Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies The Montana Coalition

04/15/2026

Berry Medicine Native BirthWork Initiatives is proud to now host the monthly Indigenous BirthWorker Network Call for Indigenous doulas, birth workers, and advocates across Montana.

Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
🔗 Meeting ID: 944 3384 8978

We will spend time community sharing, providing updates, and program insights as we strengthen Indigenous BirthWork across Montana. Hope to see you there!

04/10/2026

Have you registered yet for the 9th Annual Perinatal Mental Health Conference?

We’re just a couple months away from gathering in Billings with partners from across Montana to learn, connect, and build stronger supports for families.

If it’s been on your list, now’s the time to sign up. We’d love to see you there!

🔗 hmhb-mt.org/conference

04/10/2026

Today on the HMHB blog, we’re sharing the story of Berry Medicine.

Dr. Amy Stiffarm reflects on the journey to becoming an Indigenous-led nonprofit and what it means to center Native families, culture, and care in Montana.

🔗 Read the story at hmhb-mt.org/blog

04/10/2026

Deadline extended!

Please complete the Montana Doula Workforce Survey to support Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies in understanding our doula workforce. This 15-minute survey is voluntary and anonymous.

Enter for a chance to win a doula kit at the end!

🔗 https://forms.gle/ATP5GkhV72nDqS3i6

For more info, contact Mary Collins at mary@hmhb-mt.org.

04/08/2026

“Misty is one person who I can count on to be my voice.”
– Brittney WolfVoice on the importance of her doula, Misty Pipe.

We wanted to share this article highlighting the postponement of adding doula services to Montana Medicaid due to budget shortfalls.

Over the past several years, Montana has made meaningful progress in strengthening our maternal health system, including the expansion of postpartum Medicaid coverage in 2023 and the passage of SB319 this past year. HMHB is deeply concerned that this progress could be undermined as Montana implements budget cuts prompted by HR1, and this decision to not establish Medicaid coverage for doula care affirms that stance.

HMHB is committed to continuing to advance the lifesaving and cost-effective care that doulas provide. If you are a doula, we invite you to share your insights by taking this doula workforce survey: https://forms.gle/ATP5GkhV72nDqS3i6

Doulas ready parents for childbirth, support their deliveries, and can be a steady presence in a baby’s first months.

03/31/2026

HMHB Native American Initiatives is becoming Berry Medicine Native BirthWork Initiatives 🫐

An independent, Indigenous-led nonprofit continuing this powerful work—supporting Birthworkers, families, and communities across Montana.

We’re so proud to be part of the journey!

​💜 Celebrate this milestone with Berry Medicine!
🔗 berrymedicine.org

03/31/2026

A new chapter begins! 🫐

Starting April 1, HMHB Native American Initiatives will transition to an independent, Indigenous-led nonprofit: Berry Medicine Native Birthwork Initiatives.

This incredible team will continue their vital work of supporting Indigenous Birthworkers and strengthening the health of Native families, now rooted in their own organization. HMHB is proud to remain a partner and fiscal sponsor as this work grows.

We’re honored to have supported this journey and are excited for what’s ahead.

💜 Join us in celebrating this milestone!
🔗 Learn more at berrymedicine.org
🫐 Follow Berry Medicine on Facebook

Here’s to Indigenous leadership, community care, and what comes next!

03/30/2026

Megan Torgerson, creator of the documentary-style podcast Reframing Rural is currently seeking to interview a pregnant mom from rural Montana for the podcast's fifth season "Rural Motherhood." She will just be recording audio (not video), and is looking to develop a relationship with and interview a pregnant mom semi-regularly, from pregnancy through the postpartum period, for a story that explores maternal healthcare deserts and the transition into motherhood.

If you are interested in sharing your story, or know someone who might be, please email: megan.v.torgerson@gmail.com.

🔗To learn more about Reframing Rural, visit reframingrural.org.

Please note: Reframing Rural will be speaking with moms who are interested, before selecting one mother to profile.

03/27/2026

REMINDER: Calling all doulas and birthworkers in Montana!

Montana Doula Workforce Survey - Responses due Monday, April 6th!

Please respond to this survey to help Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and our partners better understand Montana’s doula workforce. Findings will help inform workforce development efforts and policies designed to strengthen sustainability and expand access to doula services across Montana.

The survey was developed in partnership with doulas, Indigenous birthworkers, and advocates. Participation in the survey is voluntary and all responses are anonymous. This survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

At the end of the survey, you may enter a drawing to receive a doula kit that includes doula tools, such as a wooden labor comb, portable fan, mini massage gun, and birthing ball, as well as personal care items, such as body oil, cleansing wipes, and travel toothbrushes.

🔗https://forms.gle/ATP5GkhV72nDqS3i6

We greatly appreciate you sharing your insights with us!

If you’d like to learn more about HMHB’s doula workforce efforts, please contact Mary Collins, Policy Director, at mary@hmhb-mt.org.

03/25/2026

FAMILY ACTION FOR MONTANA (FAM)
Preparing for the 2027 Legislative Session
Every Thursday in April | 7–8 PM

Parents and caregivers know what kids and families need - because we live it every day.

Family Action for Montana is a free, virtual series designed to help Montana parents and caregivers learn about the issues impacting families, understand how state policy shapes everyday life, and build the confidence and tools to speak up for change.

Hosted by Montana Advocates for Children , Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, and early childhood partners, this series will help you:

• Learn how state decisions impact kids and families
• Hear directly from advocates working on solutions
• Build confidence sharing your story and taking action
• Connect with other parents and caregivers across Montana
• Create a plan to speak up before and during the 2027 legislative session

Register now!
🔗 tinyurl.com/3hhj45cp

03/24/2026

Stay tuned! Big news is coming from Dr. Amy Stiffarm and the
Native American Initiatives team on March 31. We can’t wait to share exciting updates and growth for this important and inspiring program!

Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop...

🔗https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/oT3lSqp

03/23/2026

Calling all doulas and birthworkers in Montana!

Montana Doula Workforce Survey - Responses due Monday, April 6th!

Please respond to this survey to help Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and our partners better understand Montana’s doula workforce. Findings will help inform workforce development efforts and policies designed to strengthen sustainability and expand access to doula services across Montana.

The survey was developed in partnership with doulas, Indigenous birthworkers, and advocates. Participation in the survey is voluntary and all responses are anonymous. This survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

At the end of the survey, you may enter a drawing to receive a doula kit that includes doula tools, such as a wooden labor comb, portable fan, mini massage gun, and birthing ball, as well as personal care items, such as body oil, cleansing wipes, and travel toothbrushes.

🔗https://forms.gle/ATP5GkhV72nDqS3i6

We greatly appreciate you sharing your insights with us!

If you’d like to learn more about HMHB’s doula workforce efforts, please contact Mary Collins, Policy Director, at mary@hmhb-mt.org.