2025 West Virginia Perinatal Summit

10:00am–12:00pm – Pecan Room

Drug Free Moms and Babies Program – Invitation Only

This is an INVITATION ONLY meeting of the multidisciplinary team members working in the Drug Free Moms and Babies program.

10:00am–12:00pm – Birch Room

CHAMPS National – Invitation Only

We are bringing together birthing hospitals from across WV for a time of connection sharing and learning. Members of hospital Steps Teams, community WIC partners and others are encouraged to attend. Each hospital is encouraged to bring at least one success to share. PRE-REGISTRATION required.

10:00–12:00pm – Greenbrier Room

West Virginia Infant and Maternal Mortality Review Panel – Town Hall

Join us for an open meeting hosted by the Office of Maternal Child and Family Health. This event offers an opportunity for interested individuals to learn about the infant and maternal mortality review process, gain a deeper understanding of the data and reports, and share feedback directly with panel members and staff. All are welcome, and attendees are encouraged to stop in at any time during the scheduled session.

1:00–3:00pm – Pecan Room

Substance Use During Pregnancy Advisory Council and Maternal Mental Health Advisory Council

This is a joint meeting of the Substance Use During Pregnancy Advisory Council and the Maternal Mental Health Advisory Council.

12:00–2:30pm – Maple Room

WV Rural Maternity and Obstetric Management Strategies (RMOMS) — Invitation only

This is an INVITATION ONLY meeting of the WV RMOMS Governance Council. The WV RMOMS Governance Council will meet to review progress and discuss future plans for our area. Please contact Shauna Lively at slively@wvperinatal.org for more information and to RSVP.

1:00–3:00 – Oak Boardroom

WV CHAMPS National Train the Trainer Course – Pre-Registration Required

This is a CHAMPS National Train-the-Trainer course for hospitals to prepare potential trainers to use CHAMPS resources to educate their staff. While all are welcome to attend, only individuals with a lactation certification (IBCLC preferred) or those serving as providers, nurse educators, or administrators with lactation experience can be approved as CHAMPS trainers. PRE-REGISTRATION required. Contact Molly McMillion at mmcmillion@osteo.wvsom.edu for more information and to register.

3:30–5:00pm – Maple Room

Tobacco Free Families Advisory Council Meeting

This is an OPEN MEETING of the Tobacco Free Families Advisory Council. Contact Juliana Frederick Curry at fcurry@wvperinatal.org for more information.

1:00–4:00pm – Birch Room

Community Health Worker Training for Drug-Free Moms and Babies Sites – Pre-Registration Required

An optional training for DFMB team members and open to those who have not previously completed a Community Health Worker training. PRE-REGISTRATION required. Contact Cara DeAngelis at cdeangelis@wvperinatal.org for more information.

5:00–7:00pm – Greenbrier Room

WV Affiliate of American College of Nurse-Midwives Quarterly Meeting

This is a quarterly meeting of the WV Affiliate of American College of Nurse-Midwives. Please contact Beth Redden at bethredden79@gmail.com for more information and to RSVP.

5:00–7:00pm

Dinner on your own

8:30–10:00pm – Lakehouse #21

AWHONN Trivia Night

Open to nurses who are current or prospective AWHONN members. Contact Mary Beth at mbstewart@wvperinatal.org

7:30–8:30am – Ballroom Foyer and Birch Room

Registration and Breakfast

8:30–9:15am – Stonewall Ballroom

Welcome Remarks

Amy Tolliver, MS (Bio)

Perinatal State of the State

This presentation will provide an overview of perinatal outcomes in West Virginia as well as the initiatives of the WV Perinatal Partnership.

Kimberly M. Farry, MD, FACOG (Bio)

9:15–10:15am – Stonewall Ballroom

Cannabis Use in Pregnancy: Effects on the Mother-Baby Dyad

This presentation will explore the increasing number of pregnant individuals using cannabis, often to address nausea, stress, anxiety, or sleep during pregnancy. The research presented in this talk will examine the current understanding of cannabis use during pregnancy and its potential implications. The presenter will discuss emerging evidence suggesting that prenatal cannabis use may have potential effects on the developing brain of the offspring, including cognitive issues, autism, psychotic symptoms, and sleep disturbances.

Elizabeth “Libby” Stuyt, MD (Bio)

10:15–10:45am – Ballroom Foyer and Birch Room

Break, Exhibit Visitation & Networking

10:45–11:30am – Stonewall Ballroom

Amniotic Fluid Embolism: Recognize and Respond

This presentation will provide a thorough review of Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE). Participants will learn to recognize and define AFE, including its diagnostic criteria and pathophysiology. The session will also cover the immediate response to suspected or known AFE, emphasizing the importance of follow-up care for patients.

Dr. Jesse Cottrell, MD, MSc, FACOG (Bio)

11:30am–12:00pm – Stonewall Ballroom

Public Policy Update on Maternal and Infant Health

This presentation will provide an overview of current public and legislative policy in West Virginia impacting perinatal practice. Attendees will gain insights into recent changes to state requirements for neonatal eye prophylaxis, exploring the implications for clinical practice, parental choice, and provider counseling. Additionally, the session will identify effective strategies for perinatal providers to navigate these policy changes, advocate for evidence-based practices, and support families within the evolving regulatory environment.

Lisa M. Costello, MD, MPH, FAAP (Bio)

12:00–1:30pm – Stonewall Ballroom

Lunch & Keynote Presentation – Building Stronger Communities Together: The Power of Collaboration and Partnerships in Human Services

This presentation will provide an overview of the West Virginia Department of Human Services, highlighting its current policies, strategic priorities, and key initiatives. Attendees will gain insight into how the Department is addressing critical areas such as child and family services, behavioral health, and community-based supports. The session will also cover recent policy developments, interagency collaborations, and ongoing efforts to strengthen the delivery of essential services to West Virginia residents.

Elizabeth Hardy, MSW, LGSW

1:30–2:15pm – Stonewall Ballroom

Delivering Support: The Impact of a Hospital-Based Doula Program

Hospital-based doulas can play a crucial role in providing emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing individuals and their families during labor and delivery. Their scope of practice differs from that of clinical care providers and instead, they focus on offering continuous support, assisting with comfort measures such as breathing techniques and positioning, and providing information about the birthing process and available options. This presentation will discuss how doulas can successfully be incorporated into obstetrical care enhancing the experiences of patients.

Jill Shanklin, MSN, RNC-OB (Bio)

2:15–2:45pm – Stonewall Ballroom

Strengthening Rural Maternal Care: The West Virginia RMOMS Project

This panel discussion will highlight the successes and challenges of the West Virginia Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) project. Panelists will highlight key strategies, partnerships, and innovations implemented in 8 rural counties of the state to address workforce challenges, enhance care coordination, and reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes.

Shauna Lively, RN, Ed.D., LCCE (Bio)

Panelists:

Mary Emmett, PhD, FACHE (Bio)

Corrie Grogg, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC, FNP-C (Bio)

Connie Kincaid, CNA, LCCE, CD (DONA), CLC (ALPP), SpBCPE (Bio)

Mindy Mussano, RN, ADN (Bio)

Denise Smith, MS, MCHES (Bio)

2:45–3:15pm – Ballroom Foyer and Birch Room

Break, Exhibit Visitation & Networking

3:15–4:30pm – Stonewall Ballroom

Chart Smart, Stay Safe: The Art of Legal Self-Defense in Perinatal Practice

This presentation will provide an overview of the West Virginia Medical Professional Liability Act and offer an update on current trends in West Virginia medical malpractice law. Participants will gain insight into critical legal challenges faced by labor and delivery nurses, healthcare providers, and hospitals in today’s evolving legal landscape.

Sam Fox, Esq (Bio)

4:30pm – Stonewall Ballroom

Wrap Up

6:00pm – Terrace Patio

Group Photo & Reception

7:00pm – Stonewall Ballroom

Dinner and Annual Awards Celebration

Join us for a Celebration of Excellence in Perinatal Care.

7:30–8:30am – Ballroom Foyer and Birch Room

Registration, Breakfast, and Exhibit Visitation

8:30–9:00am – Stonewall Ballroom

Diastasis Rectus Abdominis: Bridging the Gap Between Evidence and Clinical Practice

This presentation provides a foundational approach to Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (DRA) in the postpartum population, with an emphasis on practical, evidence-informed care. Attendees will learn to perform basic screening for DRA, initiate education and early intervention strategies, and identify when referral to a specialist is appropriate—bridging the gap between research and real-world clinical decision-making.

Emily Priestas, DPT, OCS, PRPC, CMTPT-DN, PCES (Bio)

9:00–9:45am – Stonewall Ballroom

Plumes of Doom and Pouches Boom: The Changing Threats of Tobacco to Mothers and Children

This presentation will educate providers on the changes in tobacco use patterns for youth and pregnant mothers, the evidence on growing trends of new products shifting away from traditional combustible forms of tobacco and nicotine towards e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. This presentation will provide solutions for prevention and cessation in the youth and pregnant populations.

Timothy P. Lefeber, MD, FAAP (Bio)

Puffs and Consequences: The Hidden Toll of Maternal Vaping

This presentation will highlight the current and emerging knowledge about the effects of maternal vaping and its impact to offspring health.

Mark Olfert, PhD, FAHA, FAPS, RRT, CPFT (Bio)

9:45–10:15am – Ballroom Foyer and Birch Room

Break, Exhibit Visitation & Networking

10:15–11:00am – Stonewall Ballroom

Healthcare Provider Tips on Supporting Breastfeeding – Virtual Presentation

This presentation will explain the impact of early postpartum supplementation on breastfeeding rates, and outline opportunities within the healthcare system to support breastfeeding.

Anne Eglash, MD, NABBLM-C, IBCLC, FABM (Bio)

11:00am–12:15pm – Stonewall Ballroom

The Intersection of Psychological Trauma and Childbirth: Working Towards More Collaborative, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-Informed Care

Psychological trauma that manifests any time in the peripartum period can have significant implications for maternal, fetal and neonatal health. The maternal mortality rate in this country is higher than in other high-income countries, and it is now clear that deaths due to maternal mental health and trauma-related conditions comprise a significant percentage of these. Obstetric providers have not only an opportunity, but also a responsibility, to act as guardians of psychological safety in the peripartum environment. This presentation will address various perspectives of psychological obstetric trauma and present strategies for intervention and prevention.

Tracey M. Vogel, MD (Bio)

12:15–1:30 pm – Stonewall Ballroom

Lunch

1:30–2:00pm – Stonewall Ballroom

Understanding the Impact on Partner Mental Health in the Perinatal Period

This presentation will explore the critical impact of partner mental health during the perinatal period, highlighting the challenges faced and their effects on families and child development. Strategies and support systems to promote well-being for partners, ultimately fostering healthier family dynamics during this pivotal time will be emphasized.

Heather Marshall, MA, LPC, PMH-C (Bio)

2:00–3:00 pm

Surviving & Thriving: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder – Panel

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders impact people of all ages, races, and genders, but there is still such a stigma surrounding it, leaving many to suffer in silence. However, by supporting those who have struggled and giving them a space to share their experiences, providers and advocates can learn ways to better support those clients, improving outcomes for families across our state.

Kayla Mullin, MA, LPC, AADC, PMH-C (Bio) – Moderator

Panelists:

Caroline Crislip, MA (Bio)

Sarah Moore, MSW, LGSW (Bio)

Andrew Pinkney, MS, AADC (Bio)

3:00–3:15 pm – Stonewall Ballroom

Wrap-up and Evaluation