@gratitude333.bsky.social

Warrior for Truth+Justice. Marine, Army Special Forces Vet. Husband, Dad "A person does what they must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures - and that is the basis of all human morality." – John F. Kennedy

Thank you for being a Democracy Docket VIP member! VIPs help ensure Democracy Docket can keep up the fight for democracy for years to come. If you would like to become one and get a free tote, sign up now and choose VIP. demdock.com/4buyZ2c

Elizabeth Buie, PhD FRSA@ebuie.bsky.social · 6d ago

Look what just arrived! I didn't really expect @democracydocket.com to send a tote bag all the way to England, but they did! Heartfelt thanks for everything you do, @marcelias.bsky.social

Off-white tote bag with "Democracy is on the docket" printed on it in all caps

If we want healthier mothers and babies, we must make sure women have the time, care, financial security, and support they need. Paid leave, affordable childcare, and access to healthcare aren’t “extras” or perks, they’re conditions that directly shape maternal health.

drplantel

Thank you to Melinda French Gates for highlighting the fact that not a single state in the U.S. received an A on the 2026
Maternal Mental Health State
Report Card.
The U.S. received a C overall.
But what really stood out to me was the addition of a new category for 2026:
Parental Support.
The U.S. received an F.drplantel

And I'm really glad parental support is finally being included in the conversation about maternal mental health.
Because this category looks at things like paid parental leave, childcare affordability, childcare availability, and access to childcare subsidies.
In other words, some of the actual conditions in which we expect people to recover from pregnancy, care for a baby, and maintain their own health.drplantel

We talk a lot about maternal mental health as if the solution begins and ends with telling women to ask for help.
But what does "ask for help" look like when paid leave is inadequate, childcare is unaffordable or unavailable, and accessing mental healthcare itself can be difficult?
You cannot separate someone's health from the conditions in which they are trying to live.drplantel

And this matters long after the traditional postpartum period ends.
As a doctor, I see women years after they have given birth.
Pregnancy and postpartum don't exist in some isolated chapter of a woman's medical history. The physical, metabolic, cardiovascular, and mental health effects can follow women for years.
Yet so much of our healthcare system still treats maternal health as something that ends shortly after pregnancy does.

Good morning, friends! Do one thing today that makes absolutely no sense on your to-do list. Play the song too loud. Buy the flowers. Call the silly friend. Eat dessert first. Not everything worthwhile has to be productive. 💕 #Jaye’sMorningLight

Bild

I am spiritual vice religious, but embrace the meaning of these two verses. “What you do is who you are.” “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”

#together #democracy “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” — Christopher Reeve “Where there is no hope, it is incumbent on us to invent it.” — Albert Camus What you do is who you are…those who are stronger have a responsibility to help others! “To whom much is given much will be required!

Activate Vote — Recruit people to adopt this list. Check your voter registration status often- encourage friends to do same. Vote Early, Together Treat Election Day as Civic Holiday- help others vote. Count Every Vote — Sign up for ballot curing. Economic Noncooperation — No work,school,shopping.

Ken Paxton just rolled out his big “affordability agenda.” He owns 15 homes across the country worth over $9 million. His government salary? $153,000. How the hell did he pull that off? My guess: bribes or kickbacks. 🤨

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