May 15
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Honoring Stories. Elevating Care.

By Maternal Mental Health

By Emily Freeman, HMHB Storytelling Coordinator

Photos by Kim Giannone

May is Maternal Mental Health Month.

Maternal Mental Health Month can be a good time to remember that motherhood doesn’t always feel – on the inside – quite the same way it appears on the outside. All manner of challenges and stressors may lurk behind the smiling family portrait posted on social media. That perfect mom you see at pre-school pick-up? She may be holding back deep grief over a lost pregnancy, or shame about needing help with a problem she can’t yet put words to, the solution to which she can’t yet identify. 

Perinatal mental health challenges can vary widely. While some issues may require robust support from trained professionals and systems, others can be helped along through person-to-person, community-based care, which we can all be a part of. This can be as simple as smiling at a struggling mom to make her feel seen, and not like her crying baby is a burden; it can be a few small words spoken to a stranger in line at the grocery store: You’re doing great. It can be a weekly moms meetup at the park that begins as a group of strangers, and soon becomes a place to connect, to vent, to heal. These points of human connection are so important. 

Real Stories from Montana Moms

At HMHB, Maternal Mental Health Month provides us with an opportunity to highlight some of the lived experiences that mothers across the state have been bold and generous enough to share. In last year’s issue of LIFTS magazine, Shayla Horner wrote about the support and medical advice she received for her bipolar disorder, allowing her to become the strong and stable mom her daughters deserve. Kelsie Christensen wrote about the encouragement she received from a local moms group which helped her manage her anxiety in the early months of motherhood. On the Mother Love podcast, Rachael Watters shared her harrowing journey through postpartum psychosis, and how she continues to grow and heal.

Insights from Perinatal Mental Health Experts

In addition to these invaluable stories from moms, we’re honored to be able to share the lived experience of our trusted network experts and providers working with, and for, moms and families during this season of life. In the 2023 edition of LIFTS, Dr. Ariela Frieder offered her wisdom and expertise as a perinatal psychiatrist, including a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder checklist for moms, and resources to guide them towards getting the help they might need.

Recent guests on the Mother Love podcast have included Amy Lowney, a labor and delivery nurse who pivoted to postpartum doula work to better address the mental and emotional needs of moms after they left the hospital. Last year, we spoke with perinatal mental health expert Diana Barnes, an episode which not only addressed the way that maternal mental health can have unintended legal consequences, but provided an opportunity for listeners to hear mothers across two generations in conversation about their own experiences with postpartum mood disorders.  

Explore the LIFTS Resource Guide

Maternal Mental Health is a good time to share and bookmark our LIFTS online resource guide. LIFTS offers a searchable, and frequently updated, database of resources around the state, with categories such as Mental Health Providers, Family Support and Education, Cultural Connections, and more. It’s a great resource to share with parents, or with providers who interface with, and support, families during this season of life. 

In June, we’re hosting the 8th annual Perinatal Mental Health Conference, a chance for providers from across the state to come together to share, strategize, and enjoy the camaraderie of a vast network of those who work collectively to improve and sustain the health of moms in our state. We’re looking forward to learning together, and pooling the knowledge that each of us will bring from our different pocket of this vast and diversely resourced state. You can get a taste of the conference by viewing Dr. Samantha Greenberg’s “Perinatal Mental Health 101” session from last year’s conference. If you’d like to join us this year, you can find more information and register here.

 

May 09
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The Growing Movement of Indigenous Birthworkers in Montana

By Birth, Caregiving, Native American Initiatives, Native Cultural Connections

Written by Chelsea Bellon

Photos courtesy of Julianne Denny

 

In many Indigenous communities, birth is more than a medical event—it is a sacred ceremony, deeply rooted in tradition, community, and ancestral knowledge. While the term “Doula” is widely recognized today, its origins are tied to Western frameworks that may not fully capture the depth of Indigenous birthing practices. Long before Western society formalized the role of Doulas, Indigenous families, Elders, and community members played an essential part in supporting birth as a ceremony.

Today, many Indigenous communities use the terms Birthworker and Doula interchangeably, reflecting both historical traditions and contemporary roles. Birthworkers provide non-medical support before, during, and after childbirth, offering emotional, spiritual, and physical care. Birthworkers provide information around perinatal education, community resources, and advocacy support. Many consider this work a calling—”heart work” that centers ceremony and connection, creating a meaningful and supported start for both parents and baby.

Strengthening Indigenous Birthwork in Montana

Since the introduction of the Indigenous Full Spectrum Doula training to Montana’s Tribal communities in 2022, the movement of Indigenous Birthworkers has gained remarkable momentum. Trainings held across reservations have supported more than 80 Birthworkers, empowering those in both rural and urban communities throughout the state. Following training efforts supported by the Montana Obstetrics & Maternal Support (MOMS) program, newly trained Birthworkers sought continued education, mentorship, and community. In response, the Native American Initiatives (NAI) Program with Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies – Montana (HMHB-MT) cultivated a space for growth, connection, and collaboration.

Through monthly gatherings, Birthworkers from across Montana have built a network to share successes, navigate challenges, and learn from one another. Under the leadership of NAI Program Director, Amy Stiffarm, the group has welcomed guest speakers and educators to help Birthworkers develop their skills and expand their impact.

  • Kendra Potter, a Birth Doula and Trainer from Missoula, has provided mentorship on balancing birthwork with family life and other job responsibilities.
  • Tina Begay of Redtail Accounting has shared insights on marketing, networking, and business growth for Birthworkers.
  • Diona Buck, representing the MOMS Program provided guidance and resources for Indigenous Birthworkers to engage and support families and elders in their communities. The Family Care Space initiative was formed to provide supplies for communities to create a breastfeeding and respite space for events such as pow wows, basketball games, health fairs, celebrations, and more. The Family Care space was intended to be led by the local Indigenous Birthworkers; 15 Family Care Spaces were sent out to rural and urban communities across Montana.
  • Most recently, the group welcomed Glenda Abbot, founder of the Indigenous Birth Justice Network in Canada, which now extends into Washington State. She introduced valuable perspectives on land-based birthing practices and the role of Birthworkers in community healing and revitalization.

Join the Indigenous Birthworker Network

The Indigneous Birthworker Network of Montana continues to grow, providing a space for Indigenous Birthworkers, past Doula training participants, and advocates to connect with a supportive community, access valuable resources, receive mentorship and advocacy to strengthen skills and expand culturally centered care. The Indigenous Birthworker Network of Montana fosters collaboration, ensuring Indigenous Birthworkers are recognized, supported and uplifted in their roles. The group meets every third Thursday of the month from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM and welcomes those who are passionate about supporting Indigenous birthwork in Montana.

For more information or to join the meetings, contact Chelsea Bellon at chelsea@hmhb-mt.org.

Together, this network is strengthening the path for Indigenous Birthworkers, ensuring that birth remains a ceremony and community-centered care continues to thrive for future generations.

To find Doulas and Birthworkers near you, use the category “Doulas and Other Birth Professionals” on LIFTS!

linking infants and families to supports

Apr 18
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Celebrate National Home Visiting Week: April 21 – 25, 2025

By Early Childhood, pregnancy

National Home Visiting Week is almost here!

The week of April 21–25 is a time to spotlight the essential role home visiting programs play in strengthening Montana families during pregnancy and early childhood.  Whether it’s offering early nutrition and lactation support or simply providing encouragement and guidance during those overwhelming early days, the impact of home visiting is tremendous.

What Is Home Visiting?

Home visiting is a voluntary, evidence-based service that connects trained professionals—like nurses, social workers, and child development specialists—with expecting parents and families with young children. These programs provide coaching, education, and emotional support tailored to each family’s unique needs.

Why It Matters

Studies consistently show that home visiting leads to:

  • Improved maternal and infant health
  • Increased school readiness
  • Strengthened parent-child relationships
  • Reduced instances of child maltreatment
A Thank You to Montana’s Home Visitors

We want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the home visitors across Montana who show up every day to support families. Your dedication creates ripples of positive change that last a lifetime. Thank you for the care, compassion, and consistency you bring to your work.

Home Visiting Frequently Asked Questions

(As featured in the 2024 issue of LIFTS magazine, alongside real family stories highlighting the life-changing impact of home visiting.)

What is a home visiting program and how can it benefit my family?

Home visiting is a voluntary, proven support and coaching service that strengthens families through pregnancy and early childhood. Trained home visitors, such as nurses and early childhood specialists, work with expecting parents and caregivers of young children, to build parenting skills and connect families with needed services to support optimal physical, social, and emotional child development.

Who can participate in a home visiting program?

Eligibility for home visiting programs varies by program, but some are available regardless of income or background. Currently, not all areas in Montana have the same access to home visiting programs, but statewide work is being done to change this!

Can both parents participate in the visits?

Absolutely! Home visiting programs encourage the involvement of both parents. Mom, dad, grandparents, siblings and any caregiver who is important in the child’s life are usually welcome to participate!

How do I sign up for a home visiting program?

The best way to sign up for home visiting is to reach out to a local program near you. You can use the LIFTS Online Resource Guide to find home visiting sites across Montana by typing in “home visiting” in the Search feature. If you have trouble locating one, please call the LIFTS Warmline at (406) 430-9100 for assistance.

What happens during a home visit?

During a home visit, the visitor will provide personalized support based on your family’s needs to increase your competence and confidence in parenting. This may include discussing your child’s development, answering parenting questions, providing lactation support, offering health and safety tips, and connecting you with community resources.

Is there a cost to participate in a home visiting program?

Most home visiting programs are offered at no cost to families. They are often funded by state or federal programs, non-profits, or community organizations.

What if I’m not able to have someone visit my home or I don’t have a home?

Home visiting programs are designed to be supportive and non-intrusive. If you have concerns, you can discuss them with the program coordinator to find a solution that works for you, such as virtual visits or meetings in community spaces like a library or coffee shop.

Will the program help with special needs or high-risk situations?

Yes. Home visitors are trained to support families in various situations, including those with special needs or who are experiencing high-risk circumstances. They can connect you with additional support and services as needed, such as medical case management by nurses for medically fragile children.

About the Montana Home Visiting Coalition

At Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, we’re proud to collaborate with the Montana Home Visiting Coalition, a network of home visiting professionals working together to advocate for families across the state.

Founded in 2021, the coalition was created in response to the growing need for expanded funding and equitable access to home visiting services. Despite strong evidence showing a high return on investment, waiting lists remain long, and many families are left unserved due to current funding limitations.

The coalition’s mission is to:

  • Expand home visiting availability statewide
  • Secure sustainable funding at both the state and federal levels
  • Ensure all Montana families have the opportunity to thrive

To learn more about home visiting in Montana or to find a program near you, visit hmhb-lifts.org and search “Home Visiting.”

 

Feb 28
Love0

Native American Maternal Health Community Advisory Board

By Native American Initiatives

Written by Chelsea Bellon, Native American Initiatives Program Manager

In 2024, an intentional partnership was formed between the Native American Initiatives (NAI) Program at HMHB-MT, the Western Montana Area Health Education Center, and the Family Medicine Residency Program of Western Montana. Their shared goal: to strengthen maternal health in Tribal Communities across Montana by engaging collaboration and connection.

This vision was brought to life by Chelsea Bellon, Drew Babcock, and Amy Stiffarm, who represented these organizations focused on core priorities—ensuring statewide representation, providing financial compensation for participation, facilitating resource sharing, and amplifying community voices.

With support from the St. Joseph Fund, Montana’s first Native American Maternal Health Community Advisory Board (The CAB) was created.  Its founding members brought diverse perspectives and deep commitment to the work.  The founding members included: Adriann Ricker, Audrey Jackson, April Charlo, Ellen BigSam, Kaycee Martinez, Lauren Small-Rodriguez, Ticia Cliff, Savannah Smith, Mattea Grant, Danielle Vazquez, Margaret Ann Adams, Alissa Snow, Joshlyn Snow, Charlene Ramirez, and Julianne Denny. In its first year, The CAB focused on conducting a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis, identifying resource gaps and needs, and creating space to share personal experiences that shaped and inspired their dedication to maternal health.

With the support and encouragement of our partners at St. Joseph Fund, The CAB was able to grow and prioritize growth and engagement for the second year. The New Year new and some returning members shared their interest and work related to maternal and family health. The second year of The CAB members are: Danna Runsabove, Dani Vazquez, Mary Ellen Lafromboise, Amber Daniels, Kaycee Martinez, Alyssa Schock, Melissa Gordon, Amber Birdinground Cummins, Ticia Cliff, Ni’Cole Triplett, Charlene Ramirez, Misty Pipe, Gerlinda Morrison, Jules Denny, Heather Fourstar, Donnell Buckles, and Sisi Whiteman. Additional facilitators and advisors include: Margaret Ann Adams and Diona Buck. In an effort to expand representation across the state, the second year CAB members capture Tribal program managers, healthcare providers, Birthworkers, and advocates supporting and leading maternal and family health initiatives in their communities.

Growth Initiatives

This year, the CAB will focus on collaboration and growth. CAB members will engage with organizations and working groups through brainstorming and listening sessions. They will also have access to engaging professional development opportunities that align with their cultural values.

Recently, CAB members met with University of Montana students to discuss programming opportunities to support families with special medical needs. They participated in discussions about available resources, the support they provide, and the gaps they have observed when seeking specialty medical care.

While the CAB does not function as an Institutional Review Board (IRB), it seeks to collaborate with organizations, committees, and working groups to engage in meaningful conversations that can guide improvements in maternal health outcomes and enhance understanding of Native perspectives in Montana’s urban and rural communities. Organizations or individuals interested in meeting virtually with the Native American Maternal Health Community Advisory Board can contact Chelsea Bellon at chelsea@hmhb-mt.org or fill out this Meeting Request Form.

The facilitators recognize the importance of supporting CAB members’ professional and personal development goals. CAB members can request financial support for training, education, or community-building initiatives related to maternal and family health. Nurturing and empowering leaders in this field remains a key priority.

 

Feb 14
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MTPAL: One Number, Two Programs—Empowering Healthcare Providers for Moms and Kids

By Community Support, Maternal Mental Health

Thanks to Shawnalea Chief Goes Out, Perinatal Health Program Officer for the Member Health Management Bureau of the Health Resources Division, for authoring this guest post!

In Montana, healthcare providers now have a powerful new tool to support maternal and pediatric mental health through the Montana Psychiatric Access Line (MTPAL). Combining two vital programs—MTPAL for Moms and MTPAL for Children—this initiative expands access to expert consultation, resources, and training, ensuring that both mothers and children receive timely, high-quality care for behavioral health concerns.

One number, two programs.

PRISM for Moms and MAPP-NET is now Montana Psychiatric Access Line (MTPAL). Access perinatal and pediatric mental health care services at MTPAL.org or 1-844-40-MTPAL or 1-844-406-8725.

The MT PAL program is a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance the capability of health care providers in both maternal and pediatric settings. MTPAL for Moms focuses on expanding providers’ capacity to screen, assess, treat, and refer patients for maternal mental health and substance use disorders during or after pregnancy, ensuring holistic care for maternal well-being. Simultaneously, MT PAL for Children aims to integrate behavioral health into pediatric primary care, utilizing telehealth modalities to offer high-quality and timely detection, assessment, treatment, and referral for children and adolescents with behavioral health conditions. Both facets of the program emphasize the use of evidence-based practices and methods, striving to deliver effective and accessible health care for mothers and their children.

  • Training and Education for Treatment for Healthcare Professionals
  • Telehealth Consultation and Referral
  • Resource for Healthcare Professionals

Announcing MTPAL for Moms Learning Hub

Each month, our expert hub publishes didactics to empower clinicians in evidence-based best practices in the care and treatment of pregnant and postpartum patients who have mental health concerns. All trainings are presented free of charge to Montana healthcare professionals.

Simply sign up on MTPAL.org to join our list and access the first training – Understanding Perinatal Mental Health: Prevalence, Risks, and Impacts.

Join us March 18,19th in Helena, MT for our combined Perinatal and Pediatric Mental Health Symposium https://www.umt.edu/pediatric-mental-health-symposium/ .Here we will be launching our new MTPAL Psychiatric Access Line along with providing great training and learning opportunities.

Feb 07
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“Session Voices” & the 2025 Montana Legislature

By advocacy, Community

by Emily Freeman, HMHB Storytelling Coordinator and Mother Love Podcast Host

As Emily gears up for the release of new Mother Love episodes on the 2025 Montana Legislative session, she takes a moment to reflect on the process, and the people who shape it. 

The Montana State Capitol during Montana Zero to Five’s 2025 Have a Heart for Kids Day.

If global politics feel out of reach, or national policies don’t seem to reflect your immediate on-the-ground concerns, I urge you to consider taking a closer look at what happens at a state level. This link will let you peek into the meetings and hearings of the current Montana legislative session. Here, in a sea of navy-blue blazers – with the occasional pop of a floral dress, or a wild beard – you can watch the slow but compelling work of statecraft. It’s a masterclass in interpersonal communication, restrained conflict and decorum (well…most of the time).  

The humanity is heartening: the vulnerability of an unpolished legislator stumbling through what may be their first time reading aloud at the podium; the low-level Dad jokes; the look of someone who’s clearly not a lifetime suit-wearer, but has forced himself into one because that’s what it takes to play the game. And the game is an important one.  

These 120 legislators are engaged in future work – planting trees in whose shade they may never sit, as the old saying goes. And they’re also doing past work, as they attempt to shift legislation from previous sessions into greater alignment with current needs, through policy changes or formal acknowledgement. 

It can be easy to fixate on the legislators who appear to be working tirelessly and unapologetically around an issue that seems out of touch with the most pressing concerns of their constituents. Or those who seem to have a personal grudge against one of their colleagues and starts to lose hold on their ability to control it as the day goes on. And yet, for the most part, the people in these meetings seem like they truly want to work together, to listen and learn, so that they may collectively advance policies that will uplift Montana.  

In these meetings you’ll also see non-legislators, ordinary Montanans delivering personal testimony in support, or opposition, of a bill. Watch enough meetings and you might just see someone you know standing at the podium, or speaking through Zoom, doing the brave work of letting their voice be heard in order to make change. I challenge you not to be moved by some of these testimonies: by the mom who drove halfway across the state to share about a challenge she faced with her child, and how a certain program or policy helped; by the advocate speaking on behalf of those who can’t do so on their own, but whose security hangs in the balance; by people who know firsthand what it means for state funding to make or break a life.  

Come for the feels, stay for the unintentional moments of comedy: the hot mic, the late-afternoon popcorn-munching in the back row of the House, the wrong button pushed, the sheepish apology. Legislative session meetings might just wind up being your new favorite reality show. 

Last session, I came to Helena in my role as Executive Director of the Early Childhood Coalition of Beaverhead County, participating in an advocacy day hosted by Zero to Five Montana. I’d lived in Montana for over a decade, and yet the legislative session had never felt accessible or — to be perfectly honest — all that interesting. But on that February day, standing in the rotunda, which in itself is a transformative experience (the architectural interiors of the statehouse are next level), watching ordinary people speak about their experiences navigating the early parenting years, entreating their legislators to take their concerns seriously, and thanking them for the ways that they already had, I realized that this experience truly is for everyone. Every Montanan, whether you’ve been here a week or a lifetime, is entitled to participate in the legislative session, in whatever capacity feels right to you.  

Session Voices guest, Mary Collins, testifying about HB360.

Political involvement can look like everything from traveling to Helena to speak at a podium, to leaving a voicemail, to simply making an effort to get to know the legislators from your own community when they’re not at work in Helena. Whether or not you voted for them, they’re now installed in their role to hear your concerns, your priorities, and your hopes for the future of our state. You don’t have to be a policy expert, or know the details of bills, in order to be involved (although if you are interested in doing so, this bill tracker is excellent and easy to navigate). 

My goal with “Session Voices”, the new Mother Love podcast miniseries, is to bring you guests who’ll help us all to understand the legislative landscape a bit more, and to explain the ways in which we can be a part of the process, whether it’s during the 90 days of the 2025 session, or during the many months and interim year between sessions, when laws aren’t made, but relationships can be. You’ll hear voices from across the legislative ecosystem, from policy experts to parents, and will hopefully gain a bit more understanding of how it all works, and how much of it is within your reach. You can find Mother Love on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Our first episode, with Mary Collins from the University of Montana’s Center for Children, Families and Workforce Development, is live now, and on Monday you can hear my interview with Grace Decker, of Montana Advocates for Children. And if you have a great guest in mind (maybe it’s you!), feel free to reach out at stories@hmhb-mt.org.   

 

 

 

Jan 24
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I’m Emily: Your New Host of the Mother Love Podcast and Storytelling Coordinator at HMHB

By The Power of Story

by Emily Freeman, HMHB Storytelling Coordinator and Mother Love Podcast Host

Welcome Back to Mother Love!

Emily Freeman

After a summer hiatus, the Mother Love podcast is back in action with a new host (me!) and a new mini-series that I was lucky enough to co-host with Cass Weber, a mom of two from Butte. Cass was a guest on Mother Love last year, and her story resonated far beyond her original conversation with previous host, Claire. Not only did she share her own lived experience, but that of a community, as well. Her observations of the changes in the perinatal landscape in Butte, from one birth to the next, seemed well worth digging into more. So we did.

In five linked episodes – a series we’re calling “A Mining City Story” – Cass and I connect with some of the nurses and other providers who are working hard to improve resources and supports for moms and babies in Butte. The conversations are informative, accessible, and hopefully inspiring, both to healthcare providers for moms and babies, as well as to birthing families across Montana and beyond.

Looking Back

Cass Weber

An unexpected delight of co-hosting with Cass was having an opportunity to revisit my own years of pregnancy and early parenting in Montana. My children are now 12 and 14, and babyhood seems at once a million years ago, and like it happened just yesterday. In conversation with our podcast

guests, I was able to reflect on the supports and resources that I had (or didn’t) during those years, as well as my willingness (or not) to seek out the help that I needed.

I’m heartened by the shift I see in the generation of moms that came after mine, and the overall cultural shift towards normalizing asking for support in the early years. If I could go back in time and advise my younger self – deep in the trenches of early parenting, postpartum depletion, and general overwhelm – I might sit her down, take her hand, and encourage her to reach out to someone; to let her know she’s not alone, and that there’s no shame in asking for help.

Looking Forward

Since its inception, the Mother Love podcast has provided a source of connection for moms and families in the perinatal season of life, a season which can be isolating, particularly in a rural state such as ours, or when experienced in combination with any other life stressors. I believe deeply that sharing stories creates connection, and that through connection comes strength. I couldn’t be happier to facilitate this strengthening of Montana families through storytelling, and am truly honored to be the new voice of the podcast, building on the good work done in the past, and charting an exciting new course for the future.

The next Mother Love series will explore the Montana State Legislature. The legislative session can seem mystifying or inaccessible, and our guests will help us to better understand how it works, what’s interesting about it, and how to get involved. I look forward to these conversations, which will showcase the people behind the work, including parents, providers, advocates, and others offering insights on issues that impact families in the 0-3 years. The episodes will be short and sweet, perfect for listening on a lunch break, or while folding tiny pieces of laundry.

Share Your Story!

As we think about the podcast and our storytelling efforts in general going forward, our hope is to create the kind of content that you want, sharing stories from across the state, exploring bold ideas and creative solutions for supporting the littlest Montanans and their families.

Is there a voice or a topic that you’d like us to amplify in a future episode or series? Don’t hesitate to reach out via email at  stories@hmhb-mt.org to share your ideas.

Jan 09
Love1

2024 HMHB Year in Review

By Community, Community Support, Early Childhood, Montana Early Childhood Coalition, Native American Initiatives, Published Work

With the close of 2024, we’re reflecting on a year filled with meaningful milestones, new connections, and impactful work at HMHB-MT. From expanding our team to strengthening collaborations, this year has been one of growth and inspiration. Join us as we look back on some of the highlights that made 2024 so remarkable!

January

We started the year strong with a team retreat in Helena, welcoming two new team members: Hollin Buck, Program Manager and Lauren Johnson, Director of Communications and Outreach.  Together, we set our intentions for the year and bonded through team-building activities.

Dr. Amy Stiffarm traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with HRSA (Health Resources & Services Administration) officials, sharing valuable insights about our collaborative work with state partners.

February

HMHB Team members attended The 2024 Montana Winter Institute on Improving Public Health through Positive Experiences, learning about the impacts of supportive and caring experiences for child and families and how communities can support them.

Claire Larson continued to craft new episodes of the Mother Love podcast, featuring powerful stories from mothers and care providers across Montana.

 

March

We put more momentum behind our Look Closer public messaging campaign, working to decrease negative biases around perinatal substance use disorders. This free, downloadable campaign fosters kindness and compassion, encouraging those struggling with unhealthy substance use to ask for help and for providers who may serve them to meet those requests with understanding.

Dr. Amy Stiffarm took the lead in organizing a series of Indigenous doula networking events, strengthening connections and support for Indigenous birth workers.

April

We were thrilled to have our article, “A Strategy to Support Perinatal Mental Health by Collaborating With Tribal Communities in Montana,” published in Health Affairs’ April issue. Co-authored by Dr. Amy Stiffarm, Stephanie Morton, Dawn Gunderson, and former Executive Director, Brie MacLaurin, this piece highlights critical work in improving maternal mental health.

May

May brought bittersweet farewells as we said goodbye to Claire Larson, who released her final episode of the Mother Love podcast.

This month we were especially grateful for funders and supporters. We celebrated receiving a grant from the Women’s Foundation of Montana, allowing HMHB to begin more formally support building the doula and birth worker workforce in Montana.  The Helena Exchange Club and Gulch Distillers generously hosted a pint night fundraiser on our behalf for Mother’s Day.

Dr. Amy Stiffarm also collaborated with the Family Medicine Residency of Western Montana to enhance understanding of Indigenous perinatal cultural safety.

June

Dr. Amy Stiffarm unveiled an updated version of the Cultural Safety for Indigenous Women and Birthing People Toolkit, offering vital resources for providers supporting Indigenous families during the perinatal period.

Several staff members attended The Montana Healthcare Foundation’s 2024 Symposium as part of our work on the Meadowlark Initiatives. We also participated in Early Childhood Strategic Planning hosted by the Early Childhood and Family Services Division of DPHHS.

Our Essentials Program received $35,000 from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund at Montana Community Foundation. These funds will help us to continue distributing safe sleep kits and car seats to family support providers across the state, to provide to families and caregivers, giving them the essential tools and information they need to care for their children. Through the Essentials program, in 2024 we distributed 363 safe sleep kits; 420 car seats; and served 527 unique families across Montana.

 

July

We convened an in-person meeting of the Montana Early Childhood Coalition alongside our coalition co-conveners, The University of Montana Center for Children Families and Workforce Development and Zero to Five.  We also co-hosted a day long training with our partners in the Injury Prevention Bureau at DPHHS, called Resilience Rising: Navigating Through Adversity and Cultivating Positive Childhood Experiences.

August

The fourth annual edition of LIFTS Magazine was published, featuring stories from Montana parents and caregivers sharing about how asking for help has transformed the lives of Montana families. With 14,000 copies distributed to nearly 100 sites statewide, this edition continues to inspire and inform about when getting help, helps.

Dr. Amy Stiffarm delivered a keynote address at the inaugural Indigenous Milk Medicine Conference, a keystone event for Indigenous maternal and child health.

September

We hosted Dr. Samantha Greenberg’s virtual Perinatal Mental Health 101 series—a free webinar designed to raise awareness among Montana professionals about perinatal mental health.

The Montana Home Visiting Coalition, co-convened The Home Visiting Summit with the Early Childhood and Family Services Bureau of DPHHS. This provided an opportunity to connect with passionate home visitors through training and shared experiences.

This year, we dedicated significant time to improving the back end of our LIFTS Online Resource guide, focusing on making the overall experience more user-friendly. This fall, we were excited to

complete several meaningful updates and look forward to continuing to expand and enhance the capabilities of LIFTS.

October

Our 2024 Perinatal Mental Health Conference returned to an in-person format in Helena, reuniting partners from across the state. Nearly 200 providers, advocates and system champions gathered to learn and celebrate together. A standout moment was the screening of the impactful documentary film, Siloed, and the addition of poster sessions featuring local level work from around Montana.

We also received incredible news of funding from the Arthur M. Blank West Foundation, to support our storytelling work and build a strong administrative foundation for our growing organization.

November

We were thrilled to welcome two familiar faces to our team: Chelsea Bellon as the Native American Initiatives Program Manager and Emily Freeman as our new Storytelling Coordinator. We were excited to welcome their expertise and passion to our team.

Dr. Amy Stiffarm returned to Washington, D.C., to address the 2024 Tribal Prenatal-to-Three Policy Agenda, spotlighting critical issues facing AI/AN mothers, children, and families.

December

Stephanie Morton represented HMHB at the NCIT Paid Family & Medical Leave Education Initiative Convening and PN3 Policy Impact Center’s Great Opportunities, Great Progress event in Denver.

HMHB worked closely with Montana Doula Collaborative, Indigenous Birth workers network and state and national experts to draft a bill to create a state certification for doulas and birth workers, a key step to expanding access to these critical supports during and after pregnancy.

As we wrapped up 2024, we looked ahead to the 2025 Legislative Session the much-anticipated release of the fourth season of the Mother Love podcast in January, and continuing to build and deepen relationships to support the collaborative and impactful work of building a better system to improve the lives of moms, babies and families in Montana.

Looking Ahead

2024 was a year for HMHB filled with growth, collaboration, and impact. We are energized to carry this momentum into 2025 as we continue to support the work and partners helping Montana families.

 

Dec 20
Love2

I Can Do This by Kelsie Christensen

By Birth, Community, Community Support, Parenting, pregnancy, Self-compassion, The Power of Story

This is a featured article from our 4th edition of the LIFTS Magazine.  

I Can Do This

By Kelsie Christensen

“You’re an adult woman, you can do this!” my husband Bob says over the phone from 1,500 miles away, as I dress our four-month-old son, Emmett.

“I’m so nervous,” I reply. “I don’t know any of these people.”

There are many things I didn’t expect as a new mom, forced mom outings being one of them.

If only my anxiety would calm down.

The sun is setting as I load Emmett into the car, still on the phone with Bob. “Who knew free dinner would be such a driving force to get me out of the house?” I joke. “New mom life.”

We arrive at the old brick school where the moms group is held, and I strap Emmett into the front pack. “I’ll call you when we’re heading home,” I tell Bob as we hang up.

Walking down the ramp into the building’s basement, I feel nauseous. “We can do this, right buddy?” I ask Emmett.

I hear kids playing and moms chatting from down the fluorescent-lit hall. I take a deep breath and walk in. Moms are on the left by a big table covered with taco fixings. Kids are to the right playing in a padded area with so many toys and activities. Emmett will LOVE this place when he gets bigger, I think.

With Emmett still strapped to my chest, I get some food and walk to another room, where I sit down at a plastic folding table with ten other women, a huge ball of anxiety in my stomach. What do I even talk about? My whole world revolves around this tiny person. Am I even interesting anymore?

Turns out they can relate.

I chat with a mom of two whose husband is also a truck driver. I ask if being a trucker’s wife with kids ever gets easier. “Kind of…not really,” she answers. At least she’s being honest.

The woman sitting next to me has a baby girl strapped to her as well – a three-month old, she tells me. We exchange numbers so we can meet up for a walk, and have another adult to talk to. I feel my anxiety lessening.

After two hours, I walk outside into the dark. I can’t wait to call Bob and tell him how it went. I can’t believe I had the guts to go – to meet new people, and to take Emmett along to something that’s actually for me. I plan to go again next month. I appreciate knowing I’m not alone and now have a community I can turn to.

I am an adult woman, I think to myself, as I strap Emmett into his car seat. And I can do this.   

 

 

Visit hmhb-lifts.org for local resources using the search terms “Birthing and Parenting Classes” and “Support Groups”.

Nov 29
Love2

My Journey Through Bipolar II and Motherhood by Shayla Horner

By Birth, Grief, Infant Loss, Parenting, The Power of Story

This is a featured article from our 4th edition of the LIFTS Magazine.  

My Journey Through Bipolar II and Motherhood

By Shayla Horner

After my first pregnancy, I was prescribed an antidepressant for postpartum depression. Within 24 hours of starting the medication, I’d cut my hair, started a YouTube channel, and deep-cleaned and redecorated my house. I discovered a new ability to run off of three hours of sleep, and felt like I was thriving. So relieved to be out of my previous state of zombie-like living, I wasn’t willing to admit I was equally unwell, and experiencing what I would later recognize as having been a manic episode.

I was 22 then, and wouldn’t receive an accurate diagnosis until five years later.

At 27, I was trying to finish college, working part-time at an elementary school, and taking care of my then-5-year-old daughter. I knew that if I didn’t help myself, I’d be fighting the same battle of taming my own mind for the rest of my life. I spent my nights watching my daughter sleep, knowing that I needed to do something – anything – to be the mother she deserved. I knew in my bones that I was a nurturing and devoted mom, but I wanted to feel at peace in order to be able to provide her with peace.

I reached out to a therapist through my university, and canceled my appointment four times before finally showing up. That first session was the beginning of a healing process that was one of the most brutal experiences of my life. Forgiving people who have wronged you is hard; forgiving yourself is merciless. I received a Bipolar II diagnosis, and after dosage adjustments, have had immense luck with the right mood-stabilizing medication.

I found out I was pregnant with my second in December of 2023, and told my doctor that I wanted to taper off my medication. I’d done the research, and knew that mine was one of the most recommended mood-stabilizers for pregnancy, but in spite of advocating for the destigmatization of mental-health conditions, I knew deep down that I didn’t want to admit to my new medical team that I was dependent on a medication for survival. My doctor expressed concern, but said it was ultimately my decision. I made the choice to stop.

Though I’d had an easy first pregnancy, this one hit me like a freight train. I was consumed by depression and anxiety, my mind brimming with current dilemmas, past conflicts, and personal downfalls. I had to take frequent bathroom breaks at work to steady my breathing and avoid giving in to my spiraling thoughts. I struggled to perform daily tasks at home, and knew I was losing my ability to hide my diminishing mental health from my daughter – the very reason I’d initially sought help years before. I realized that it wasn’t wrong to need help, but it was wrong to jeopardize what I worked so hard to maintain over the years, just to avoid stigma.

I went to my OB’s office and was met with pure grace by the resident medical assistant. I’ll never forget the kindness that he showed me in such a vulnerable moment. He told me that while I’m choosing to share my body with someone else, I’m still worth loving and advocating for. He was clear and communicative about the medical basis for his reflections, sharing the scientific justifications for why it was okay to restart my medication. I walked out of the office feeling seen.

A diagnosis does not define you. It can dictate choices you make, but it doesn’t have to be your entire identity. The imbalances within my body don’t determine my capabilities as a parent. I can be a great mom, a loving wife, and a functioning member of society while also needing assistance in maintaining the disequilibrium in my brain that is quite literally out of my control. What is in my control, however, is choosing to be honest with myself and my support team, so that I can not just survive, but thrive.

 

 

 

 

Visit hmhb-lifts.org for local resources using the search terms “Mental Health Providers” and “Psychiatric Services”.