EBB 290 - Supporting Black Families from Pregnancy through Lactation with Dr. Nastassia Harris, Founder of of Perinatal Health Equity Initiative

In this episode, I'm talking with Dr. Nastassia Harris, a registered nurse and international board-certified lactation consultant, to discuss her extensive experience in the field of maternal and infant health. Dr. Harris shares her journey into this vital profession, highlighting her passion for improving breastfeeding rates in the Black community and eliminating racial disparities in maternal and infant health. She sheds light on the work of the Perinatal Health Equity Initiative, a nonprofit organization she founded, and her newest venture, Ignite Maternal Health, aimed at providing essential education and support to mother-baby nurses. Dr. Harris offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by Black families and the critical role that education, culturally congruent care, and community resources play in saving lives and preventing adverse outcomes in the postpartum period. Tune in to learn more about the impactful work being done to enhance maternal health and support families during this crucial phase of life.

 

Content Warning: racism, Black infant and maternal mortality, preeclampsia

 

Resources:

 

Learn about Nastassia’s work, here:

• Perinatal Health Equity Initiative website
• Sistahs Who Breastfeed website
• Ignite Maternal Health website

Follow Nastassia’s work:

• Instagram @perintal_equity and @ignite_mh
• Perinatal Health Equity Initiative’s Facebook and LinkedIn page

Learn more about related efforts mentioned by Nastassia:

• Black Mamas Matter Alliance, website
• Black Breastfeeding Week, website
• Black Maternal Health Week, website
• Chocolate Milk Cafe, website
• Center for Disease Control's (CDC) Hear Her campaign, website

Read the book referenced, The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris, here

 

Listen to EBB episodes:

EBB 280 – Bringing Equity to Lactation Imagery with Nekisha Killings, IBCLC and Founder of the Melanated Mammary Atlas®

EBB 214 – Supporting Pumping Parents in Lactation with IBCLC, Nichelle Clark