At the tender age of just 16 years old, Addah Jones is already thinking like a future physician—and acting like one. A senior at Toledo Pre-Medical Academy, Jones has her sights set on becoming a neurosurgeon. But her first step into medicine isn’t happening in a lab or lecture hall. It’s happening through a mission to protect mothers during one of the most overlooked windows of care: the weeks after childbirth.
Her organization, Beyond Birth, was born out of research for a HOSA – Future Health Professionals competition. While exploring potential topics, Jones uncovered a critical gap in maternal healthcare—one that many families may not realize exists.
“Mothers are not only at risk during birth, but also after giving birth,” Jones explains. “Many women leave the hospital and don’t see a doctor again until six weeks later.”
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That six-week gap can be dangerous. Complications like infections, high blood pressure, and hemorrhage can arise during that time, often without clear guidance on what warning signs to watch for. For Jones, the issue quickly became personal.
After sharing her findings, her mother opened up about her own personal experience with a life-threatening postpartum infection. That conversation shifted everything for Addah.
“That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a research topic,” Jones said. “Something needed to be done to protect more women beyond birth.”
Her project went on to earn first place at regionals—but Jones didn’t stop there. She turned her research into action.
Beyond Birth now provides expecting and new mothers with practical tools and education to navigate the postpartum period more safely. At the center of the program is a kit designed to help mothers monitor their vital signs after leaving the hospital. Alongside it, Jones offers guidance on what is normal, what isn’t, and when to seek medical care.
The program also includes a six-week postpartum journal, giving mothers a structured way to track symptoms, changes and questions—helping them feel more prepared and confident when they attend their follow-up appointments.
“Our goal is to give women the knowledge and tools they need to stay informed and safe during this vulnerable time,” Jones said.
For families, that kind of support can make a meaningful difference. In a season often focused entirely on newborn care, maternal health can unintentionally take a back seat. Jones’ work is a reminder that caring for a baby begins with caring for the mother.
For Jones herself, Beyond Birth is more than a project—it’s a reflection of the kind of physician she is working to become.
“I sleep, eat and dream about medicine,” she said. “This is my first step toward building a career based on ethical standards, prioritizing patient welfare and doing no harm.”
That mindset is already shaping her path forward. This fall, she will begin her studies at Bowling Green State University, continuing her journey toward a career in neurosurgery.
In the meantime, she has big plans for Beyond Birth. Her immediate goal is to partner with local hospitals and healthcare providers to expand access to postpartum education and kits. Long term, she hopes to grow the initiative into a trusted national resource.
“I want to make sure more mothers have the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe after giving birth,” she said.
For Toledo families, that work is already making an impact—offering not just awareness, but reassurance. Because beyond birth, care shouldn’t stop.
To connect with Beyond Birth, one can reach out directly via email at
[email protected].
