Downingtown nonprofit The 4th Trimester MOMMIE is dedicated to supporting families and mothers of color during the vulnerable postpartum period, writes Jade Pennyman for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Founded by nurse Talonda Rogers, the nonprofit identifies and treats pregnancy-related symptoms through physical and mental health assessments, support groups, educational clinics, and therapeutic services.

4th Trimester providers partner with patients’ healthcare teams to coordinate all pregnancy needs, with the nonprofit acting as an empowering advocate for patients who are so often underserved in traditional healthcare settings.

The need for the nonprofit stems from racial disparities in healthcare, an issue that impacted Rogers personally after her first pregnancy. The well-documented bias sees Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) patients receive inadequate attention to symptoms and health concerns throughout pregnancy.

In 2023, the CDC reported that Black women experienced the highest maternal mortality rates of all U.S. women.

These deaths are preventable with proper care during and after pregnancy.

The 4th Trimester MOMMIE—which stands for Maternal Outreach, Mentorship, Mobilization, Inclusivity, and Education—helps bridge this gap, and Chester County families are already feeling the impact.

Coatesville resident Kenshayia Huggins shared that 4th Trimester supported her after doctors overlooked her post-preeclampsia and sepsis symptoms. Fellow patient Brianna Lavender also spoke about the nonprofit’s impact after providers ignored her blood clot symptoms.

Read more about The 4th Trimester MOMMIE and its support for local families in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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