
    strengthening operational infrastructure, and increasing unrestricted funding to support
    long-term impact. By solidifying our foundation, we can scale our programs to reach
    more communities that need them most.

A Call to Action: Join Us in This Movement

We refuse to be distracted by the chaos of the current political discourse. Perinatal health equity
is a fundamental human right, and we invite you—our supporters, partners, and advocates—to
stand with us in making birth and postpartum care more just, inclusive, and sustainable. Your
involvement strengthens this movement.

As we look to the future, we do so with hope, determination, and an unwavering commitment to
justice (backed by a strong track record of programming impact in 2024). Looking forward to
working with you to make 2025 a year of action and impact.

Equity in Perinatal Wellness Nurturely

Equity in Perinatal Wellness: Why Nurturely’s Work is More Critical Than Ever

by Equity in Perinatal Wellness

As the political landscape continues to shift toward intolerance and policies that threaten public health, it is more urgent than ever to center equity in perinatal wellness. The U.S. remains the only industrialized nation where maternal mortality is rising, disproportionately affecting Black and global majority communities (source).

The U.S. faces a maternal health crisis marked by significant racial disparities, with systemic racism and anti-Blackness at its core. Black birthing people experience maternal mortality rates nearly three times higher than their white counterparts. In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 26.6 for non- Hispanic white women (CDC). These disparities are not due to socioeconomic status or health conditions but are deeply rooted in systemic racism within healthcare systems. A 2019 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that Black women are three to four times more likely to experience pregnancy-related deaths than white women (KFF).

At Nurturely, our work is grounded in the belief that every birthing person deserves access to culturally relevant, equitable, inclusive care. Our programs are designed to dismantle the systemic barriers that create disparities in perinatal health, ensuring that all parents and babies thrive. This month, as we highlight one of our core themes Equity in Perinatal Wellness, we’re spotlighting our newly-launched initiative to take this work to the next level: the Perinatal Equity Advocates Program (learn more).

Addressing Systemic Racism in Perinatal Care

The impact of systemic racism extends beyond individual interactions, influencing broader social determinants of health. Black women are more likely to reside in areas with limited access to quality healthcare services, face economic instability, and encounter environmental stressors, all contributing to adverse maternal health outcomes. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) emphasizes that systemic racism is a key risk factor for maternal death and illness, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to address these entrenched inequities (NIH).

The Perinatal Equity Advocates Certification Program was created to address these injustices by training and supporting a network of leaders who will advocate for anti-racist policies in perinatal care settings. This program provides essential tools for birthworkers, community leaders, and healthcare professionals to challenge white supremacy in healthcare—a mission we proudly reflect in our advocacy and even our merchandise. Our #BabesAgainstWhiteSupremacy onesies – designed by China Tolliver – are more than just a statement; they are a call to action for systemic change starting at birth.

The Political Landscape & The Fight Ahead

The impending political administration has already signaled its intent to roll back public health protections, restrict reproductive rights, and defund DEI efforts. These actions directly impact perinatal health, making grassroots movements like ours more vital than ever. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy reforms, community engagement, and systemic changes within healthcare institutions. Expanding access to quality prenatal and postpartum care, implementing training for healthcare providers, and supporting community- based health initiatives are crucial steps toward achieving equity in perinatal wellness.

At Nurturely, we refuse to stand by as policies threaten the well-being of parents and infants. Through research, education, and direct action, we are building a future where equity is not optional—it’s the standard. Where wellness for infants and caregivers is not a privilege – it’s a human right.

Join the Movement

Now is the time to act. Whether by participating in the Perinatal Equity Advocates Program, supporting our community-driven initiatives, or using your voice to demand better policies, we invite you to be part of the change. Equity in perinatal wellness is not a trend—it is a movement, and it starts with all of us.

How Baby Carriers Can Boost Breastfeeding Rates

The Power of Proximity: How Baby Carriers Can Boost Breastfeeding Rates

by Human Milk is a Human Right

By Emily Little, PhD

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of life.  However in the US, only 26% of infants are exclusively breastfed at six months, highlighting a significant gap between medical recommendations and reality.  While skin-to-skin contact at birth is well-known to promote breastfeeding, the impact of ongoing physical closeness between parent and infant remains less explored.

Carrying infants close to the body is a common practice in many cultures worldwide, with benefits that extend beyond mere convenience.  In Guatemala, for instance, over 90% of mothers carry their babies.  However, in the US, baby carrying has been largely replaced by car seats and strollers, potentially impacting breastfeeding rates.

A recent Nurturely study investigated the potential link between baby carriers and breastfeeding.  We recruited 100 pregnant parents from a low-income home visiting program and randomly assigned them to receive a soft-structured ergonomic carrier at birth or to a waitlist.  

The results were encouraging, showing that:

How Baby Carriers Can Boost Breastfeeding Rates

Parents who received the carrier before birth were more likely to breastfeed their infants at six months, both exclusively and partially. While the difference in exclusive breastfeeding was not statistically significant, it suggests a trend worth exploring further.

This study points to the crucial role of physical proximity in promoting breastfeeding.  Policies aimed at supporting breastfeeding mothers often focus on providing time and space for pumping, but neglect the importance of continuous physical contact.  This study suggests that:

Policies should encourage the use of baby carriers, potentially through subsidies or educational campaigns and workplace policies should prioritize parent-infant closeness, such as offering more paid parental leave and on-site childcare.

Beyond the Milk:

Breastfeeding is a complex interplay of physiology and psychology, and physical contact plays a vital role.  By embracing baby carrying and creating environments that support parent-infant closeness, we can foster a more nurturing and supportive environment for breastfeeding.  Let’s move beyond simply providing space for pumping and embrace the power of proximity in promoting breastfeeding and creating a more supportive environment for families.

Partner Spotlight: Restoration Chiropractic and Dr. Kaitlyn

Partner Spotlight: Restoration Chiropractic and Dr. Kaitlyn

by Partnerships

Introduction: At Nurturely, we believe in fostering strong partnerships with professionals who share our vision of providing exceptional and inclusive care for our community. Today, we are excited to reintroduce one of our longtime partners, Restoration Chiropractic, and the remarkable Dr. Kaitlyn. Her dedication to promoting well-being, especially during the transformative period of pregnancy and post-birth, aligns perfectly with our mission.

A Shared Vision: Restoration Chiropractic and Nurturely are united in our commitment to offering comprehensive care that supports the health and happiness of our community. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Dr. Kaitlyn, whose passion for her work shines through in every tiny patient she cares for. Whether you’ve witnessed the heartwarming sight of tiny babies in Dr. Kaitlyn’s arms or experienced her exceptional care firsthand, you know the impact she makes.

Evidence-Informed Care: Dr. Kaitlyn’s approach to chiropractic care is rooted in evidence and tailored to individual needs. She understands that every body is unique, and she values your knowledge of your own body. This personalized approach, combined with a deep understanding of cultural preferences, experiences, and responses to treatments, ensures that you receive care that’s just right for you.

A Healing Space: Located within the cozy confines of the Nurturely Lounge, Restoration Chiropractic offers a range of services designed to promote healing and well-being. From gentle adjustments to fascial decompression through cupping, soft tissue manipulation, craniosacral therapy, and functional rehabilitation exercises, they provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, including the tiniest members of our community.

Supporting New and Expecting Parents: Dr. Kaitlyn has a special affinity for working with new and expecting parents. She recognizes the challenges and uncertainties that come with this transformative period of life. That’s why she is not just a chiropractor but also a valuable resource and guide. Her goal is to empower parents with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate this exciting yet challenging journey confidently.

A Commitment to Inclusivity and Collaboration: Restoration Chiropractic and Dr. Kaitlyn prioritize early intervention, inclusivity, collaboration, and anti-racist systems of care. Their approach is a testament to their dedication to the well-being of their patients and our community as a whole.

Conclusion: At Nurturely, we are privileged to work alongside incredible partners like Restoration Chiropractic and Dr. Kaitlyn, who share our commitment to promoting well-being and inclusivity. We look forward to continuing this partnership, knowing that together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of our community members during this transformative period.

Nurturing Partnerships- Empowering Birthworkers with Lane Workforce Partnership

Nurturing Partnerships: Empowering Birthworkers with Lane Workforce Partnership

by Partnerships

At Nurturely, we are passionate about forging partnerships that empower our community and bring transformative change. Today, we are excited to spotlight our collaboration with Lane Workforce Partnership and their invaluable support in realizing our Birthworker Business Hub. This initiative is at the heart of our mission to nurture and elevate the birthing experience for all.

Lane Workforce Partnership: A Catalyst for Change Lane Workforce Partnership (LWP) is an organization dedicated to strengthening the economic vitality of Lane County, Oregon. Their commitment to workforce development aligns perfectly with our vision of supporting birthworkers in their journey to provide exceptional care. Through their collaboration with Nurturely, LWP has become a catalyst for change in the world of birthing and maternal wellness.

The Birthworker Business Hub: Empowering Birthworkers The Birthworker Business Hub, an initiative by Nurturely, is a hub of resources and support for birthworkers. It’s a space where passion meets professionalism, where birthworkers can access valuable tools to build and grow their practices while providing top-notch care to families.

Key Features of the Birthworker Business Hub:

Education & Training: 
The Birthworker Business Hub offers a range of educational resources, from workshops to webinars, designed to enhance birthworkers’ skills and knowledge. These resources are curated to keep birthworkers informed about the latest practices and guidelines.

Networking & Community:
Collaboration is at the core of the Birthworker Business Hub. Birthworkers can connect with peers, share experiences, and learn from one another. This sense of community is invaluable, especially in a field where support and camaraderie are vital.

Business Development: Building a successful birthwork practice requires more than just clinical skills; it requires savvy business acumen. The hub provides resources and guidance on business development, marketing, and financial management to help birthworkers thrive.

Equity & Inclusivity: Nurturely and LWP are committed to promoting equity and inclusivity in the birthing world. The Birthworker Business Hub places a strong emphasis on cultural competence and anti-racist practices to ensure that every family receives care that respects their unique needs and backgrounds.

Financial Support: 
LWP’s support enables us to offer financial assistance to birthworkers who may face economic barriers to pursuing their passion. This ensures that birthwork remains accessible to all, regardless of financial constraints.

Making a Positive Impact Through this partnership, we aim to make a positive impact not only on the birthworkers themselves but also on the families they serve. By equipping birthworkers with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to excel in their profession, we are elevating the standard of care in maternal wellness.

Join Us in Celebrating Change We invite you to join us in celebrating this transformative partnership with Lane Workforce Partnership. Together, we are nurturing a community where birthing experiences are empowered, inclusive, and respectful of individual needs and backgrounds.

To explore the Birthworker Business Hub and learn more about our partnership with Lane Workforce Partnership, visit our Birthworker Business Hub page. Together, we are nurturing a brighter future for birthing and maternal wellness.

Celebrating Multicultural Lactation- A Transformative Partnership with CardCraft(1)

Celebrating Multicultural Lactation: A Transformative Partnership with CardCraft

by Human Milk is a Human RightPartnerships

Nurturely is excited to announce our partnership with CardCraft, a Black-founded and owned business based in Portland, Oregon. This collaboration is not just about creating beautiful art; it represents a powerful alliance in advocating for lactation equity and cultural inclusion.

August: A Month of Lactation Awareness and Advocacy

We launched our partnership in August, a significant month for lactation awareness as it is recognized as National Breastfeeding Month. Throughout this month, the world comes together to celebrate the beauty and importance of breastfeeding and human milk feeding. It begins with World Breastfeeding Week, followed by Indigenous Milk Medicine Week, Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breastfeeding Week, and culminating with Black Breastfeeding Week. These events are essential in highlighting the diverse experiences of lactating parents across different cultures and communities.

Our Core Belief: Human Milk as a Human Right

At Nurturely, we firmly believe that human milk is a human right. We advocate for lactation equity, aiming to eliminate racial inequities in pregnancy, postpartum, and infant health. Lactation equity is not just about personal choice; it is about ensuring that every parent, regardless of their background, has access to culturally-relevant lactation support and resources.

A Collective Vision: Celebrating Multicultural and Underrepresented Lactation

Our partnership with CardCraft goes beyond a business alliance. It is a celebration of multicultural lactation and a commitment to advocating for lactation as a human rights issue. We worked together to create an exclusive art collection that captures the essence of lactation and the diverse experiences of parents from different global communities.

For example, this card design aims to represent bodyfeeding in Indigenous communities around the world, which so often occurs out-and-about with baby attached to caregiver’s body, participating in life as a dyad.

Uplifting Lactation Awareness Through Art

The prints designed by CardCraft artists serve as powerful reminders of the historical and cultural inequities in lactation access.

For example, this card design amplifies Black bodyfeeding. Due to historical barriers, including the trauma of enslavement and being forced into oppressive wet nursing, as well as present-day barriers, including racism in perinatal care and lack of culturally-matched support, Black breast/chestfeeding rates are consistently the lowest. Lack of representation of Black bodyfeeding exacerbates these inequities. By leaning into the mantra that #BlackWomenDOBreastfeed and the work started by the Founders of Black Breastfeeding Week, this card aims to prioritize the joy and commitment of Black parents who are reclaiming being able to feed their baby from their body.

Through their art, we hope to raise awareness about the systemic and cultural barriers that parents face when seeking to nourish their babies with human milk. Use these cards to tell stories, spark conversations, and inspire action towards creating a more equitable and supportive environment for lactating parents.

Why This Partnership Matters

CardCraft’s commitment to anti-racism and advocacy aligns perfectly with Nurturely’s core values. Together, we can bridge the public and private sectors to create impactful opportunities for change. Art has a unique power to touch hearts and change minds. Through the art created by CardCraft’s artists, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of lactation as a human right and the importance of culturally relevant lactation support.

Join the Celebration

We’re excited to be working with CardCraft – and with YOU! – to make sure multicultural, global lactation is celebrated and equitable access to human milk is prioritized.

Now’s a great time to use these cards to send a quick note to a friend, fellow parent, or community advocate that you admire. Sending this card (and letting CardCraft do the handwriting and the mailing for you!) is a great easy way to spread the lactation equity love all year long.

Nurturely partnership with Foundation

Announcing our partnership with Foundation, a female-founded lifestyle boutique

by PartnershipsTeam

We are proud to announce our partnership with Foundation, a female-founded lifestyle boutique dedicated to creating a more equitable and just world through an innovative profit model that supports local equity-centered nonprofit organizations.

At Nurturely, we are deeply committed to promoting equity in perinatal wellness and strengthening cultures of support for infants and caregivers. Our organization is focused on racial equity and intersectional inclusion, with the goal of creating systemic and cultural change that focuses on the wellness of all identities of Black birthing people, babies, and families from a global and cultural lens. Our partnership with Foundation aligns perfectly with our values and mission. Foundation’s commitment to Equity, Justice, Innovation and Growth, and their focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing, are a true reflection of the type of systemic change that we believe is necessary in the perinatal care space.

As a small business, Foundation has shown that it is possible to prioritize social impact over profit, donating 100% of their profits to non-profit organizations dedicated to providing sustainable solutions to societal issues. We are thrilled to partner with Foundation and continue our work towards creating a more just and equitable world for all.

Together, we hope to bring awareness to the need for equity-centered perinatal care, promote intentional and sustainable personal investments, and provide a platform for community dialogue and action. We invite you to join us in this partnership and support our shared mission to create a more equitable and just world for all.

Foundation is donating 100% of profits to Nurturely from November to April. Visit their boutique in Portland or shop online to support: foundationpdx.com

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Meet Speakers from Milk | Mood | Moves: Dr. Kate Havens

by Research

As part of our countdown to Milk | Mood | Moves conference, we are highlighting a few of our speakers. Next up: Dr. Kate Havens, in her own words!

How did you get interested in perinatal health? Describe your journey to the work you are doing now.

It’s actually a funny story: I had finished my Ph.D in knee injuries in athletes and was really doing some soul searching about what area of research I wanted to study for my faculty career. I went to a professional conference, the American Society of Biomechanics, where I presented my research on quantifying balance during walking. I was wandering around a poster session and happened upon a title that caught my eye: “Babywearing Biomechanics”. I had a 1-year-old at the time and was wearing him constantly. I ran over to the poster and met someone who really changed the course of my career: Dr. Erin Mannen. She is also a Ph.D-trained biomechanics researcher, and we became fast friends. We have collaborated on projects ever since, publishing two manuscripts, presenting at conferences, and writing another manuscript together now. I always wonder how long or whether I would have arrived at perinatal health research if it weren’t for that one chance encounter!

Which of your projects are you most excited about? Describe that project.

Right now, I am analyzing the movement of moms during daily infant care tasks, like lifting them off a changing table, off the floor, and walking while carrying them. My expertise is in biomechanics, so I use a motion capture system to study movements, from how long their steps are to the forces that go through the hip joint. I also collect their muscle activity to understand how they coordinate their body to perform tasks. It’s pretty cool!

How did you get involved with Nurturely?

As an academic, I’m constantly reading scholarly literature on my areas of interest. I read one of [Nurturely’s Founder] Dr. Emily Little’s articles, and thought it was so interesting and a unique perspective from my own. I emailed her, we set up a phone call and again, became instant friends and collaborators!

How will you be participating in Nurturely’s Milk | Mood | Moves?

I’m thrilled to be giving a talk called “Mama Moves: Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Perinatal Experience.”

What do you hope participants get out of your portion of the conference? What is the one take-away?

I hope to be able to bring the anatomical and biomechanical perspective to the conference, so my takeaway is: Structure matters!

Where do you want to see your work go? 

I hope to reduce pelvic girdle pain and improve outcomes for pelvic floor dysfunction through targeted, evidence-based interventions. That’s a fancy way to say- I want moms to not suffer with back pain or pee their pants when they sneeze!

To learn more about Dr. Haven’s work, register for Milk | Mood | Moves, an interdisciplinary conference that starts tomorrow, September 23rd for health professionals, researchers, and advocates to share the latest science and clinical knowledge of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, focusing on human milk and lactation, perinatal mood disorders, and physiology and biomechanics of the perinatal period.