Arizona Perinatal Trust

03/30/2026

Happy Doctors' Day to all physicians!

March 30, 2026, is the day our country celebrates doctors.

At the Arizona Perinatal Trust, our doctors DONATE hundreds of hours each year.

Our wonderful physicians travel throughout the state at their own cost, contribute to state policy, develop programs, provide consultation to hospitals and much more.

Our doctors share their time and personal resources for the single purpose of improving the health outcomes of Arizona’s women and infants.

Special thanks to:
Dr. Alan Bedrick, MD
Dr. Robert “BJ” Johnson, MD
Dr. Hugh Miller, MD
Dr. Kathryn Reed, MD
Dr. Mark Shwer, MD
Dr. Grayson Guzman, MD
Dr. Cathleen Harris, MD
Dr. Dean Coonrod, MD
Dr. Curtis Cook, MD

03/23/2026

03/23/2026

HB 2051 passes the Senate RAGE Committee 7- 0!

We are one step closer to ensuring all mothers in Arizona receive the breastfeeding support they need.

Watch Natalie Olsen of the Chamber of Mothers and our CEO, Dr. Laurie Wood, testify in support.

https://www.azleg.gov/videoplayer/?eventID=2026031089

Fast forward to 11:56 for the bill's introduction. Natalie starts at 14:20, and Dr. Wood at 19:31.

01/28/2026

A big step forward for Arizona families!

The Arizona Perinatal Trust joins the Maternal Health Coalition in supporting HB2051 and HB 2072 to improve access to lactation support and strengthen Arizona's perinatal workforce. Both bills passed by the Health and Human Services Committee with unanimous support!

Together, we can impact the health outcomes of Arizona's mothers and infants.

Watch the expert testimony of Arizona's mother, Michelle Bohne, a lactation consultant, Kimberly Moore-Salas, IBCLC, and our CEO, Dr. Laurie Wood.

https://www.azleg.gov/archivedmeetings/ (1/22/2026 at 1:58 minutes)

01/09/2026

The CDC Foundation spotlights the work of the Arizona Perinatal Trust on its website.

"At APT, creating space for this dialogue is rooted in establishing and strengthening respectful maternity care that promotes dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of pregnant women and mothers and provides continuous support during labor and birth. This type of care gives women a space to voice their concerns and understand their options."

Review the article and join our effort to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across Arizona.

https://www.cdcfoundation.org/blog/voices-maternal-care-arizona

12/08/2025

Feeling Heard at Your OB Visit

Sometimes it’s hard to know when or how to ask questions at your healthcare provider’s office. You deserve to feel heard and supported during every step of your care. Speak up and get the answers you need.

Find out more at azperinatal.org/DoYouFeelHeard

12/01/2025

Respectful Maternity Care Saves Lives

Drawing from her experience as doula caring for pregnant women, Jillian encourages healthcare professionals to provide respectful care to all patients to help ensure the best health outcomes.

Find out more at
https://azperinatal.org/doyoufeelheard/

11/20/2025

NOVEMBER IS PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH!

Across the United States, 1 in 10 babies are born prematurely each year. In 2024, nearly 380,000 babies were born before 37 weeks gestation.

Preterm labor is one of the leading causes of infant mortality.

Arizona's preterm birth rate shows slight improvement at 9.7 when compared to 9.9 in 2023; however, there is more we can do.

Please look at the newly released March of Dimes Report Card 2025 to see how Arizona compares to other states and what it means for our communities.

Click the link to view the full report:
https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/reports/united-states/report-card

11/17/2025

Support People Can Help Women Receive the Best Healthcare

Luis understood the importance of supporting and advocating for his wife during a difficult pregnancy. Husbands, partners and family, hear her and help her get the care she needs.

Learn more at
https://azperinatal.org/doyoufeelheard/

11/10/2025

Por favor, no tengas miedo de buscar atención médica (Please don’t be afraid to speak up)

Sandra tuvo complicaciones relacionadas con el embarazo y aconseja a las mujeres que no tengan miedo de buscar atención médica ni de hablar si sienten que algo no está bien, ya que esto puede salvar su vida o la de su bebé.

Todas las preguntas son válidas, porque cada preocupación importa. Su equipo de salud está aquí para escucharla, apoyarla y guiarla.

A los profesionales de la salud: pueden ayudar a reducir la ansiedad de las mujeres embarazadas mostrando empatía y prestando atención a sus inquietudes.

¿Se siente escuchada?

Infórmese en azperinatal.org/DoYouFeelHeard

Sandra experienced pregnancy-related complications and urges women to not be afraid to seek medical care and speak up if something feels wrong. It can save your and your baby’s life.

No question is too small. Every concern matters. Your healthcare providers are here to listen, support, and guide you.

Providers, you can help ease pregnant women’s anxiety by being empathetic and listening to her concerns.

Learn more at https://azperinatal.org/doyoufeelheard/

11/03/2025

Know when to seek help for depression after giving birth.

Signs and symptoms of maternal depression may not appear for up to a year following birth. Jo did not recognize symptoms of postpartum depression.

Know when something isn’t right. Speak to someone you can trust, be heard and get the help you need.

Learn more at:
https://azperinatal.org/doyoufeelheard/