WED-040 - Birthing Bosses: The Business Development Training for Birth Workers to Address Maternal Health Outcomes

Brief Abstract Summary: Learn how The Business Development Training for Birth Workers in Mississippi is enhancing the capacity of birth workers to support Black maternal health. With maternal health outcomes worsening in Mississippi, particularly among Black/African American women, this training equips birth workers with the business development skills necessary to establish and sustain their businesses. The session will explore the growing birth worker community, the recent policy momentum in support of midwives, and the impact of systemic racism on maternal health outcomes. Discover how business education for birth workers can improve birth experiences and health outcomes, and gain insights into how public health professionals can support the integration of birth workers into maternal healthcare systems to foster equitable and positive outcomes for Black families.

Detailed abstract description: Maternal health outcomes in Mississippi continue to worsen, despite a variety of strategies and practices aimed at improving outcomes. Specifically, for Black/African American women, the rates continue to rise, with systemic racism still being the core of the issue. There is a growing birth worker population in Mississippi, specifically among birth workers serving Black/African American families. Additionally, policies relative to birth workers, specifically midwives, in Mississippi have gained momentum over the past two legislative sessions (2023 and 2024).

National literature shows that doula and midwife assisted births yield better maternal and infant health outcomes. The Business Development Training for Birth Workers in Mississippi, is a series of, self-paced, online training courses focused on investing in and enhancing the skills and knowledge of birth workers to support establishing and sustaining their birth worker business. This training was aligned with the broader goal of incorporating birth workers' expertise into maternal healthcare systems, fostering more equitable and positive birth experiences for Black women, and ultimately contributing to improved maternal health outcomes.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into the critical role birth workers play in addressing maternal health inequities, particularly among Black/African American women. By attending this session, attendees will learn how systemic racism impacts maternal health outcomes in Mississippi and how empowering birth workers can help address these issues. Attendees will be able to discover innovative strategies for integrating birth workers into the maternal care team, enhancing the quality of care provided to underserved populations. Our presentation will provide evidence-based information on the benefits of doula and midwife-assisted births, demonstrating how these practices lead to improved maternal and infant health outcomes.

This session will explore the recent momentum in policy changes related to birth workers in Mississippi. Participants will understand how these developments can shape the future of maternal healthcare and create more equitable opportunities for birth workers in the state. We will provide a comprehensive overview of the Business Development Training for Birth Workers, which focuses on enhancing the skills and knowledge of birth workers to help them establish and sustain their practices. Attendees will gain practical tools and strategies that can be applied in their work as public health professionals, policy advocates, or community leaders.

By attending this session, participants will gain knowledge and resources that can contribute to meaningful and equitable change in maternal health outcomes. . This is an opportunity to be part of an important conversation that seeks to foster a healthier future for all mothers and their babies.