Building Bridges for Better Care

Improving maternal care requires a two-way street of empathy and understanding. MNPQC strives to connect family experiences with provider education.

MNPQC’s Patient Family Partner (PFP) Program

Through certification with the Momma’s Voices Patient Family Program (PFP), participants gain valuable skills and opportunities to share their stories. Patients can bring their lived experience to Quality Improvement Projects, speak at conferences, and be featured on our YouTube channel. If you are interested in sharing your story, click the button below to learn more!

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Listen to Minnesota Families

Discover the powerful stories of mothers, fathers, and caregivers sharing insights from pregnancy, birth, and parenting in Minnesota. Each story reveals real experiences, including both the challenges and triumphs of bringing life into the world.

Emily’s Story: Navigating Mental Health After Pregnancy

After the birth of her son, Emily opens up about her struggles with mental health. Inspired by the CDC’s Hear Her campaign, this video from the MNPQC highlights the importance of recognizing mental health as a vital part of perinatal care, right from the start.

Jess’s Story: A Minnesota Mom Shares Her Birth Experience

Jess, a mother of two, shares her powerful story of a traumatic birth and postpartum experience. Inspired by the CDC’s Hear Her campaign, this video from the MNPQC encourages healthcare providers to understand the patient’s perspective as well as listen and respond with empathy.

Centering Fathers: A Community Approach to Fatherhood

A group of Minnesota fathers comes together to share powerful insights gained from the BECC’s Centering Fathers Talking Sessions. They explored topics such as historical trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and more, building the skills to support their families with empathy, respect, and understanding.

The Bond: Our Babies, Our Voices Podcast

Kiwi Cares, a Minnesota non-profit focused on improving maternal health, published the podcast “The Bond: Our Babies, Our Voices” that highlights birth stories in Minnesota. Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Apple Podcasts

Perinatal health Professionals Supporting families

Minnesota Perinatal Health Professionals share their insights on supporting families, not only as providers, doulas, and community advocates, but also as individuals with lived experiences that inform their care. This Perinatal Health Professional Spotlight series highlights the importance of advocacy, effective communication, and building trusting relationships.

Provider Interview: Dr. Enid Yvette Rivera-Chiauzzi

“Throughout my career, both as an OBGYN and as a woman who has birthed three children, I have witnessed firsthand how breakdowns in communication impact both patients and healthcare professionals. Often, both sides can feel unheard or misunderstood, which can create frustration and erode trust. True communication cannot happen unless there is genuine listening on both sides—it’s a partnership rooted in empathy and mutual respect.” – Dr. Enid Yvette Rivera-Chiauzzi

Read Spotlight

Doula Interview: William Moore

“I help clients feel heard and empowered by developing relationships with them grounded in trust, encouraging them to express to me what their thoughts and perceptions are every step along the way. This is important because not only does it allow me to develop a clear sense of what they are experiencing, but how best I can support them. ” – William Moore

Read Spotlight

CDC’s Hear Her Campaign

The CDC’s Hear Her Campaign was launched in response to the high number of deaths in the United States each year due to pregnancy or delivery complications. This initiative spreads critical information about warning signs that could save lives. The campaign provides resources for pregnant or postpartum individuals, their partners, family, and friends, as well as healthcare professionals who support them.

Joanna’s Story

Joanna describes her experience with postpartum preeclampsia after her first pregnancy.

Valencia’s story

Valencia struggled with headaches and dizziness during a difficult first pregnancy. It was her primary care provider who finally helped her get the care she needed.