Born too soon: every story counts: lessons in ethical, inclusive storytelling from born too soon

Abstract

Storytelling is an effective communication strategy for articulating health needs and service demands, enhancing public understanding of complex and stigmatized health issues, and informing policy reform and innovative public health practices. Specific to pregnancy and childbirth, storytelling has influenced perceptions, reduced fear, empowered women, complemented educational interventions, contributed to legal and policy change and has enhanced understanding of complex issues and cultural norms through personal experiences . The issue of preterm birth remains a global challenge, and personal narratives of preterm birth experience are a critical form of advocacy—amplifying families’ literacy and their voices, highlighting systemic gaps, and reinforcing the call to uphold the rights of babies, mothers, families, and health workers.