By: Kennedy Nicholas
My journey into Maternal and Child Health began when I went to college. Through the many Sociology classes I took, I began establishing a foundational understanding of what public health and MCH are. While I have gained a deepened understanding of the two over the years, I felt that something was missing. Attending APHA last year was very informative and a great experience and provided me the exposure of attending a large conference. This year, I decided to change things up a bit and attend CityMatCH. While both conferences filled knowledge gaps and increased awareness, I found that CityMatCH, was the exact environment I needed.
On day one, I attended a session that focused on childbirth setting and interventions, which is in alignment of my interest in the use of obstetric interventions. The subsession that most caught my attention, “Childbirth interventions among low-risk pregnancies by race and ethnicity in Louisiana”, was presented by a fellow Tulane student. I learned, in this session, that while the rate of cesarean deliveries have decreased, Black women have faced limited improvements.
This session helped me transition to one I went to on the last day of the conference. It focused on trauma informed and culturally responsive care. The first subsession in particular, “HEAL: Advancing Accountability in Maternity Care for Lasting Change”, had a huge impact on me.
Learnings from these sessions have helped me research and create a topic for a class project on if adverse childhood experiences play a role in a woman’s perception of her birthing experience.
CityMatCH also provided me the opportunity to connect with other MCH students around the country, as well as alums from my own program. Being in this space, and connecting with my peers on our collective interests, has encouraged me to keep striving towards my goals. This work is important and challenging, and we all play a part in improving the health outcomes of our communities.
Kennedy Nicholas, BS, is a second-year MPH student, concentrating in Maternal and Child Health. After attaining her MPH, she plans on attending medical school. Kennedy plans to graduate in May 2026. Her interests include Black maternal and child health, child welfare, excessive obstetric interventions, health equity, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and birth trauma. She also loves coaching volleyball, learning Spanish and Japanese, and listening to music.
Kennedy Nicholas, BS, is a second-year MPH student, concentrating in Maternal and Child Health. After attaining her MPH, she plans on attending medical school. Kennedy plans to graduate in May 2026. Her interests include Black maternal and child health, child welfare, excessive obstetric interventions, health equity, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and birth trauma. She also loves coaching volleyball, learning Spanish and Japanese, and listening to music.
