Strong Minds, Strong Families: Spiritual Health and Parenting

Guest: Mel In this episode of Strong Minds, Strong Families, hosts Josie and Maddy sit down with Mel Bailey, a midwife, nurse, and head of Maternal Child Health Services for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Mel shares her experiences supporting Indigenous families from pregnancy through early childhood, as well as her work training healthcare professionals in respectful and trauma-informed care. The conversation highlights holistic approaches to maternal health, cultural connection, and empowering birth workers to serve in low-resource and remote communities. Resources: Box breath: Box Breathing Reorienting: Grounding 5-4-3-2-1 Worksheet - General Podcasts: Feminist Wellness: Podcast - Beatriz Victoria Albina We Can Do Hard Things: We Can Do Hard Things To learn more about the Increasing Health Literacy Project, or to access resources visit https://www.itcmi.org/home/departments/maternal-and-early-childhood-services/home-visiting-network/increasing-health-literacy/

Guest: Jen & Lexie Keshick In this episode, hosts Josie and Maddy welcome Jen and Lexi Keshick from the Hannahville Indian Community. Married for 24 years with seven children and eleven grandchildren, they share insights from their work as certified facilitators for the Fatherhood and Motherhood is Sacred program through the Native American Fatherhood and Families Association (NAFFA). Jenn and Lexi discuss how the program helps parents give their best in teaching and raising their children by strengthening relationships and connecting generations. Their mission focuses on supporting Indigenous families and returning to traditional teachings that nurture the heart, mind, body, and spirit. They also describe their organization, PIE - Parenthood is Essential, which they founded during COVID as a way to uplift parents and build community. The conversation highlights their dedication to family, culture, and healing, offering both personal stories and practical advice for fostering resilience and connection within families. To learn more about the Increasing Health Literacy Project, or to access resources visit https://www.itcmi.org/home/departments/maternal-and-early-childhood-services/home-visiting-network/increasing-health-literacy/