Moms and moms-to-be: Time to put yourself first!

We know it’s easier said than done because everything revolves around your baby after they’re born. It Starts With Mom is here to help you from planning and pregnancy to birth and postpartum for you to feel confident to take charge of your health. We provide information you can trust as you’re getting your body ready for pregnancy and to be prepared for every possible outcome.

Join us for a series of three thought-provoking and inspiring events with real moms sharing their own experiences from before, during, and after pregnancy. All events stream 3 p.m. ET on @MarchofDimes on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

What You Need to Know Before You Get Pregnant

Episode One Airing on May 11

As you begin to consider your motherhood journey, what’s important to know before you become pregnant? Having a healthy baby starts before you get pregnant. Together we’ll chat about mental health, cardiovascular issues, chronic health conditions, how to advocate for yourself, and much more.

If you’re planning to get pregnant soon or hope to in the future, it can be overwhelming. Download this takeaway from It Starts With Mom with some tips to help you on your journey. English (PDF) Spanish (PDF)

Panelists

Stacey Skrysak

Stacey Skrysak (Moderator)

Journalist, Writer, & Motivational Speaker
Shawn Johnson East

Shawn Johnson East

Olympic Gold Medalist, Author, & Entrepreneur
Dr. Elizabeth Cherot

Dr. Elizabeth Cherot

SVP & Chief Medical and Health Officer
March of Dimes

What You Need To Know When You're Pregnant

Episode Two Airing on May 25

Baby (babies) on board, what’s important to know now that you are pregnant? Preeclampsia is a top individual risk factor for severe maternal morbidity, mortality and preterm birth and 1 in 7 pregnant women and 1 in 5 pregnant Black women experience hypertensive disorders. We’ll talk about the warning signs that something is wrong, what you can do to lower your risk, and why you should go to all of your prenatal visits.

If you’re pregnant, it can be overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to help you advocate for yourself and your baby to get the care you both need to be healthy and strong. Download this takeaway from It Starts With Mom with some tips to help you on your journey. English (PDF) Spanish (PDF)

Panelists

Elizabeth Cohen

Elizabeth Cohen (Moderator)

Senior Medical Correspondent
CNN
Dr. Elizabeth Cherot

Dr. Elizabeth Cherot

SVP & Chief Medical and Health Officer
March of Dimes
Kayte Crawford

Kaytee Crawford

Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, Lactation Consultant, & Craniosacral Therapist
Stacey Skrysak

Stacey Skrysak

Journalist, Writer, & Motivational Speaker

What You Need to Know After the Baby Arrives

Episode Three Airing on June 22

Baby is here, what’s important to know now? Childbirth affects more than your physical health. Your mental wellbeing can also be affected by shifting hormones that trigger all sorts of emotions. But while 80 percent of new parents go through mild mood changes, including the baby blues, 15-20% will face more serious mental health issues. We’ll have an important discussion about postpartum depression and anxiety and how to get help without stigma or shame. English (PDF) Spanish (PDF)

Panelists

Stacey Skrysak

Stacey Skrysak (Moderator)

Journalist, Writer, & Motivational Speaker
Angelina Spicer Headshot

Angelina Spicer

Stand-up Comedian, Actress, & Accidental Activist
Dr. Elizabeth Cherot

Dr. Elizabeth Cherot

SVP & Chief Medical and Health Officer