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News
2025 CAB Annual Report.pdf2025 Annual Report
September 21, 2026
Community After Birth publishes their 2025-2026 Annual Report, highlighting key programs, financial statements, and feedback from NEST parents and doulas.
CAB_Response to TRICARE Z39.1 Lactation Denials.pdfCommunity After Birth Responds to TRICARE Lactation Claim Denials
July 9, 2026
Community After Birth’s providers and clients have been directly impacted by the consistent and incorrect denial of claims for lactation counseling services.
This ongoing issue has left military families without essential healthcare, negatively affecting military families across the United States and internationally.
Read our full statement.
May 2026
Maryland Signs Perinatal Behavioral Health Coverage Into Law, Marking a Turning Point for Maternal Mental Health
The National Law Review
"Governor Wes Moore this week signed HB 1118, the Health, Health Insurance, and Health Occupations: Perinatal Behavioral Health Conditions Act, into law. The legislation requires Maryland insurers and the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to cover standardized screenings for perinatal behavioral health conditions during pregnancy and in the first year of a child's life. The Maryland Department of Health is now tasked with identifying evidence-based screening tools and connecting mothers to referral resources following a positive screen.
Sponsored by Delegate Jennifer White Holland, the law takes effect in two phases. Screening requirements begin July 1, 2026. Insurance coverage provisions follow in January 2027.
A Win for Maryland Mothers
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications of pregnancy and the postpartum period, affecting an estimated 1 in 5 mothers. HB 1118 directly addresses a significant gap by mandating coverage for screenings at prenatal, postpartum, and well-child visits throughout the first year of life, creating more consistent touchpoints for identification and ensuring that a positive screen leads to real referral resources.
Quotes from Maternal Mental Health Advocates
Lauren Thompson, MHS, CLC, PMH-C, Co-Chair of the PSI Maryland Chapter, said: "Parents fall through the cracks at exactly the moment they are most vulnerable. HB 1118 is a critical step toward changing that. Requiring coverage for standardized screenings across the first year of a child's life means more Marylanders can be connected to life saving care. This is what advocacy looks like when it works, and we are proud to have stood alongside a passionate and diverse coalition that made it possible."
We Delivered Over 1,000 Diapers to 20+ Families in Crofton Area
July 14, 2025
This past week Community After Birth volunteers delivered over 1,000 diapers to 20+ homes in Crofton, Bowie, Gambrills, and Odenton.
Thank you to Postpartum Support International Maryland Chapter, The Climb North Baltimore Team, and Sharebaby who made this generous donation possible for our community!
If you or someone you know is in need of diapers, wipes, maternity care items, formula, or other baby supplies, visit the list of Pantries on our Parent Resource page to find free items in your area.
Nurturing the Early Stages Together - Community After Birth launches the N.E.S.T. Program
January 20, 2025
Community After Birth is launching the N.E.S.T. Program - Nurturing the Early Stages Together.
This program will connect families coping with mental health challenges, as well as military families, with postpartum doula support in the weeks following childbirth.
Postpartum doula care is not covered by most health insurance plans. Home visits from a postpartum doula through the N.E.S.T. program will be of no cost to participating individuals and families.
This program is funded by grassroots donations and grant funding from Andrea's Wish Foundation. To help this vital support reach more parents, donate to Community After Birth.
Media
Media
Past Events
Past Events
Pop-Up Baby Pantry
Hosted by Rumina Center
Join us for free baby items that you can swap or take!
You'll find diapers, wipes, maternity care, clothing, gear, and more.
Climb for Perinatal Mental Health
Hosted by Postpartum Support International, Maryland Chapter
June 21 | 10 AM - Noon at Camden Yards!
Join us for a family-friendly community event in support of perinatal mental health and wellness. We'll be raising awareness, funding, and community connectedness while sharing resources and fun! Snap a pic with the Oriole Bird, enjoy some crafts, and join in on our short stadium walk in honor of perinatal mental health.
The first 50 attendees will receive a free tote bag filled with goodies, designed and supplied by Community After Birth
Panel on Black Maternal Health
Anne Arundel County Health Department: Equity Series
April 28, 2025 | 3 PM
Join doula and Chair, Lauren Thompson, for a panel on Black Maternal Health alongside fellow health champions, Dr. Tope Bada and Donna Williams. Lauren will discuss expanding doula support and the NEST Program.
Preparing for Postpartum
Community After Birth at Discoveries Library
March 19, 2025 | 11 AM - 12 PM
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall | Anne Arundel County Public Libraries | 2550 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
Join postpartum doula and Chair, Lauren Thompson, and she walks you through the different changes and phases the postpartum period can bring. Attendees will leave with Postpartum Plan printouts and other local resources to support their postpartum healing.
Doula Training for Community After Birth Doulas
Perinatal Obsessions and Psychiatric Emergencies: How to recognize them and how doulas can help?
January 16, 2025
Our first cohort of Community After Birth doulas completed their mental health training on perinatal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and psychiatric emergencies lead by Dr. Lindsay Standeven, Baltimore-based Reproductive Psychiatrist with the Reproductive Psychiatry Collaborative.
The doulas learned about the nuances between intrusive thoughts and presentations of postpartum psychosis, discussed nonjudgemental communication styles, pathways for referral and emergent care in Maryland, and scope of practice.
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