FY 2024
Advancing Healthy Birth Grantee Updates

Through the Advancing Healthy Births grant, Branch ISD implemented a series of Prenatal English Language Learner (ELL) classes designed to improve access to prenatal education and support for expecting mothers with limited English proficiency. Classes were held in partnership with Branch Intermediate School District, local health department, local prenatal service providers, doulas, and community interpreters. Sessions were offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, and covered: - Understanding prenatal and postnatal care - Nutrition, fetal development, and safe sleep - Navigating local healthcare systems and appointments - Recognizing signs of labor and when to seek care - Accessing WIC, Medicaid, and community supports - Basic English vocabulary related to pregnancy and childbirth Participants were provided with bilingual materials, on-site interpreters, and take-home literacy resources. Transportation and childcare support were also offered to remove barriers to participation. Successes: - High participation and retention: 14 expecting mothers participated in at least one session, with an average attendance rate of 89%. - Language growth and empowerment: Participants showed measurable gains in prenatal-related English vocabulary and reported feeling more confident communicating with healthcare providers. - Community partnerships strengthened: The project established new collaborative relationships with regional OB/GYN clinics, Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Health, and community doulas. - Positive maternal outcomes: Several participants reported scheduling their first prenatal visit earlier than in previous pregnancies, demonstrating improved understanding of early care importance. - Cultural inclusion: The classes became a trusted and welcoming environment where multilingual families connected and supported one another. Measures: - 92% of participants reported increased confidence in navigating healthcare systems and understanding prenatal/postnatal care in the post-survey. 100% of participants also reported an increased knowledge of available programs and services. - 24 participants enrolled in the healthcare-focused ELL class; average 10-12 per session. - Average increase of 28% in understanding of key prenatal terms and concepts in post assessment scores. - 16 providers (nurses, social workers, doulas) attended a cultural competence training co-hosted by the ISD and SWMPQIC. - 100% of participants rated interpreter services as "Excellent" or "Very Good" - 81% of participants reported reduced barriers accessing prenatal/postnatal care, primarily related to communication and scheduling; transportation supports and interpreter coordination were key factors.

A new parenting group was hosted. Provided additonal resources to support IMH home visiting program and CM programs. Facilitated interactive discussions and hands-on activities on prenatal care, infant and child health, and positive parenting strategies. 15 Women were served by the Women's Special Services Program 15 Women were also referred to services at other agencies. 2 Women had kids in the foster care program who were returned to their care and four women who are currently making progress on their reunification goals. Parents appreciated the hands-on learning, stronger community connections, and skill-building. They expressed appreciation for the relationship-building opportunities fostered through meaningful conversations and group discussions. and enjoyed the educational videos as they promoted open engagement and thoughtful dialogue among participants.

Events and Collaborative Efforts 1. You Are an Amazing Parent In-Person Event – In collaboration with Bronson, Great Start Parent Coalition, and a Bronson Nutritionist. Topics included mental health, self-care, and physical health after birth. 2. In-Person Community Baby Shower (Bilingual) – Co-hosted with the Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies Committee and 18 local organizations. 3. In-Person Bienvenido’s Event (Agricultural Workers) – In collaboration with Great Start Collaborative, Van Buren CAN Council offering bilingual education and distribution of safe sleep sacks, urgent maternal warning sign materials and other essential supplies. 4. In–Person Prenatal Classes – Conducted in collaboration with Family Links. 5. In-Person Healthy Start Events (Covert, Bloomingdale and Gobles) – Conducted in collaboration with Family Links, VBCHD, Project Shine, CMH, Safe Kids Greater South Haven, and local school districts. 6. Virtual Perinatal Mental Health and Postpartum Depression Class – In partnership with licensed counselor Lisa Seidel (rescheduled for November 18, 2025, due to illness). 7. In-Person Car Seat Safety Events (Bloomingdale, Pullman and Gobles) – Collaborated with Safe Kids Bronson, focusing on hands-on demonstrations and safe installation. 8. Virtual Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Training – Collaborated with Community Mental Health, and Bronson Health System. 9. Baby Bundle Bag Distribution – In response to requests from parents and collaborating organizations, we assembled and distributed 100 Baby Bundle Bags in both English and Spanish. Many bags were distributed through our events. Our families, along with the professionals we collaborated with, indicated that the bags have been highly effective in delivering valuable health education and resources that promote the safety and well-being of both mother and child. The continued demand highlights their positive impact in supporting pregnant individuals and families during pregnancy and beyond. 10. Doula Scholarships – Provided five families with Doula Services 11. Diaper Assistance and Education – Delivered to migrant workers, United Christian Services (Paw Paw), HOPE Parent Resource Center (South Haven) and through programming efforts. Feedback from participants and partners indicated that families deeply valued both the educational content and the tangible supports they received through these programs. In-person events contributed to new enrollments in supportive services, including doula care and home visiting. While attendance in smaller towns was lower than anticipated despite significant outreach, those who did attend demonstrated measurable gains in knowledge, confidence, and engagement with ongoing maternal and infant health resources. Feedback from Families and Partners: - The Baby Bundle Bags continue to be one of the most successful and well-received components of this year’s initiatives. Partners such as Benton Harbor InterCare, Early On, and Family Links highlighted their effectiveness in providing families with essential supplies and critical health education. - Families and professionals praised the Pregnancy and Parenting Guide as a transformative resource, noting that it provided new, practical information—even for those with prior parenting experience. - The Early On program reported that the Baby Bundle Bags have helped identify families without safe sleep environments and enabled referrals for free Pack-n-Plays. - One mother shared, “Receiving the Baby Bundle Bag gave me the push I needed to prepare for my baby. I felt supported and more confident.” - Another parent commented, “The Pregnancy and Parenting Guide truly changed my pregnancy. I learned so much that I didn’t know the first time. I felt ready for the birth of my baby when I arrived at the hospital.” Measurement: - 97% of participants reported learning at least one new piece of information to help them or a loved one have a healthy pregnancy and/or care for their newborn more effectively. - 98% indicated that the materials and resources provided would support them in their pregnancy or parenting journey. - 100% of prenatal event attendees reported learning about Urgent Maternal Warning Signs and the role of Doulas as part of the birthing team.

During this reporting period, YWCA Kalamazoo’s WISH program was able to: • Provide lactation supplies to breastfeeding parents, which helped to improve their overall breastfeeding experience. • Purchase nursing supplies such as pumps, bras, lactation teas, Boppy pillows, breast massages, milk storage bags, cookies, nipple relief cream, nursing pads, bottles, bottle warmers, and so much more. These were then distributed to program participants. • Stabilize housing for seven nursing parents, reducing stress, which had a direct impact on increasing the flow of milk for nursing parents. Clients are appreciative of the supplies, education, and resources that WISH has been able to provide. This was even more apparent for clients who could not qualify for RX Kids, a cash assistance program for pregnant and parenting Kalamazoo City residents. One mother in particular is struggling financially and even came to tears about receiving support from the program. - 5 out of 7 parents with newborns attempted or initiated breastfeeding - Eight (8) participants have reached the six-month breastfeeding benchmark. - 19 participants received 33 instances of direct financial assistance for breastfeeding supplies and support. - 27 WISH clients participated in breastfeeding education and/or received resources. - 72 home visitation records indicated that a current need addressed at the appointment was breastfeeding. - 108 surveys were completed during this reporting period, with 100% satisfaction. - 13 clients achieved learning objectives related to breastfeeding education during pre- and postnatal visits. - Two participants were referred for lactation support services.

During the grant period, the Burma Center implemented the Empowering Expectant and New Burmese Moms: A Path to Health & Wellness Project to support Burmese mothers in Battle Creek and Springfield through culturally tailored maternal health education, parenting resources, mental health awareness, and peer support. We conducted a total of 13 workshops (8 Breakfast Talks/Workshops in collaboration with Catching the Dream Learning Center (CDLC) and 5 Empowering Mom Workshops) and provided 29 home visits to expectant and new mothers. These activities were designed to: • Strengthen maternal mental health and postpartum recovery; • Increase knowledge of pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia; • Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate education and resources; and • Build peer connection and community resilience among Burmese families. We also created educational videos in Burmese on mental health, postpartum depression, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and translated key health and safety materials on postpartum depression, domestic violence, and maternal health conditions for wider access. A total of 29 Burmese mothers received individualized home visits focused on prenatal education, postpartum support, and mental and physical health management. Each visit was facilitated by a Burmese Community Health Worker (CHW) in collaboration with WIC, Nurse Family Partnership staff, and Calhoun County Health Department ensuring quality materials, language and cultural alignment. Survey Results (n=26): • 96% strongly agreed that the content was helpful and relevant. • 92% felt respected and supported by the visitor. • 100% said they would recommend the program to others. • 96% reported better understanding and confidence in managing mental and physical health. This outcome achieved both numerical goals and exceptionally high satisfaction and learning outcomes. Nearly all participants reported improved understanding of mental and physical health, demonstrating the program’s success in building maternal confidence and health literacy. Breakfast Talks/Workshops with CDLC: 8 sessions; total attendance 127; average 16 participants per session. 45% reported personal growth, 60% identified connection and sharing as key learnings, and 50% highlighted improved listening and communication skills. Empowering Mom Workshops: 5 sessions; total attendance 91; average 18 participants per session. 67% strongly agreed and 33% agreed they gained new ideas, tools, or perspectives to support their health and parenting.

The Advancing Healthy Births grant supported various initiatives targeting birthing families with the intention of reducing disparities and improving outcomes. Each month we offered Childbirth and Lactation Course, a 4-part series focused on a healthy pregnancy, labor/delivery, postpartum and infant feeding, all with an emphasis on advocacy, self-efficacy and mental health. The 4th class was facilitated by an RD and local chef. They offered education on healthy eating for the whole family and prepared a healthy meal in the kitchen! After completion of the course, families received a portable crib to ensure a safe sleep space, a car seat installed by a certified car seat technician, a diaper bag and a small gift card. The series was family-centered, encouraging pregnant people to bring their support partners and children. Dinner, child activities and translation support was provided at each class. Course participants were offered wrap around services and referrals were provided for WIC, housing, primary care, food assistance, mental health, doulas and transportation assistance. If they needed something, we did our best to ensure families had what they needed to be healthy and happy. Participants also continued to receive doula and lactation support after birth of baby at no charge until services were no longer needed. The grant also supported Triple P programming and Mom Support groups. We saw improved outcomes compared to national, state and local data including a lower c-section rates, improved breastfeeding rates and a higher rate of doula support. Families also expressed feeling better prepared for birth, breastfeeding, recognizing pregnancy and postpartum warning signs and having access to needed resources. 1. Class retention remained at 100%. We had a few moms that delivered early that were unable to complete the class, in those cases we offered 1:1 education and support to ensure they had the information missed. A pillar of this work included removing barriers, and in that spirit, there were a few families unable to attend a class due to illness. In those cases we offered 1:1 education or for them to attend the missed session the following month. 2. Percent breastfeeding adherence beyond two weeks: 97% breastfeeding initiation, 89% breastfeeding at 2 weeks, 82% breastfeeding at 3 months. 3. Maternal health outcomes: All families were screened for prenatal and postpartum PMADS, warm referrals made when needed (27 total). 2 dads and 2 family members were also identified and referred. 4. Participation satisfaction: All participants selected they were satisfied or highly satisfied with all aspects of the class. Constructive feedback influenced program changes. 5. Number of referrals to essential community resources: 284 referrals made to essential community resources.

Through the partnership and guidance of Rootead in Kalamazoo and Milk Like Mine (MLM) in Battle Creek, outreach efforts were directed toward individuals who were both ready and committed to step into this important work. Having experts from two of the largest counties in Region 8—and recognized leaders in perinatal health—not only strengthened the connection between these organizations but also expanded access to training for more people across the region. After identifying doulas across Region 8 who were interested in expanding their toolkit by becoming Survivor Moms’ Companion (SMC) tutors, we conducted intentional outreach to share this opportunity. An orientation session provided an overview of why SMC matters in Region 8, what becoming a tutor entails, and how participants can make the most impact once trained. Following orientation, we facilitated two virtual book group sessions using the Canvas learning platform—giving tutors the flexibility of a virtual setting and hands-on familiarity with a tool they will later use with clients. These two days gave the cohort space to learn effective tutoring strategies, collaborate, and strengthen relationships as a supportive network. It also allowed for each organization to showcase their spaces and what offerings they have for the community for the doulas to bring into their practice. In addition to formal training, we established a Region 8 SMC Tutor Community of Practice (COP)—a safe space for tutors to reflect on their work, share experiences, and receive ongoing peer support. Meetings took place in July, August, and September and will continue monthly to sustain connection and shared learning. Region 8 tutors will also have the opportunity to participate in statewide SMC tutor meetings, creating space for cross-state collaboration, support, and connection beyond Region 8. This structure ensures tutors feel supported both locally and within the larger statewide network, reinforcing the sustainability of their work and impact. We saw many successes, especially in strengthening partnerships across Region 8. While many of the doulas had worked in similar spaces before, this training created a new opportunity for them to truly learn, engage, and share with one another. By collaborating with Rootead in Kalamazoo and Milk Like Mine in Battle Creak, we were able to bring doulas together in a way that fostered connection and resource-sharing across the region. Once trained, participants were better equipped to return to their communities and support families with the new tools they gained through Survivor Moms’ Companion tutoring. Another key success was the diversity of the group. Participants included doulas, nurses, social workers, home visitors, and lactation professionals. This wide range of experiences created a rich and fruitful dialogue around how best to support clients, and the collaboration across disciplines greatly enhanced the collective pool of knowledge and resources. Due to scheduling conflicts of the two organizations and our intention of bringing them both to the table, our training was delayed from April to mid-July. While this pushed back our timeline, we still achieved strong results: 15 participants completed the training out of 20 registered, which is very close to our original goal. Given the unpredictable schedules of doulas, we view this as a highly successful turnout. We have commitment from Stephanie Weatherspoon from Rootead to continue to lead the Region 8 Community of Practice sessions in collaboration with Rickeisha Williams from Milk Like Mine. Of clients referred by mid-summer, 70% will complete the Core 4 Modules and rate info, skills, and tutoring as very good or excellent.Due to the late start in training, we have only had a few clients referred to and tutored in the program thus far. Out of the clients referred, all have completed the Core 4 modules and provided positive ratings to their tutors. The foundation has been laid for this work to continue, and for many more clients to receive SMC tutoring in the future. CRADLE Kalamazoo is training more doulas and plans to offer a second SMC tutor training based on the results and strength of the one funded by the Advancing Healthy Births grant.