2B Heard
Welcome to the 2BHeard Initiative
Engaging Birthing People, Families, Providers, and Communities to Recognize Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
Maternal health is a growing concern in the U.S., and too many lives are lost to pregnancy-related complications. The 2BHeard Initiative is a St. Louis-based awareness campaign inspired by the CDC Foundation’s “Hear Her Campaign,” designed to ensure every pregnant person, their support networks, and healthcare providers recognize the urgent maternal warning signs that can save lives.
Why 2BHeard?
In Missouri, the latest Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review (PAMR) reveals that 70 pregnant people die each year within one year of giving birth, with 84% of these deaths being preventable. These statistics are heartbreaking but fuel our determination to enact change.
2BHeard isn’t just an awareness campaign—it’s a movement. This initiative aims to engage and inform the St. Louis region by:
- Amplifying the message of maternal health urgency.
- Providing resources and tools to recognize life-threatening complications.
- Creating opportunities for individuals to speak up and be heard.
Together, we can dream of a world where every birthing person is heard and supported.

What Sets 2BHeard Apart?
St. Louis thrives on its strong sense of community and ability to rally around important causes. The 2BHeard Initiative taps into this spirit through:
- Community Voice: Guided by an advisory council of Community Leaders and Fellows, ensuring that our efforts are informed by those most impacted.
- Local Conversations: Hosting talks, panels, and discussions with healthcare providers, community leaders, and families to raise awareness.
- Events and Activities: Participating in health fairs, block parties, and other local events to bring life-saving information directly to the community.
- Support Networks: Educating pregnant people and their loved ones—partners, parents, and friends—on recognizing warning signs and advocating for care.
- Provider Training: Equipping healthcare providers with tools to identify warning signs and facilitate meaningful patient dialogue.
Recognize the Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
Understanding the warning signs of life-threatening complications during pregnancy and postpartum is crucial. These include:
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Extreme swelling in the hands, face, or legs
- Shortness of breath
- Heavy bleeding or unusual discharge
- Severe pain in the abdomen or chest
- Dizziness or feeling faint
Recognizing these symptoms can mean the difference between life and death. This knowledge empowers not only birthing people but also their support networks and healthcare providers.
Get Involved with 2BHeard
Maternal health is everyone’s responsibility, and there are many ways to contribute to the success of 2BHeard:
- Attend Events: Check our calendar for upcoming discussions, health fairs, and community outreach activities.
- Spread the Word: Follow and share our social media posts to raise awareness about urgent maternal warning signs.
- Volunteer: Help us distribute materials and support our efforts at local events.
Working Together to Save Lives
The 2BHeard Initiative is a call to action for the entire St. Louis community. By leveraging our collective strength, we can:
- Ensure every pregnant person has the information and support they need.
- Create a culture of listening, where maternal voices are prioritized.
- Work towards a future where Black families in St. Louis thrive before, during, and beyond pregnancy.
Stay tuned for updates on events, resources, and opportunities to make a difference. Together, we can make St. Louis a city where every pregnancy is supported and every mother’s voice is heard.
Join the movement today and help us amplify the voices that need 2BHeard.
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