Episode 62: Black Maternal Health, Advocacy & Awareness

Guest: Justina Kopp, Quad Mom & Former NICU Baby

Black Maternal Health Week is recognized each year, April 11-17, to bring attention and action in improving Black maternal health. Justina Kopp, mom to quadruplets and a NICU baby herself, shares how her experience led her to advocacy.

In this episode, we chat about:

• The moment she found out she was pregnant with quadruplets.
• Justina’s relationship with her OB/GYN.
• Her difficult relationship with her MFM doctor and how that made her feel.
• Her care in the NICU.
• How this experience changed how she approaches healthcare, particularly for herself.
• Her best advice to a woman of color who finds herself pregnant, with one baby or more.

Justina Kopp lives in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, with her husband, Matthew and their quadruplets. She is a 2013 graduate of the University of St. Thomas where she studied Catholic Studies and Biology. Currently, Justina is pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Justina’s essay: Fighting for Our Lives
• CDC: Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality
• Black Mamas Matter Alliance

Connect with Justina:

Instagram: @justinakopp