timoria mcqueen saba, birth trauma survivor and patient advocate

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I am a maternal health advocate, speaker and writer with a focus on mental and physical trauma due to childbirth and pregnancy-quite a change from my former career as a professional makeup artist! 

Immediately following the birth of my oldest daughter in April 2010, I suffered a postpartum hemorrhage and almost died. I underwent a life-saving surgery and was later diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Thirteen months later, I had a miscarriage in a frozen yogurt shop in front of several people, which triggered the difficult emotions from the hemorrhage I suffered the year prior. Resources and support for mothers who had survived a near miss were scarce. I began sharing my story publicly in 2012 and have since connected with thousands of women across the world who have experienced similar birth and pregnancy complications; and the lingering psychological effects. 

I later discovered that birth outcomes for Black mothers were far worse than any other race. Black mother die due to childbirth and pregnancy complications at 3 to 4 times the rate of White mothers. Knowing that I'm lucky to be alive inspired me to advocate for other mothers and their families.

I am the coordinator of resources and support for Postpartum Support International (PSI) in the Boston Metro West and Central areas. In this role, I connect women suffering from postpartum mood disorders and their families to local therapists and support groups. I’m also a member of the PSI President’s Advisory Council. I facilitated a free peer-to- peer mother’s support group, Emotional Wellbeing After Baby, at Milford Regional Hospital in Milford from February 2017-November 2018. In 2017, I was honored to be appointed by MA State Rep. James O'Day to a House chair seat on the Senator Ellen Story Special Commission on Postpartum Depression. I am the Patient Voice Engagement Lead and Chair of  Perinatal-Neonatal Quality Improvement Network of Massachusetts (PNQIN) and also a member of the Massachusetts Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH)  Block Grant Advisory Committee.

I gave birth to my second daughter in March 2014. I'm happy to report that my birth experience the second time around was perfectly “normal.” My goal is to help other women have their birth experiences validated, no matter the outcome. I am passionate about helping mothers and families feel supported, and know they are not alone in whatever their personal struggles may be. 

To inquire about booking me to speak at your event, send an email to: Timoriam@gmail.com