What does it take to make birth safer with Dr. Vandana Arcot, MD.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Ask the Doulas, Kristin Revere welcomes Dr. Vandana Arcot, MD, a philanthropist and global health leader who has spent more than 17 years working in maternal and reproductive healthcare across 13 countries. Through her work around the world, Dr. Arcot has seen firsthand that improving maternal and infant outcomes requires more than access to medical care alone—it depends on strong systems working together.From roads and transportation networks to clinics, electricity, medication storage, emergency services, and well-trained providers, Dr. Arcot explains why infrastructure is often the foundation of safe birth outcomes. She shares lessons from countries including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, which have made significant progress in maternal health over the past three decades through sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure.Kristin and Dr. Arcot discuss why maternal health systems remain underfunded in many areas, the impact this has on families and healthcare providers, and what communities and policymakers can learn from successful global models.Whether you're preparing for birth, supporting new families, or passionate about improving maternal health, this episode offers valuable insights into the systems that help keep mothers and babies safe.In this episode, you'll learn: What maternal health infrastructure includes  Why healthcare systems play a critical role in birth outcomes  Global lessons from countries that have improved maternal health  The consequences of underfunding maternal healthcare  Strategies for creating safer births and healthier communitiesThis episode is sponsored by Cozy Earth. Use the code GOLDCOAST to receive a discount of up to 20 percent off.Subscribe to our newsletter, check out Kristin Revere’s birth and baby book, and see more about our doula services & online courses below:https://linktr.ee/goldcoastdoulas