I’m a biracial woman from Baltimore and I’ve also had my share of questionable experiences from my doctors and nurses, listening to others having had some of their own experiences similar to mine makes me feel so many thing but mostly I feel human, thank you!!

Thank you, Martina and Gabrielle, for your amazing work.

So grateful for this podcast

Much respect for this necessary journalism

This was one one my absolute favorite podcasts to come out in 2020. I truly learned so much and found the format really engaging and welcoming, too. I can’t wait for a season two and hope we get to hear one!

loved this series. thank you for telling this stories.

Oh my gosh. Episode 6 was so moving. Thank you Yvonne and Marilyn for sharing your stories. It was so inspiring to hear how you kept the faith through so much loss. I am a medical student in Chicago, and I am about to start my Ob/Gyn rotation. Hearing about the failures of our fractured healthcare system to console you during these tough times is, very sadly, not surprising. This is a particular interest of mine: giving people room, in healthcare settings, to grieve as they grapple with loss, chronic disease, physical decline, etc. As an aspiring healthcare provider at the very early stages of my training, I have seen my superiors fail to be present for their patients during incredibly trying moments, and it’s infuriating. Physicians NEED to be better at this, and when you guys share the grief you experienced and the way it was not mitigated, BUT RATHER COMPOUNDED, by the failings of people who were supposed to “care” for you, it is so evident that we have a long way to go. Podcasts like this one are so powerful and crucial for enacting change. Thank you so much for having the bravery to speak out about the way you were wronged by healthcare providers. I’m so sorry for your losses, my heart and prayers go out to you and your beautiful families.

Thank you for putting together these amazing stories. They are so important to our future and can not be ignored as part of our past. I have learned about the racial disparities in our country through being part of the birth work community but the majority of my friends and family have not been as exposed do to a failure in our education system and the white supremacy that runs it. This podcast gives you the fact in a very digestible no matter your background by explaining simple procedures or diagnosis yet totally enjoyable for those who are more versed in the pregnancy care. And ofcourse through these stories it personalizes the horrific statistics in America! Thank you for who shared!!

As a community based doula and childbirth educator, I listen to A LOT of birth and pregnancy related podcasts. NATAL is by far one of the best podcasts I have listened to that centers pregnant and parenting families of color. I love that narration is eloquently woven through as speakers share their pregnancy and birth journeys. Thank you for shedding light on the Black maternal health crisis and for centering these stories while also educating listeners.

Deeply inspiring and humbling thank you for all of the knowledge and the courageous families telling them!

I love this podcast, and the mix of provider and birther, statistics and stories, narration and humanizing birth stories that often happen behind closed doors. Thanks!!!

I do not have children yet but as a black women..listening every story inspires me continue to learn more about the injustice black women face while seeking medical care (before, during and after child birth.) and lifts my spirit to continue to further educate myself. I simply want to say THANK YOU! I smiled and cried during this podcast!

This podcast is taking that whisper network of stories shared from one woman to another, one woman at a time, and making them public, while also educating the listener on the systemic racism that leads to this podcast being a NECESSITY for every Black woman in America.

It fills my soul with joy to hear so many black birthing experiences being lifted up. As a young black woman who plans to be a mother one day, these stories are so necessary and informative. They have continued to spark my interest in studying the health of black birthing folks.

This podcast is everything....Black voices and experiences are genuinely amplified with respect and love for Black Mamas and Families. Love it 💜

As an Rn and brand new birthing coach. This is extremely informative. I love the personal stories. I listen to it in my car on my way to see my patients❤️

This is such important information for EVERYONE to know, regardless of gender and racial identity. A must listen.

Liked—“What good is knowledge... if you only hold on to it” Thank you for sharing this wealth of information, for those who knew and could not formulate questions... and for those who didn’t know and didn’t know how to ask questions...

Most of us in the birth field have been aware of the health disparities and dismal mortality rates for women of color for some time. I was so glad to see this podcast, so these ideas, and solutions, can be broadcast far and wide. I appreciate the range of voices and stories presented, and the historical context given, which can help us understand how we got to where we are today, and what can be done to improve the situation for black parents and babies.

It’s so important to listen to these stories. I’m a L&D nurse, and I want to understand how to be better!

Giving space to such a wide range of Black folks to tell their birth stories and including the professionals to share their medical opinions as well. So informative and also so personal.

My favorite thing about this podcast so far is how it breaks down medical terminology like eclampsia and makes it understandable for all listeners! Self advocacy is so important for black mothers in a historically racist health care system. Can’t wait to hear more birthing stories!

I’m always amazed by the hard work black women do for each other and the world. Thank you for sharing these stories and information, beautifully done.

There is a lot of black women in America and I think that you don’t understand. They need help just like we have Planned Parenthood.

Great production quality. Important story. Thanks

I’m half black and while there are clear difference to the lives different races live I feel like all these “insert subject here) while black” podcasts and programs are a little over the top. It feels like exploitation under the guise of caring.

Well done

So glad to have NATAL addressing the maternal health crisis during a critical time for public health in the US.

I love how this story was presented. It felt genuine and authentic. As a listener I was not inundated with useless details but just enough to paint the picture. I am eager to hear the stories and learn more facts. I am absolutely certain this podcast will save lives and equip woman, soon to be fathers, and anyone who advocates for a pregnant patient with necessary information to navigate the biases that exist in the healthcare system.

Since becoming pregnant, I feel like stories & resources are a little like this: Black Women or Queer/Gay People. But never the tween shall meet! lol I’m both Black and queer (non-binary/stud) & if folks think experiences for Black folks birthing are rough, for those of us who aren’t showing up straight and/or feminine, it’s even worse. I actually made my wife move to a city where we could find more queer-affirming doulas & midwives of color, and hospitals that host midwifery and doula programs. Thank you for including our stories, and also being honest about how we’re treated & dismissed by healthcare practitioners.

I am a white woman, and I have talked to my black friends about their birth experience and fear around not being taken seriously. My friend had a near death experience because her pain wasn’t believed. It is a true problem in America and I am glad there is a wonderful podcast covering this serious, deadly topic. Great job on episode 1! I can’t wait for more.

A necessary podcast that is sound-rich and community-centered. Grateful this podcast exists given the staggering statistics for Black maternal health in the U.S. This podcast passes the mic to the those most impacted and well-versed in the issue - the parents themselves

Initially I was drawn to this podcast because of the illustration. BUT as I read the description and listened, I am loving the honest content and stories. I would highly recommend. Can’t wait for more episodes!

I can’t even describe how necessary this podcast is! I am so glad these mothers have a platform to share their story and shed light on these issues. For those of us who don’t have kids (yet) and who have no idea what to expect, this could literally save our life. Thanks to all involved 👏🏾

This podcast is sharing stories about what it’s really like to bring black life in the world. Going beyond the stats of black maternal health to highlight the real people. Very timely and very well produced!

The podcast I’ve been waiting for since before podcasts were a thing! Thank you Natal for passing the mic to black birthing parents. This is brilliant. I can’t wait to share with my friends and clients.

I am beyond excited for this podcast! Unfortunately, Black maternal mortality and morbidity have been a major problems for decades now in America. I'm grateful this podcast will shine a light on these issues and allow others to share their birth stories. I'm HELLA tuning in.

I am so excited and grateful for this podcast. These stories are vital and necessary.