We would like to introduce you to Simmone Taitt, a birth and full spectrum doula who launched Poppy Seed Health in 2019. Poppy Seed Health provides an app based, on-demand access for support during pregnancy, postpartum, miscarriage and loss.
2UG: What inspired the creation of Poppy Seed Health for such an important issue?
Taitt: I created Poppy Seed Health because of my own history with pregnancy loss and the lack of emotional and mental health support in our maternal healthcare system. As a Black woman navigating my own complicated reproductive health journey, I’ve often found it overwhelming and isolating. My vision for Poppy has always been to provide access to emotional and mental health support advocates – doulas, nurses and midwives – so that we are never alone in the moments we need to feel seen the most.
2UG: What do you hope to accomplish with Poppy Seed Health?
Taitt: For birthing people of every experience and background to feel seen, heard, and emotionally supported in their journey. Whether that is in the most beautiful moments of joy after learning you’re pregnant, or the dark moments of deep grief after losing a pregnancy — and everything in between.
2UG: Have you been able to work with County resources (DMH, Public Health, etc.) to bring awareness to a broader audience?
Taitt: We would love to work with county resources because being in community and working with on-the-ground resources is where awareness and accessibility meet to make real change happen. It’s on our roadmap.
2UG: What would users find most useful about the app?
Answer: The beauty of Poppy Seed Health is that our advocates are there for you 24/7. So, if it’s 3 am and you’re worried about lightning crotch, don’t go down that Google rabbit hole. Ping a Poppy advocate and you’ll be connected with a knowledgeable, helpful expert in under 90 seconds. Or, if your mother-in-law just told you something that terrifies you about your pregnancy? Ping a Poppy expert. We’ll let you know if it’s factually accurate and help you emotionally process your response.
For more information visit poppyseedhealth.com.
