In this episode, Christie explores the intersection of substance use and maternal health with innovators Dr. Nichole Nidey and Michelle Kavouras, focusing on the power of lived expertise to shape equitable, evidence-based care. Dr. Nidey, a maternal and child health epidemiologist and founder of the Empower Project, discusses how her work collaborates with individuals who use substances during pregnancy to inform meaningful research and interventions. Michelle, a peer doula and harm reduction advocate, shares her journey from lived experience to leadership in substance use advocacy, highlighting the importance of compassionate, non-stigmatizing care. This conversation challenges misconceptions, unpacks the complexity of language in healthcare, and emphasizes the need to meet pregnant people where they are.

This show is brought to you by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM). Join us in the journey toward safer, more equitable maternal care and learn more about AIM at saferbirth.org.

This podcast is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, HRSA, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, as part of an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes.