About the Survey

Listening to Mothers is a nationwide initiative to hear from childbearing women and families directly about being pregnant, giving birth, and supporting themselves and their babies postpartum. As the maternal health crisis continues, we need better data to support more effective solutions. We are thrilled to partner with Black Mamas Matter Alliance and MomsRising in this effort, as well as our incredible Advisory Council and generous funders. View the latest reports

Listening to Mothers in California report cover, featuring a sepia-color photo of 5 pregnant women smiling and holding their stomachs

A Brief History

The landmark Listening to Mothers survey captures the views of those who care most about maternity issues: mothers themselves. Now fielded four times nationally and once in California, each survey has broken new ground in understanding childbearing people’s views and experiences in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

For the most recent Listening to Mothers survey, we oversampled Indigenous and Asian birthing people, as well as Black and Latina moms, to hear from a wide range of mothers on topics critical to the most adversely affected communities.

Check out past surveys

A Brief History

The landmark Listening to Mothers survey captures the views of those who care most about maternity issues: mothers themselves. Now fielded four times nationally and once in California, each survey has broken new ground in understanding childbearing people’s views and experiences in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

For the most recent Listening to Mothers survey, we oversampled Indigenous and Asian birthing people, as well as Black and Latina moms, to hear from a wide range of mothers on topics critical to the most adversely affected communities.

Check out past surveys

Listening to Mothers Advisory Council (LTMAC)

Nicolle L. Arthun, BSN, RN, MSN, CNM, FACNM
CEO, Transcending Strategies LLC
Founder, Changing Woman Initiative

Lannesse Baker, MPH
Public Health Officer
Urban Indian Health Institute

Micaela Lara Cadena
Health Policy Researcher and Advocate

Nicole Deggins, CNM, MSN, MPH
Founder and CVO
Sista Midwife Production

Erin Gildner, MPA
Disability and Maternal Health Expert
Public Administration Consultant
Gildner Project Solutions

Whitney Hunter-Batteast
Founder & Executive Director
Pickles & Popsicles, Inc

Jennie Joseph, LM, CPM Founder and President Commonsense Childbirth Inc. Lety Knight, CPM Borderland Partera/Midwife Changing Woman Initiative Mashariki Kudumu, MPH Founder and Principal Consultant Kudumu Partnerships for Equity and Justice Founder and Director California Black Birth Equity Summit Frankie Robertson, MPA Founder and President, The Amandla Group Founder and Doula, Black Joy Doula Firm Wengora Thompson, MPH, DrPH Sophia Tupuola Community Expert, and Birth Justice advocate Black and Pasifika Mamas Author and Illustrator

Nicolle L. Arthun, BSN, RN, MSN, CNM, FACNM
CEO, Transcending Strategies LLC
Founder, Changing Woman Initiative

Lannesse Baker, MPH
Public Health Officer
Urban Indian Health Institute

Micaela Lara Cadena
Health Policy Researcher and Advocate

Nicole Deggins, CNM, MSN, MPH
Founder and CVO
Sista Midwife Production

Erin Gildner, MPA
Disability and Maternal Health Expert
Public Administration Consultant
Gildner Project Solutions

Whitney Hunter-Batteast
Founder & Executive Director
Pickles & Popsicles, Inc

Jennie Joseph, LM, CPM Founder and President Commonsense Childbirth Inc. Lety Knight, CPM Borderland Partera/Midwife Changing Woman Initiative Mashariki Kudumu, MPH Founder and Principal Consultant Kudumu Partnerships for Equity and Justice Founder and Director California Black Birth Equity Summit Frankie Robertson, MPA Founder and President, The Amandla Group Founder and Doula, Black Joy Doula Firm Wengora Thompson, MPH, DrPH Sophia Tupuola Community Expert, and Birth Justice advocate Black and Pasifika Mamas Author and Illustrator