P.U.S.H.
Driving Change Across Generations.
The Perinatal Unit for Systems of Health®, or the P.U.S.H., bridges the gap between community care and the healthcare system, offering support to women and families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. Utilizing integrative care models and strategic partnerships, the P.U.S.H. aims for lasting change and generational health.
5 + Years of Transformation
100 % Commitment to Quality Service
3 Strategic Pillars Driving Change
22 CHW Supported Clients
20 Trained and Certified Doulas
40 + Doula Supported Births
59 Maternal Mental Health Group Sessions: 2024-2025
Core Values What Guides Us
Partnership: Progress happens when we lean into collaboration, even when we disagree. We are committed to working through challenges and building shared solutions that move us forward.
Unification: Our strength lies in coming together, weaving individual efforts into a collective force that creates lasting, thriving communities.
Support: We equip individuals and families with the resources, knowledge, and care they need to turn challenges into victories.
Health Equity: Everyone deserves access to health and well-being, no matter their zip code or background. Equity isn’t just a goal—it’s our foundation.
Core Values What Guides Us
Breastfeeding: We honor the power of choice, celebrating breastfeeding as a natural and valuable option while supporting mothers in finding the best nourishment for their babies, whether nursing or using healthy alternatives.
Integrity: This isn’t just a standard; it’s our way of being. We hold ourselves accountable to our mission, our partners, and the communities we serve with unwavering honesty and dedication.
Respect: Dignity is non-negotiable. We act with accountability and ensure every voice is heard, valued, and treated with care.
Timeliness: Perinatal health is urgent and vital. We prioritize early access and rapid responsiveness to meet the evolving needs of women and moms, from pre-pregnancy through postpartum recovery.
Holistic: Health is more than physical; it’s a balance of mind, body, spirit, and community. We champion self-care and whole-person wellness in all we do.
Who We Serve
Our programs are designed to support all communities with a particular focus on:
Economically Disadvantaged Families - Affordable, Low-income pregnant women with significant financial difficulties can access support to help them receive quality care during childbirth and postpartum.
High-Risk Pregnancies - Specialized care, comprehensive monitoring, and tailored interventions for complex perinatal needs.
Families Seeking Emotional Support - Support for those experiencing mood disorders and emotional imbalances affecting overall well-being during and after pregnancy.
Our Approach
Change Advocacy
Incorporating feedback from the communities served is essential for program and service design that aims for transformative impact rather than short-term results.
Change Advocacy
At P.U.S.H., our commitment to change advocacy is rooted in the belief that sustainable progress in perinatal health arises from a strong foundation of rigorous data analysis, informed policy, and meaningful community engagement. We are dedicated to transforming the landscape of perinatal health through solutions grounded in evidence and best practice—turning raw data into actionable insights that inform every policy recommendation and programmatic decision we make.
Our approach centers on actively listening to the voices of the communities we serve, integrating their lived experiences and feedback directly into the design and implementation of our
initiatives.
Unlike short-term, surface-level interventions, P.U.S.H. prioritizes comprehensive strategies that aim for transformative, long-lasting impact. By engaging with local leaders, healthcare
professionals, and families, we ensure our programs remain responsive to real challenges and evolving needs.
Our advocacy does not stop at identifying problems; we aim to overturn the perinatal health crisis with targeted, evidence-based solutions. At every stage, families and communities are not just beneficiaries—they are co-creators, shaping the future of perinatal health alongside us.
Person-Centered Care
Providing comprehensive support through CHWs and full-spectrum CDs who deliver emotional, physical, and social assistance tailored to each family's unique needs.
Person-Centered Care
Person-centered care lies at the heart of the P.U.S.H. We understand that every family’s journey is unique, and so our approach is grounded in holistic, wraparound support that
addresses emotional, physical, and social needs. Our network of Community Doulas (CDs) and full-spectrum community doulas are more than health care professionals; they are trusted
companions, advocates, and guides. Together, they deliver individualized care that respects cultural backgrounds, honors personal preferences, and adapts to the circumstances of each family.
P.U.S.H. supports families throughout the entire perinatal period, offering guidance and connection to resources before, during, and after childbirth. Our CHWs and doulas provide critical
emotional support, practical assistance with navigating healthcare systems, and help in overcoming social barriers such as housing insecurity, food access, and language differences. By
focusing on every dimension of well-being, we equip families to thrive—not just survive—ensuring they have the tools, confidence, and support to nurture healthy beginnings and
brighter futures. Through ongoing collaboration and advocacy, we build lasting relationships that echo far beyond individual encounters, nurturing a culture of care throughout the
community.
Training & Workforce
Pathways to PUSH® enhances the health services workforce by offering specialized perinatal health certification programs for CHWs, doulas, and the general care economy. These initiatives aim to lessen the strain on healthcare systems while improving access to quality health services.
Training & Workforce Development
P.U.S.H. recognizes that the future of maternal and perinatal health depends on a diverse, well-trained, and empowered workforce. Through Pathways to PUSH®, we offer specialized
certification programs that elevate the skills and competencies of community health workers, doulas, and allied health professionals. Our curricula are designed in collaboration with industry
experts and community stakeholders, ensuring that our courses are relevant and responsive to real-world needs.
These training initiatives provide not only technical expertise in perinatal health but also instruction in trauma-informed care and systems navigation. By broadening the scope of
professional education, we enable care providers to address the complex realities families face. Pathways to PUSH® also contributes to workforce sustainability by opening doors to
meaningful career advancement while helping to alleviate the pressure on overwhelmed healthcare systems. The result is a robust, resilient network of skilled professionals improving access to
quality health services and championing the well-being of every family they serve.
We PUSH because every woman, child, and family deserves access to safe, respectful, and accessible care throughout the perinatal journey. We PUSH because pregnancy and birth are not merely medical events—they are profoundly human experiences that call for compassion, advocacy, and support grounded in community and connection.
Jacqueline McLeeland, MBA, MLS, CHWI
President & CEO
