Josephine Perkins
Research Mentor(s): Kayana Sessoms
Mentor Department: Hitha Healing House, Inc
Authors: Josephine Perkins, Ava Fouchea, Kayana Sessoms, Danielle Pettway
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 36
Abstract
The Lens to Motherhood Summit is a community-driven initiative dedicated to supporting mothers navigating the postpartum period, particularly those facing systemic barriers to quality care. Historically, motherhood has been romanticized as an instinctive and seamless transition, yet many women experience immense stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression due to a lack of holistic support. Hitha Healing House, a Detroit-based nonprofit, actively works to bridge these critical gaps by providing comprehensive postpartum care, ensuring mothers have access to the resources, community, and care they need. Research and past initiatives by Hitha Healing House have demonstrated significant improvements in maternal well-being, with 85% of participants reporting better mental and emotional health, 75% experiencing reduced stress and anxiety, and 75% noting improved postpartum recovery. Additionally, 70% of mothers adopted healthier lifestyle practices, and 65% felt more financially confident after attending wellness workshops. By building on these successes, the Lens to Motherhood Summit seeks to further this impact by bringing together healthcare professionals, community leaders, and mothers to share knowledge and lived experiences. At its core, this summit challenges outdated narratives of motherhood by recognizing the realities of postpartum struggles and advocating for care models that prioritize maternal well-being. Research and dialogue in this space are essential in dismantling harmful stereotypes and fostering a world that is empathetic to mothers—one that acknowledges their needs and ensures they receive the support they deserve.
