Welcome to the Public Health Joy podcast, the safe space for real and honest conversation about what building a public health research career is really like: the challenges, the triumphs, and all the lessons we learn along the way.   I’m your host, Dr. Joyee, a Public health researcher, PhD survivor, and entrepreneur. In today’s episode, we are talking with Tamara Mason about her work with the March of Dimes and as a doula to support Black maternal health and Black birthing joy.    This is where research meets relationship and together, we will find our Public Health Joy!   Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to today’s guest and topic of conversation. [0:00:27] Tamara tells us about who she is and what she does. [0:02:00] Tamara gives a background on the March of Dimes organization. [0:02:55] The three specific strategies to achieve their established common agenda. [0:0415] She shares the founding story of her consulting organization. [0:04:57] Her thoughts on the engagement of the Black maternal health crisis. [0:09:36] We talk about the devastating tragedy of Olympic athlete Tori Bowie. [0:12:16] The fear of becoming pregnant and living with the real fear. [0:13:00] We unpack the joy, bringing in the stories and finding solutions: Black Birthing Joy. [0:14:00] Tamara elaborates on the Collective Impact Approach. [0:16:00] She talks about her personal belief that solutions are already in the community. [0:17:18] We dive deeper into what Black Birthing Joy means to Tamara. [0:19:00] Thoughts on the idea that trauma and joy coexist, you can’t separate the two. [0:23:40] All stories are important and we need to hear them; traumatic and not. [0:23:27] The difference between a midwife and a doula. [0:26:39] She talks about the benefits of having a doula and the support they provide. [0:27:30] What a doula cannot do and what a certified nurse midwife can. [0:29:25] The importance of a support system in achieving Black Birthing Joy. [0:32:25] What brings Tamara joy in her work. [0:34:03] How to get in touch or connect with Tamara. [0:35:23] Tamara’s hope and what she hopes listeners will take from this conversation. [0:36:30] If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review!  For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/