NATAL

Latest Episodes:

Chapter Seven: Pregnancy Tales Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

From the physical to the emotional, all four parents navigate the highs and lows of pregnancy – and for some, even during a pandemic.

For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Interlude: The Calling Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Alabama Birth Collective founder Jasmine Merritt on answering the call to serve.

For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Chapter Six: Ciara's Journey Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Ciara explores the multitude of care options after learning she's pregnant.

Guests featured this episode: Oriaku Njoku, Quita Tinsley Peterson, and Tanya Smith-Johnson

For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Chapter Five: Anasia's Journey Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Taking matters into her own hands, Anasia charts new pathways to parenthood uniquely her own.

Featured guest: Dr. Tonya Hawkins Hunter

For resources on pregnancy loss, listen to our NPR Life Kit episode.

For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Chapter Four: The Southern Spark Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Fannie Lou Hamer, Southern freedom fighter and one of the oldest Black-founded towns in the country spark The Browns' most transformational decision yet.

Featured guests: Katy Kozhamminil, PhD and Arrianna Planey, PhD.

If you loved learning about Mound Bayou, check out this video.

For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Chapter Three: Body Talk Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

The moments that (re)introduced Shayla, Erick and Anasia to their bodies.

For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Interlude: The Alabama Birth Collective Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Meet the founding members of The Alabama Birth Collective.

Learn more about ABC members Charity Moore, Jasmine Merritt, Mariah Brown, Nadia Gramby and Tori Rodriguez, or visit their Instagram.

For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Chapter Two: Finding Home Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Anasia Sturdivant and Ciara Hunter leave city life behind to find new places to call home.

For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Chapter One: Getting It Right Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Eight months pregnant during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shayla and Erick Brown return home to rural Mississippi for a chance to finally get it right.

For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Prologue Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

Hosts Gabrielle Horton and Martina Abrahams Ilunga share what inspired this season. Interwoven between narrative interludes, this 10-part story album highlights the rich traditions and structural challenges that have moved four Black rural parents to birth new life and legacies on their own terms.

Featured guests: Arrianna Planey, PhD and DaLyah Jones.

If you loved learning about Black rural communities, check out this article by DaLyah.

For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.