I’M SPEAKING

Study Overview

What is the I’M SPEAKING study?

The I’M SPEAKING Study was developed in response to the voices of people who have given birth across Illinois. Many shared that they did not feel heard during their birth experience, or that they did not fully understand, or want, the care they received. In other words, they felt excluded from decisions about their own labor and delivery.

These experiences were reported more often by Black patients.

Cesarean deliveries, for example, are often the result of decisions made during labor to ensure the safety of the parent and baby. However, some patients feel that these decisions were made for them by clinicians, rather than with them. Others who experienced life-threatening complications during childbirth described not being involved in critical care decisions, or not being listened to at all.

Again, these concerns are more frequently reported by Black patients.

Our goal is to improve birth experiences across Illinois by promoting respectful care, strengthening shared decision-making, and reducing racial disparities in both experience and outcomes.

Study Overview

Our Partners

We’re proud to partner with three organizations: Ariadne Labs, the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC), and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).

Ariadne Labs developed TeamBirth, a program that helps hospital teams strengthen communication, better understand each patient’s needs, and make care decisions with patients. This approach, known as shared decision-making, is central to respectful, person-centered care.

ILPQC is a statewide organization that has worked for over 12 years to support hospitals across Illinois in improving care for pregnant patients and their babies. In recent years, ILPQC has led initiatives to Promote Vaginal Birth and advance Birth Equity. Implementing TeamBirth builds on this work by helping hospitals improve teamwork and communication with patients and families, ensuring respectful care, active listening, and shared decision-making for all.

PCORI is an independent, nonprofit research funder that supports studies focused on helping patients and caregivers make informed healthcare decisions. We are grateful to PCORI for generously funding this important work.

Study Overview

Implementation Process

Beginning in October 2025, Ariadne Labs and ILPQC will roll out the TeamBirth program across 22 hospitals in Illinois, continuing through October 2027. Using a strong study design (a randomized stepped-wedge trial), the I’M SPEAKING team will evaluate whether TeamBirth leads to better patient experiences, including more respectful care and greater involvement in shared decision-making.

We will also assess whether TeamBirth improves the overall culture on labor and delivery units, reduces cesarean birth rates, and helps close the gap between Black and White patients in both birth experiences and outcomes.

View I’M SPEAKING Study Page

TeamBirth Success Stories

“They always explained all of my options so well, gave me time and space to decide, while giving their professional opinions but ultimately leaving the decision to me each time. Even though my birth did not go as planned, I could not have asked for a smoother birth experience. I felt totally in control of the whole process and so supported.”

— TeamBirth Patient

“[…] The doctors and nurses were patient and allowed us to discuss our options without feeling pressured. This helped us feel confident in the decision we ultimately made.

— TeamBirth Patient

“I loved my care team. My options throughout the process were clearly explained. Decision milestones were clearly communicated. And my preferences were recalled at the necessary times and acted upon, for example cord clamping after 90 seconds. My care afterwards has been great. I have had a very positive birth experience.”

— TeamBirth Patient

Contact Us

To contact the I’M SPEAKING study or subscribe to the study newsletter, please email imspeaking@northshore.org