Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a serious form of heart failure that can occur during the last month of pregnancy or within 12 months after giving birth.

Black women are disproportionately affected by PPCM and face higher risks of delayed diagnosis, missed symptoms, and barriers to receiving timely care.

Let’s Talk PPCM is committed to increasing awareness, improving early recognition, and supporting families impacted by PPCM.

Let’s Talk PPCM exists to bridge the gap in awareness, diagnosis, and support for mothers at risk for or diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy.

We center:

• Survivor voices
• Black maternal health advocacy
• Healthcare education
• Equitable access to lifesaving resources

If you are pregnant or recently gave birth, talk with your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Shortness of breath (especially when lying down)
• Swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Rapid heartbeat or chest discomfort
• Difficulty breathing at night
• Unexplained weight gain
• Persistent coughing, especially when lying down

🧠 Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, speak up and ask for further evaluation.

If PPCM is suspected, ask your healthcare provider about:

• BNP or NT-proBNP blood testing
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
• Evaluation by a cardiologist familiar with PPCM
• Referral to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist

Health advocacy, education, and resources focused on improving Black women’s health outcomes.
Black Women's Health Imperative 

Maternal health education, doula support, and advocacy resources.
Mama Glow Foundation

A Black women-led organization advancing Black maternal health, rights, and justice.
Black Mamas Matter Alliance 

Works to improve birth outcomes and advance equity in maternal healthcare.
National Birth Equity Collaborative

Provides heart health education, screenings, and community resources focused on reducing cardiovascular disparities.
Black Heart Association 

We have partnered with the LetsTalkPPCM nonprofit organization to help eradicate Peripartum/Postpartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM); a pregnancy induced heart condition that can be ruled out with a simple blood test.

https://lalueurhw.com/services/postpartum-services/

Therapy for Black Girls
Mental health resources and therapist directory.
Therapy for Black Girls

Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness
Mental wellness resources created with Black women in mind.
https://communitycare.sistaafya.com/press

Roots Community Health Center
Healthcare services focused on underserved communities.
Roots Community Health Center

Shades of Blue Project
Services dedicated to helping women of color before, during and after child-birth with community resources, mental health advocacy, treatment and support. 
https://www.shadesofblueproject.org/

The Loveland Foundation
Therapy support resources for Black women and girls.
The Loveland Foundation

Black Girl Freedom Fund
Support focused on investing in Black girls and young women.
https://1billion4blackgirls.org/

You can help improve maternal cardiac outcomes by:

✔ Sharing your PPCM story
✔ Educating your community
✔ Supporting survivor-led advocacy
✔ Connecting mothers with trained birth workers and healthcare providers
✔ Supporting policies that improve Black maternal health, including the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act

Become part of a growing community of:

• PPCM survivors
• Healthcare professionals
• Birth workers
• Advocates
• Families

Together, we can create a future where mothers are heard, symptoms are recognized, and lives are protected.

info@letstalkppcm.org
https:/letstalkppcm.org

@LetsTalkPPCM on Instagram, Facebook & YouTube

“We carry life. We deserve to live, too.” — Brianna Harris-Henderson, Founder of LetsTalkPPCM

Although pregnancy should be a time of hope, Black mothers continue to face disproportionately higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and death. Our mission is to educate, empower, and advocate so every Black family has access to respectful, life-saving maternal care.

• Black women in the U.S. are about 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women.
• More than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are considered preventable with timely recognition, quality care, and appropriate treatment.