Podcast Summary: "How Elaine Welteroth is Revolutionizing Maternal Health with BirthFUND"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Journey with Morgan DeBaun
- Host: Morgan DeBaun | YAP Media
- Guest: Elaine Welteroth
- Episode Title: How Elaine Welteroth is Revolutionizing Maternal Health with BirthFUND
- Release Date: October 15, 2024
1. Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Journey podcast, Morgan DeBaun, the Founder & CEO of Blavity Inc., welcomes Elaine Welteroth, a multifaceted personality known for her roles as the former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, author of the New York Times bestselling book More than Enough, and the visionary creator of BirthFUND. The episode delves deep into Elaine's personal journey, her experiences as a mother, and her mission to transform maternal health care for Black women through BirthFUND.
2. Personal Journeys and Life Changes
Morgan DeBaun opens the conversation by sharing her recent life changes, including moving to Nashville, getting engaged, and welcoming a new baby. She reflects on the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal life shifts, emphasizing the importance of redefining success beyond professional achievements.
"I had so much momentum. I had so much success... what I didn't have was basically the balance across my whole life." [05:29]
Elaine Welteroth reciprocates by discussing her own transition into motherhood. She recounts how she met her husband, Josh, detailing their unconventional courtship and the evolution of their relationship amidst her career and pregnancy.
"So Josh realizes my energy and picks me up physically and moves me and starts dancing with me, which I don't know this man." [09:48]
Elaine shares anecdotes about planning their wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for a unique stoop wedding that captured the essence of community and personal connection.
"We decided to save our date. And we got really creative within the parameters that we were handed and ended up having the most magical, special makeshift wedding on our stoop." [11:14]
3. The Maternal Health Crisis
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing the maternal health crisis, particularly its disproportionate impact on Black women. Both hosts share their personal experiences and the systemic challenges faced during pregnancy and childbirth.
Elaine describes her own pregnancy journey, highlighting the lack of support and comprehensive care from the medical system.
"I felt like I was having an out of body, unique experience navigating this country as a birthing person." [28:53]
Morgan echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the stark differences in experiences based on socioeconomic status and systemic biases.
"No matter your socioeconomic position, you can't, as a black woman, escape the risk of becoming a statistic." [20:40]
4. BirthFUND: Mission and Solutions
The heart of the conversation revolves around BirthFUND, Elaine's initiative aimed at revolutionizing maternal health care for Black families. She outlines the mission and strategic approach of BirthFUND to address the shortcomings in the current healthcare system.
a. The Need for Midwifery Care
Elaine explains how midwifery care offers a holistic and empowering alternative to traditional obstetric care, which often prioritizes the baby over the birthing person.
"Education on the vessel for said baby. There was very little guidance on... natural deodorants. I had to do all the things to prepare." [27:21]
She underscores the effectiveness of midwifery care in reducing preventable maternal deaths.
"80% of these deaths are preventable through midwifery care." [36:04]
b. Strategic Partnerships and Funding
Elaine details how BirthFUND leverages partnerships with influential figures and corporations to amplify its impact. Notable collaborators include Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, John Legend, and LeBron James, who contribute both financially and through their platforms.
"Serena was one of the first calls that I make... John Legend is involved with Chrissy LeBron joined Savannah." [36:46]
Elaine describes innovative funding strategies, such as providing families with high-yield savings accounts and financial advisors to secure their financial future alongside maternal care.
"We are raising funds to directly fund births outside of the hospital with midwives... $10,000 to each of your families in cash to open a high yield savings account." [35:01]
5. Personal Stories and Impacts
Both hosts share personal stories that highlight the transformative power of BirthFUND's approach.
Elaine recounts her own birth experience, marked by high blood pressure and the absence of a doula, which led her to seek better care models.
"I had a reasonable black girl pregnancy... I didn't do a baby shower. I did a nesting week..." [16:02]
She emphasizes the importance of having a supportive healthcare team and the role of BirthFUND in providing that support to other families.
Morgan discusses how Elaine's initiative resonated with her own experiences and the broader community, inspiring her to support and amplify the mission.
6. Building a Movement for Change
Elaine articulates the vision behind BirthFUND, focusing on systemic change and community empowerment. She talks about the necessity of integrating midwifery care into the mainstream healthcare system and the role of advocacy in achieving this goal.
"We are building a coalition of people like you and me who have resources... make the change that frankly, we've been waiting too long for the government to fix." [25:30]
Elaine stresses the urgency of addressing the maternal health crisis proactively, without waiting for governmental intervention.
"We don't have time to wait for systemic change because it's going to take a while. People are pregnant right now. People need the support right now." [43:20]
7. Call to Action
In the concluding segment, Elaine offers actionable advice for listeners inspired to make a difference in their communities.
"You need to have a clear, solid call to action. You need to have a clear strategy and game plan. And then you need community to help you build anything that's going to outlast you." [47:23]
She encourages individuals to believe in their mission, build supportive communities, and leverage their unique skills and networks to drive meaningful change.
"You have to stay committed to this North Star of just trying to figure out what is the thing I'm really here to do... What's the impact I'm meant to have?" [45:17]
8. Conclusion
Morgan and Elaine wrap up the episode by reflecting on the importance of purpose-driven work and the impact of initiatives like BirthFUND. They highlight the necessity of combining personal passion with strategic action to address critical societal issues.
"If you can fit your unique experience and skill set together, then your life's work is going to be more joyful." [45:27]
Morgan expresses her admiration for Elaine's dedication to transforming maternal health care, while Elaine offers heartfelt thanks and well-wishes to Morgan.
"Thank you so much for living in your purpose on behalf of all of us mamas and giving us a clear call to action." [51:36]
Notable Quotes:
- Morgan DeBaun: "I have to basically redefine with myself my definition of success..." [05:29]
- Elaine Welteroth: "80% of these deaths are preventable through midwifery care." [36:04]
- Elaine Welteroth: "We don't have time to wait for systemic change because it's going to take a while. People are pregnant right now. People need the support right now." [43:20]
- Elaine Welteroth: "You have to stay committed to this North Star of just trying to figure out what is the thing I'm really here to do..." [45:17]
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Journey not only provides an intimate look into Elaine Welteroth’s personal and professional life but also shines a light on the critical issue of maternal health disparities. Through BirthFUND, Elaine exemplifies how personal experiences can drive systemic change, inspiring listeners to take actionable steps toward creating a more equitable and supportive healthcare environment for all mothers.
For more insights and empowering conversations, tune in to The Journey podcast and embark on your own path to personal growth and societal impact.