December 2023 Newsletter - Reflections

Dear Friends and Members of NACPM,

As the year draws to a close and I reflect on my recent journey with NACPM, I am filled with a deep sense of hope and admiration for what this organization represents and has achieved. I had the privilege of joining this incredible team in the last quarter, and the experience has been nothing short of inspirational.

Despite the complexities and challenges facing perinatal health and community midwifery in the United States, I remain optimistic. We witnessed an unprecedented commitment to perinatal and infant health at the highest levels of government nationwide. The role of community midwifery, a cornerstone in addressing perinatal and infant health disparities in the United States, gained significant recognition and support at both federal and state levels. Our involvement in critical discussions with representatives, midwives, advocates, and most importantly, listening to the voices of Certified Professional Midwives and consumers has been a source of great hope and progress.

Since arriving at NACPM, I have been immensely impressed by our board and staff’s resilience, dedication, and passion. They have exhibited remarkable strength and commitment throughout the transition period and my onboarding as the new Executive Director. Their heart-driven leadership and unwavering focus have been instrumental in holding the organization together, driving forward our mission, and building our capacity for more significant impact.

Today, the importance of perinatal and infant health in the United States is more evident than ever before. The momentum we have seen this year, fueled by advocates, community-based partners, policymakers, and others, clearly indicates the collective will to address this issue as a national community.

At NACPM, our daily endeavor is to weave community midwifery into the fabric of options for consumers and the field of perinatal healthcare. This mission, ambitious in its scope, is made achievable by your unwavering partnership and support.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your belief in our mission and dedication to improving perinatal and infant health in the United States. Your support has been a cornerstone of our successes and continues to inspire us to reach new heights. With great enthusiasm and optimism, I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the years to come.

Cassaundra Jah - Executive Director