From Ghana to the U.S; Wendy Adjeley Adjei Pioneers New Conversations on Maternal Healthcare:
Wendy Adjeley Adjei’s inspiring journey from La St. Paul’s Anglican Junior Secondary School and Ningo Secondary School in Ghana to becoming a trailblazer in maternal health communication in the United States exemplifies resilience, purpose, and dedication.
Her academic pursuit began at the University of Cape Coast, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She then secured a full scholarship for a master’s in communication at Purdue University, followed by a fully funded Ph.D. in Health Communication at the University of Missouri; one of the top-ranked public research universities (R1) in the U.S.
Wendy’s research centers on critical issues such as patient-provider communication, maternal and child health, and birth equity areas vital for improving health outcomes both nationally and globally.
Beyond academia, she actively contributes to community advocacy and leadership. She serves on the Kansas Birth Equity Network, volunteers with the American Red Cross as a blood donor ambassador, and has been elected Director of Legislative Affairs for the Graduate Professional Council, where she champions student-centered policies at institutional and state levels.
Her current research, titled “The Emotional Legacy of Memorable Messages: Exploring the Impact of Communication on Maternal Birthing Experiences in the U.S.”, investigates how mothers from diverse racial, cultural, and experiential backgrounds interpret and remember communication during childbirth. Through in-depth interviews, Wendy uncovers how words or the absence of words during labor leave lasting emotional impressions. Her findings reveal that while affirming phrases like “You were made for this” can uplift mothers, moments of silence, dismissal, or misfortune communication can foster feelings of abandonment, distrust, or resilience.
This groundbreaking work has profound implications for the U.S. healthcare system. It underscores that communication during childbirth is more than bedside manner; it directly influences maternal mental health, patient safety, and long-term trust in healthcare providers. In response, Wendy has developed the Emotionally Attuned Communication Protocol (EACP); a trauma-informed, relational framework designed to equip healthcare providers with tools that promote equity and emotional safety in maternal care.
Amid rising maternal mental health concerns in the U.S., Wendy’s research advocates for a systemic shift. She calls for healthcare to treat every word, silence, and interaction as emotionally significant, ultimately transforming how care, dignity, and voice are prioritized in birthing experiences worldwide.
Wendy Adjeley Adjei is not only contributing to innovative health research but also reshaping the future of maternal care, one conversation at a time.
