Empowering Birth Workers to Address Maternal Hypertension: Evaluation of a Community-Based Training in Wisconsin.

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal morbidity, especially among Black, Indigenous, and rural birthing individuals.

Methods: A multidisciplinary team developed and evaluated a community-based training for birth workers to enhance knowledge and response to maternal hypertension.

Results: Participants reported high satisfaction with the training across multiple domains. Confidence increased across all learning objectives. Follow-up data showed strong intent to apply learning, with most participants planning practice changes. Planners also observed a need to focus on skill-building and inclusion of birth workers in the planning process.

Discussion: Results suggest that targeted training for birth workers is feasible, impactful, and supports their critical role in addressing hypertensive disorder disparities. Ongoing sessions will integrate skill-building and deeper community engagement.