The need for these conversations is underscored by new survey findings revealing gaps in perceived support for mothers and awareness of maternal mental health resources. The survey found that less than half of American adults surveyed agree that mothers with children feel supported by those around them (47%), have opportunities to take time for themselves (42%), or have help caring for their children (41%). Additionally, only 28% of respondents say they are confident that most mothers experiencing mental health challenges after childbirth know where to seek help.
"Listening to moms, understanding their experiences, and ensuring their voices are heard are foundational to addressing the challenges we face," said Cindy Rahman, President and CEO, March of Dimes. "The Collective is about creating a space where moms feel supported and empowered, and inspiring all of us to continue to show up for one another in big and small ways. Through this effort, we are establishing a culture where every mom feels she can seek the care she needs, and where families, communities, and organizations come together to ensure no mom has to navigate motherhood alone."
As part of March of Dimes's It Starts With Mom campaign, The Collective's 2026 events in New York and Los Angeles are bringing together prominent voices from media, medicine, maternal and infant health, advocacy, and entertainment.
In New York, NBC4 anchor Natalie Pasquarella returned as emcee and opened the program with a fireside chat featuring Rahman. March of Dimes Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr. Michael Warren, then moderated a panel featuring:
- Dr. Nastassia K. Harris, RNC-MNN, DNP, IBCLC
- Elizabeth Baron, licensed mental health counselor and psychotherapist specializing in maternal mental health
- Danielle Olivera, TV personality and NICU mom
- Dr. Jennifer Wider, women's health expert, author, and TV and radio personality
Next Friday in Los Angeles, Lanae Brody, entertainment and health reporter with California Post, will emcee the event. The day will begin with a fireside chat led by Karen Walker Johnson, CEO of Clever Care Health Plan and past March of Dimes Board of Trustees member, with California Surgeon General, Dr. Diana Ramos. Then, Dr. Warren will moderate a panel featuring:
- Lisa Schwartz, actor, digital creator, and maternal health advocate
- Sara Connell, bestselling author, speaker, and thought leadership expert
- Dr. Aaron Jordan Reitman, DO, Pediatric Neonatology, Kaiser Permanente
- Danielle Alura, international singer, model, actress, farmer, race car driver, and philanthropist.
Each event will also spotlight local programs with NewYork-Presbyterian, Stony Brook Children's Hospital (NY), and Cedars-Sinai supporting families in New York and Los Angeles.
The Collective is supported by a powerful group of partners whose ongoing collaboration fuels the March of Dimes mission. The Collective New York sponsors include premier sponsor Johnson & Johnson; supporting sponsors Philips Avent and The Honest Company; event sponsor Garrison Financial Group; in-kind partners Kendra Scott, Royce, and Maryellen; and media partners Audacy, Scary Mommy, and Romper. The Collective Los Angeles sponsors include premier sponsor: The Honest Company; and supporting sponsor Pampers. Additional It Starts with Mom campaign sponsors include; HCA Healthcare, Clearblue, and BD.
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, education, and advocacy, and provide programs and services so that every family can get the best possible start. Since 1938, we've built a successful legacy to support every pregnant person and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org for more information in multiple languages.
SOURCE March of Dimes
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