12 | NWSLTR
She, Me, Her Because No Mother Should Walk Alone
Central State University Extension FCS Program Leader Renita Porter (left) joined FCS Educators Kylee Peoples (center) and Jewell Rollins at the Shades of Blue–Black Maternal Mental Health Summit held in Houston, Texas, July 24–25.
By: Crystal Duckett, Communication and Media Specialist
For many expectant mothers, pregnancy is a time of anticipation, transformation, and, often, uncertainty. From navigating fluctuating hormones and changing bodies to balancing work, family and health appointments, the maternal journey can be overwhelming. Recognizing the, importance of addressing the health disparity for expectant and new mothers in underserved areas, Central State University Extension (CSUE) has launched the “She, Me, and Her Maternal Health Program,” a comprehensive and free program providing critical support to pregnant and postpartum women to provide access to resources and assistance. Launched on June 1, the program is already connecting women to virtual and in-person services that empower them throughout their pregnancy journey and into the postpartum period. Designed with accessibility, compassion and evidence-based care at its core, the program brings together certified doulas, licensed dietitians, nutrition educators and the CSUE’s Health Education Mobile Unit (HEMU), with the goal to ensure that no mother faces this transition alone.
far more than physical changes. Women face emotional shifts, social adjustments and, at times, financial or logistical barriers to quality care. According to health experts, the foundation for safe and healthy pregnancies lies in a robust support system. One that includes emotional guidance, nutrition education, consistent check-ins, and culturally competent care. Providing this support and assistance is critical for communities with health disparities. The “She, Me, and Her” program addresses these needs head-on. Participants receive up to four virtual sessions with a certified doula one per trimester and one postpartum to ensure consistent, professional and personalized support. These sessions offer emotional reassurance, informational guidance and birth preparation, giving mothers and their partners confidence and clarity during a vulnerable time. When expectant mothers have access to trusted, culturally relevant information, they are better equipped to make informed choices for themselves and their babies. That’s why the program also includes a virtual coaching session with a licensed dietitian, who provides tailored advice on prenatal nutrition and healthy eating habits.
“Nutrition plays such a vital role in pregnancy and postpartum healing,” said Donna Kuykendall, Regional Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Educator for the Southwest Region. “Our classes are designed to be both accessible and applicable, helping women maintain energy, promote fetal development, and recover more effectively after childbirth.” In addition to virtual coaching, program participants may attend in-person or virtual nutrition classes, and for added flexibility access on-site doula services through CSUE’s Health Education Mobile Unit (HEMU), which travels to events or offers one-on-one appointments directly in the community free of charge. the “She, Me, and Her” program offers a holistic care model that focuses on the full experience of pregnancy physical, emotional, mental and social.
Pregnancy and postpartum recovery involve
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