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In the News: Midwives & Maternal Health in Alabama
WBRC 6 News Report:
"Solving Alabama's Maternal Care Crisis: Research Says Midwives Could Solve the Problem"
What’s the issue?
Alabama faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. More counties now lack labor & delivery services than those with them. The system is failing, especially for rural families.
What’s the solution?
Midwives — especially Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Professional Midwives — are trained to provide safe, evidence-based care. But outdated restrictions, insurance gaps, and provider shortages keep them from reaching the families who need them most.
Voices from the Story:
- “It’s dangerous. We have a shortage of OBGYNs and rural hospitals.”
- “Midwives individualize care and provide early intervention.”
- “States that integrate midwives have the best outcomes.”
- “It’s time to move the mountains.”
Policy and Progress:
- UAB relaunched its nurse-midwifery program in 2022.
- Lawmakers are considering easing restrictions on collaborative practice agreements.
- Alabama Medicaid is now part of a grant program to improve maternal outcomes, including expanding midwifery.
Why This Matters to Safer Birth in Bama
We’ve long advocated for evidence-based, patient-centered care — and that includes midwifery. This news piece reflects exactly what we’re fighting for: informed choice, expanded access, and sustainable maternal health solutions across Alabama.
Grant Initiative Strengthens NAMC Labor & Delivery Services
North Alabama Medical Center Receives Donation from Safer Birth in Bama
During Shoals Mom Prom 2025, Safer Birth in Bama’s Grant Initiatives program contributed $3,000 to North Alabama Medical Center to support labor and delivery services, including the introduction of nitrous oxide for low-intervention pain management. This donation strengthens the ongoing partnership between Safer Birth in Bama and NAMC, enhancing maternal care and supporting families in the region.
Project LUNA Coordinator Featured in TimesDaily
Safer Birth in Bama is proud to share that Project LUNA Coordinator, Alisha Dreiling, has been featured in a TimesDaily article highlighting her advocacy for maternal mental health.
Alisha’s journey into this work began through her personal experience with motherhood and has since grown into a mission to support other women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Through Project LUNA, she is helping expand access to mental health care for mothers across Alabama, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured.
The article also highlights Shoals Mom Prom, further bringing awareness to the community efforts supporting maternal health initiatives in the region.
Mom Foundation Featured in WAFF Coverage
Safer Birth in Bama is proud to highlight recent WAFF coverage of The Mom Foundation’s “Moms and Midwives on the Move” walk held in Huntsville.
The event brought together doulas, midwives, families, and advocates to raise awareness for safer and more accessible birthing options across Alabama. Speakers emphasized the importance of expanding access to maternal support and ensuring that no mother navigates pregnancy and birth alone.
This work aligns with Safer Birth in Bama’s ongoing partnership with The Mom Foundation through the Shoals Midwifery Care Clinic, as we continue working to improve maternal health outcomes and expand access to evidence-based care.