01/23/2026
Today is Maternal Health Awareness Day. To mark this occasion, we sat down with Evana Cooper, Virtua Doula, to talk about why maternal health matters — not just today, but every day.
Q: Why is maternal health awareness so important—not just today, but every day?
A: Pregnancy and birth aren’t limited to awareness days — they happen every day. Maternal health is about real people, real families, and real outcomes. Every day matters when it comes to how someone is treated, heard, and supported during one of the most vulnerable times of their life. Your child’s birth can leave a lasting imprint on your family as a day of joy and happiness, but it also has the potential to cause fear and trauma, depending on the circumstances.
Q: What does advocating for your patients look like in your day-to-day work as a doula?
A: Advocating for patients is more than just protecting their birth plan — it’s about protecting their dignity, their choices, and their emotional safety. This can look like helping someone understand their options, making sure their voice is heard, and staying grounded with them when things feel overwhelming.
Q: How do you make sure each patient feels heard, supported, and respected throughout their journey?
A: Feeling safe and respected means everything. I listen first. I meet people where they are, without judgment, and I make sure they know they are allowed to ask questions, take up space, and make informed choices.
Q: What is one thing you want expecting or new parents to know about advocating for themselves during pregnancy and postpartum?
A: You are not ‘too much’ or ‘over the top.’ Your questions matter. Your instincts matter. And you deserve care that honors your voice, every step of the way.
