Maternal Health Equity

Video Library

Maternal health equity aims to ensure all women, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality, respectful care before, during, and after pregnancy, addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes.

"Hartford HealthCare is committed to improving maternal health
outcomes for all."

Dr. Daileann Hemmings, DNP, RN, Director of Maternal Health Equity

Mission

To improve the lives of patients during the perinatal phase and eliminate disparities in maternal morbidity & mortality, by using an equity perspective, to support birthing individuals within & around Hartford HealthCare.

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Vision

The Maternal Health Equity Program will be a nationally recognized and respected program by serving as a model to improve and sustain the quality and safety of maternal health care and improving health outcomes for marginalized patients.

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About the Program

Mission 

To improve the lives of patients during the perinatal phase and eliminate disparities in maternal morbidity & mortality, by using an equity perspective, to support birthing individuals within & around Hartford HealthCare.

Vision

The Maternal Health Equity Program will be a nationally recognized and respected program by serving as a model to improve and sustain the quality and safety of maternal health care and improving health outcomes for marginalized patients.

Charge

All staff will work to achieve an equitable perinatal experience to ensure all patients have access to the highest standards of care, using HHC values to achieve optimal maternal health outcomes.

Doula Partnership

Defining Moment - Doula


A person trained to support and offer emotional, informational, and physical comfort to a pregnant person during the perinatal phase.

In 2024, Maternal Health Equity received a grant from the Connecticut Health Foundation, to increase partnership with local independently practicing doulas. The goal of this program is to welcome a diversified workforce and support pregnant patients through the fostering of a receptive workspace that welcomes doulas and ultimately improves the experience of all patients.

Doula Informational Sheet (for providers)

Doula Informational Sheet (for patients)

Video:

Benefits of Doula

Acceso Total HHC Doula
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Events & Community Engagement

Community engagement is an important part of advancing maternal health equity. Through events, education and local partnerships, we work to strengthen relationships with the communities we serve.

Community Highlights

Recommended event captions:

  • Hartford Hospital: National Breastfeeding Month 2024
  • Central Region: Breastfeeding Flag Raising 2024
  • East Region: Breastfeeding Flag Lowering 2024
  • St. Vincent’s Medical Center: Breastfeeding Community Event 2024
  • Breastfeeding Culminating Event at the Connecticut State Capitol
  • Pathways to the Future at Weaver High School
  • Community Conversation on Maternal Health

Doula and Clinical Testimonials

Alexandre West, MD

“Doulas help bridge gaps in care by advocating for patients and helping them feel heard. I am grateful for our doula colleagues and the positive difference they make in patient engagement, experience and outcomes.”

Jemel Bingham, MD

“It was encouraging to see my patient supported throughout labor and delivery by a knowledgeable and compassionate doula. The collaboration between the doula and clinical team meaningfully enhanced the patient’s birth experience.”

Elizabeth A. Deckers, MD

“Our Doula Partnership Program is an important part of our commitment to safe, individualized and patient-centered care. By welcoming doulas as respected members of the care team, we can strengthen trust, improve communication and help patients feel heard and supported throughout their birth experience.”

Marlene Verderame, Birth Doula

“As a birth doula and member of the Birth Doula Advisory Board, I have helped strengthen partnerships between community doulas and hospital care teams.

I have seen a meaningful shift in our birthing spaces, with providers increasingly recognizing and valuing the relationship between patients and their doulas. That collaboration can help patients feel supported and reassured, even during difficult moments.

I am grateful for the advisory board’s commitment to improving care and birth experiences for families.”

Featured Videos
Media Mentions

Mommy Monday 

Maternal Health – Perinatal Health 

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World Breastfeeding

Offering members of the community access to breastfeeding support 

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Black Breastfeeding Month 

Highlighting racial disparities and resources 

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Black History Month & Maternal Health 

Highlighting maternal health 

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Maternal Crisis

The maternal crisis in America has disproportionately affected Brown and Black woman.

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Postpartum Complications

Experts answer questions about postpartum healing.

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