Doula CARE Alliance

08/22/2026

New moms have lots to think about: diapers, sleep schedules, doctor appointments and, of course, feeding your baby.

If you choose to breastfeed your baby, you may have questions about the process. Remember, breastfeeding is a learning experience for both you and your baby. Reach out to your health provider, a lactation expert or support programs if you have any questions.

08/21/2026

WIC formula benefits will transition from Abbott Similac products to nutritionally comparable Mead Johnson Enfamil products beginning Sunday, Nov. 1.

For details and a list of Mead Johnson infant formulas available through the WIC contract, visit the MDHHS newsroom.

https://bit.ly/4godemi

08/21/2026

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08/18/2026

Black women in the United States experience preeclampsia more often and are more likely to experience severe complications from it than White women. Traditional risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, body weight, and pregnancy history, do not fully explain this difference. This study explored whether experiences of racism may be connected to preeclampsia risk. Researchers in the United States used information from 5,181 participants in the Black Women’s Health Study who had their first birth between 1995 and 2009. Participants were asked about everyday experiences of racism, such as receiving poorer service or being treated as less intelligent, dishonest, or threatening. They were also asked about unfair treatment because of race in employment, housing, and interactions with police.

The study does not prove that racism directly causes preeclampsia. Participants reported their own experiences and diagnoses, and the researchers could not measure every medical or social factor that might affect risk. However, the findings suggest that racism-related stress may contribute to physical changes involving blood vessels, inflammation, and stress hormones during pregnancy. The results support the need for healthcare systems to recognize racism as an important maternal health concern, listen to Black patients’ experiences, and strengthen respectful, patient-centered care.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Greater experiences of everyday and institutional racism were associated with higher odds of preeclampsia among Black women. Preventing preeclampsia disparities may require addressing not only medical risk factors, but also the harmful social and healthcare environments that contribute to chronic stress and unequal care. More research is needed to further explore the connection betweeen racism and preeclampsia risks. If you are a patient, is important that you feel cared for, respected and heared. The Preeclampsia Foundation recognizes the difficult experiences of Black women in our community.

Read more: https://www.preeclampsia.org/the-news/research/could-experiences-of-racism-increase-the-risk-of-preeclampsia-for-black-women

08/18/2026

We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Hayden Panettiere 💙

Hayden used her platform to speak about her experience with postpartum depression at a time when few public figures did. Her honesty about the stress, the anxiety, the isolation of feeling like "nobody around understood" gave voice to what so many new parents feel but rarely say out loud.

By sharing her story, Hayden helped normalize the conversation around perinatal mental health and let countless parents know they weren't alone in their struggle. That kind of courage leaves a lasting impact.

Our thoughts are with her family, her daughter, and everyone who loved her.

If you are struggling, please know help is available and you don't have to carry it alone. We are here for you, always.
🔵 Call or text the PSI HelpLine: 800-944-4773
🔵 Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262
🔵 In a crisis situation, call or text the National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988
🔵 Visit Postpartum.net for free perinatal mental health resources and support programs
🔵 Download the Connect by PSI app

08/18/2026

The 2026 Kent County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Survey is now open, and we want to hear from you!

If you're a Kent County resident age 13 or older, take 10–15 minutes to complete this anonymous survey and help shape local health priorities for the next three years.

✅ Take the survey: bit.ly/3SESJcX
📲 Share it with friends and family

Every response counts and helps guide future health programs, services, and investments across Kent County.

08/18/2026

Feeding challenges aren't always about what we can see.

Join us for “From Breast to Beyond: Integrating Oral Motor/Feeding, Myofunctional Skills and Tethered Oral Tissues from an SLP Perspective,” a Great Lakes Breastfeeding Webinar exploring how oral motor skills, myofunctional development, and tethered oral tissues can influence feeding from the very beginning.

This session will help participants look beyond structure to better understand function, recognize compensatory feeding patterns, identify red flags for referral, and support families using an evidence-informed approach to breast and bottle feeding. Together, we'll explore practical strategies to strengthen assessment, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration in feeding support.

🎙 Presented by Jessica Evans, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC
🗓 Available now!
📱 Learn anytime, anywhere
🎓 Approved for 1 L-CERP, 1 nurse's contact hour, 1 social work CE hour, 1 community health worker CEU, 1 certified health education specialist CECH, and 1 CME.
🔗 mibreastfeeding.org/webinars

Michigan Breastfeeding Network has been accepted by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) as a Preferred Provider for the listed Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) programme. Determination of CERPs eligibility or CERPs Provider status does not imply IBLCE’s endorsement or assessment of education quality. As a Preferred Provider, Michigan Breastfeeding Network attests that it complies with the WHO Code and subsequent WHA resolutions.

08/17/2026

Postpartum depression in the 4th trimester is the most painful and most difficult part of giving birth. When experiencing SUD and depression it becomes more difficult.

08/15/2026

08/15/2026

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