Maternal health, made human
Maternl addresses maternal, newborn and child health caring and needs through its unique and original portfolio of poems, writings and tools. Maternl presents my life's work and philosophy as an Obstetrician, focused on the human dimensions of maternal and child health care, and strives to enhance healing in today's complex healthcare environment. Maternl is conscience, purpose and mission-driven to address the unmet needs for all in need of comfort, healing and solace and acknowledges the pervasive disparities which exist to deny all to have access to and to be recipient of one standard of care; disparities defined by the social determinants of health, limited or no access to care, unconscious bias, lack of advocacy and "avoidance and dismissal rather than involvement and immersion.
"On journey long, journey full, I strive to
heal, diminish fear; making real, priceless
promises of life each day, each year;
and I yearn . . ."
Michael R Berman MD MBI FACOG
Everything in one place
Start a conversation with the chatbot, then find real care nearby.
Ask anything about pregnancy, nutrition, newborn care, and warning signs — and listen, print, or save the answer. Warm, clear, and always available. Maternl is designed to give deeper, practical answers with trusted medical references.
Open the chatbot GoThrough this portal, GetCare provides the user with easy access to a geo-mapped database of geographic-specific Federally Funded Clinics and Maternal and Child Health Services linked through HHS.gov where prenatal and delivery care can be given and geo-mapped global database of centers, particularly in developing, vulnerable countries and cities. GetCare provides a personalized letter of introduction for the user to the health care facility they select as one who needs help with their care. By having this introduction to prenatal care services GetCare addresses the lack of an advocate / provider, the lack of awareness of local healthcare facilities offering maternal and child health care services including prenatal care, a lack of understanding of the need for pre-natal care, albeit early care, the late diagnosis, recognition and acceptance of ones pregnancy, embarrassment and denial, and perhaps, shame, diminished self worth and dignity and a feeling of isolation without a place or professional to turn to for immediate care, counseling and accompanying advocacy. The letter itself is not a referral but an introduction. This service can be easily linked to local and regional social services so families in need can have their support as well.
A Search and Geomap of obstetric clinicians, clinics, and hospitals — locally in the U.S.
Explore the mapExplore the map
Search a map of obstetric clinicians, clinics, and hospitals around the world and get directions
Explore the mapThis letter serves to introduce the bearer for the purpose of obtaining a consultation and/or an entrance into your health care facility / system with regards to her need for Pre-Natal and Intra-partum care, Post Partum, Newborn and Child Health Care and all other aspects of Women's, Maternal and Child Health.
Get the letterSimple by design
No accounts, no jargon — just thoughtful guidance and a clear path to care.
Type or speak your question. Maternl listens and replies with warm, easy-to-understand guidance grounded in maternal health.
Get clear next steps, what to watch for, and the questions worth bringing to your clinician — read aloud or saved for later.
Open the provider map to locate obstetric clinics and hospitals near you or abroad, and connect through the GetCare program.
Explore more
A few more places to find care, comfort, and community.
From the founder
A personal note
This website reflects my career-long profession as a physician, an obstetrician committed to the physical and emotional health of women, children and families. Its content is enabled by the agents of our humanity, empowered by our words, our language and ancestral songs of promise to heal when we cannot cure; the ultimate challenge to the bond between patient and doctor.
In particular, my work recognizes and offers the attention and empathies required when parents experience the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal deaths.
Here I introduce my personal philosophy and original poetry which above all enables me to ask why even when we already understand how. Poetry permits me as a doctor of medicine, witness to the frailties of our humanity, to abet healing through the very core of what makes us human; our language and our personal emotions.
I believe that we who have taken the “Oath” to practice our sacred profession of medicine and we who have committed ourselves to the healing arts must do so with the imperative to respect the sanctity of health for all those we treat — with a sense of high privilege — for they are the flesh and blood and souls of our humanity — past, present and future — and we, by our choice, their guardians. Through my writings, poems, personal thoughts and unique programs, I strive to promote these tenets.
Ask your first question now — it's private, it's free, and Maternl is here whenever you need it.
Start a conversationImportant: Maternl provides general educational information and AI-generated guidance only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not create a clinician–patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.