What happens when we look at perinatal patient safety as more than protocols, checklists, and clinical outcomes? In this episode of the Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, Kayleigh sits down with Cheniqua Morales, a perinatal patient safety nurse, to talk about the human side of making birth safer. Cheniqua shares how her experiences as a doula, labor and delivery nurse, educator, and patient safety leader shaped the way she approaches this work and why relationships, trust, communication, and actively listening to patients have to come before the toolkit.
Together, Kayleigh and Cheniqua explore the power dynamics within healthcare, the importance of returning autonomy to patients, the role of simulation in preparing clinical teams for emergencies, and why patient stories can move clinicians in ways that data alone often can't. Cheniqua also shares powerful examples from her work advocating for women of color and explains why there is hope for change happening behind the scenes in hospitals every day.
✨ In this episode, we talk about:
🩺 What a perinatal patient safety nurse actually does and how Cheniqua's career led her to this role
🤝 Why relationships and connection have to come before protocols, toolkits, and checklists
👂 The importance of actively listening to patients and making sure they feel seen and heard
💬 How communication, accountability, and other “soft skills” can directly impact patient safety
📝 Why birth plans can be an opportunity for shared decision-making and collaboration, rather than something clinicians simply accept or reject
⚖️ The power imbalance between patients and providers and why clinicians have a responsibility to help restore patient autonomy
🖤 The history of racism in medicine and how it continues to shape experiences and outcomes for Black women and women of color
🚨 How simulation training prepares interdisciplinary teams to respond to obstetric emergencies
🗣️ Why nurses need to feel empowered to speak up during emergencies and bring their observations and recommendations to the team
🏆 Why healthcare teams need to understand their individual roles and communicate effectively rather than expecting one person to carry the entire cognitive load
❤️ Why stories can move hearts in ways that data doesn't—and why sharing birth trauma stories can help clinicians understand the real human impact of the care they provide
🌱 The hope that comes from knowing there are people working behind the scenes to make perinatal care safer, even within a deeply imperfect system
🎯 Why the goal isn't simply getting clinicians to “buy in,” but helping them take ownership of better, safer patient care
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Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.
Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.
