Dr. Nastassia Harris’ passion and commitment as a nurse and IBCLC is inspiring. She shares her motivation to advocate for black moms and babies and steps to empower those in her Essex County, NJ community. Tune in for how you can best connect moms, birthing people, and babies to local resources that support positive health outcomes.
Co-host: LaShea Haynes, M.Ed, MSN, AGCNS-BC, APRN, RNC, C-EFM
Meet our guests:
Dr. Nastassia Harris:
Dr. Nastassia Harris is a registered nurse and IBCLC with more than 19 years of experience in perinatal care, specializing in improving Black maternal and infant health. She founded The Perinatal Health Equity Initiative in 2018, to promote equitable healthcare practices. She’s also engaged in advocacy through the Jegna Council and Black Mamas Matter Alliance. Her research highlights critical issues like implicit bias and obstetrical violence and has been published in Health Affairs and JOGNN. Major media outlets such as PBS and CNN recognize her groundbreaking work. Dr. Harris stands as a beacon in eliminating racial disparities through her expertise and passion in maternal and infant health advocacy and she’s the recipient of the AWHONN 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award.
Episode Resources
- Perinatal Health Equity Initiative
- Black Maternal Health Momnibus
- Thomas, E. V. (2018). “Why Even Bother; They Are Not Going to Do It?” The Structural Roots of Racism and Discrimination in Lactation Care. Qualitative Health Research, 28(7), 1050-1064. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732318759491
- Mentors: Dr. Monica McLemore, Dr. Karen Scott, Kimberly Seals Allers
- Black Mamas Matter Alliance
- AWHONN – Resources on Postpartum Hemorrhage
- AWHONN Respectful Maternity Care Implementation Toolkit
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