Maternal Health

UAMS is offering scholarships to train Arkansas health care providers in perinatal mental health, the number one complication of pregnancy in the state. Reporter Fallon Frank speaks with UAMS senior director Hannah McHardy about the program and what it could mean for Arkansas mothers.

Researchers, healthcare providers, and community organizations gathered last week in Fayetteville for the inaugural Maternal and Reproductive Community Health, or MaRCH, Research Retreat. The event focused on collaboration and sharing research aimed at improving maternal health outcomes in Arkansas.

It's Community Doula Week. Liyah Wasson of the Doula Alliance of Arkansas explains how doulas support families through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period — when mortality risk is highest.

A report from the Women's Foundation of Arkansas finds nearly 70% of mothers say childcare costs are a barrier to employment, costing families $17,500 a year — 27% of the state's median household income.

From breathwork to breakfast, Northwest Arkansas women in the holistic health space share simple, sustainable ways to improve everyday well-being.

Pearl McElfish of UAMS's Institute for Community Health Innovation discusses why Arkansas was one of just six states to improve prenatal care, and what still needs to happen to keep the momentum going.

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is getting $15 million in federal funding to build simulation labs that train nursing students in maternal and infant care across the River Valley.

UAMS' Institute for Community Health Innovation has enrolled 25 doula trainees representing 14 Arkansas counties, expanding access to birth support in rural communities.

On today's show, we hear about how scientists are studying a deposit of shale in northwest Arkansas to learn about sharks and their ancestors, and a Little Rock-based program training doulas enters its second year.

A new initiative at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is working to make sure emergency rooms across the state are better prepared for post-partum care.