At Latched Support, we work with birthing people every day—supporting, educating, and advocating for them in moments of vulnerability and strength. One of the most powerful lessons we’ve learned is this: when people say something feels off, we must listen. Not just hear, but listen. That simple act can save a life.
That’s why we’re proud to stand with the CDC’s Hear Her® campaign, which shines a national spotlight on the urgent need to listen to pregnant and postpartum women, especially those from marginalized communities.
The Reality We're Facing
Each year, far too many people die from pregnancy-related complications—and, tragically, most of these deaths are preventable. In many cases, warning signs were present, but concerns were dismissed, misunderstood, or delayed in response. The CDC has reported that many of these deaths occur up to a year after delivery.
This is a systemic issue. But there’s something each of us can do: listen. And act on what we hear.
As shared in this article by Dr. Wanda Barfield, director of the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health, the Hear Her campaign brings to life stories from real women who experienced life-threatening complications—and how speaking up, and being heard, made the difference.
Take Lindsay, a mother of four, whose story is highlighted in the campaign. When she experienced signs of preeclampsia—like swelling, headaches, and blurred vision—she was told it was just “typical pregnancy stuff.” But she trusted her instincts. She checked her blood pressure at a pharmacy, saw it was dangerously high, and went straight to the hospital. That decision likely saved her life.
Why This Matters for Us at Latched
As birth workers and maternal health advocates, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to center the voices of birthing people—especially Black and Brown women who are statistically more likely to be ignored or misdiagnosed in clinical settings.
We are committed to:
- Creating space for every concern to be heard.
- Training professionals to recognize warning signs early.
- Uplifting stories that educate and empower.
- Pushing for systemic change in how care is delivered.
The Hear Her® campaign echoes that mission, and we are honored to share its message with our community.
What You Can Do
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Whether you're a family member, doula, nurse, or friend—you play a role in maternal health. Here's how you can make a difference:
- Trust birthing people when they speak about their bodies.
- Know the warning signs of complications like preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, or blood clots.
- Encourage open communication between patients and healthcare providers.
- Share this campaign and help others recognize the power of listening.
To read more about the campaign and explore resources, visit CDC's Hear Her Campaign.
At Latched, we’re here to uplift, to amplify, and most importantly—to listen. Always.
