For conferences, teaching programs, Theatrical Presentations, and special events

The “arts”, in unforgettable ways, encourages us to step into the shoes of others while having a personally intimate and shared journey at the same time.

Platinum Winner of the
2025 Viddy Awards!

CAN YOU HEAR ME? Improving Outcomes Between Professionals
and Patients During Pregnancy and Birth (A teaching resource)

Can You Hear Me? received a grant from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York (HFWNY) to develop teaching scenarios about unconscious attitudes in healthcare, specifically maternal health, to raise awareness and educate medical students, OB/GYN residents, attending faculty, nurses, social workers, and other members of the care team.

The true story dramatizations highlight the current inadequate and incomplete hospital environment and procedures regarding birthing and bonding that are negatively impacting specifically brown and black mothers and babies. These videos performed by professional actresses, raise empathy and awareness without lecturing or presenting information through dogma.

Presented to an in-person class that includes a talk-back, this resource is presently being utilized for educational purposes in the Buffalo Medical and Nursing schools and Catholic Healthcare Hospitals. They will also be used to educate and empower minority and under served populations to help them learn ways to advocate for themselves to ensure they receive the best care available.

To include this resource in your University or Hospital Program contact:‍ ‍LuAnne Brown, R.N., CEO - Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network

Created by Lisa Rafel in collaboration with the Prenatal - Perinatal Network of Buffalo, NY  

Can You Hear Me? is a theatrical video teaching resource using true stories and interviews from mothers, birthing professionals, and hospital administrators that powerfully, and emotionally dramatize the challenges that many brown and black mothers face during pregnancy and birth. Currently being used in the University of Buffalo Medical School curriculum, our goal is to improve hospital practices and patient care so that experiences between professionals and parents during pregnancy and birth are more compassionate, empowering and less traumatic.

To include these award winning videos with the option to add accompanying teaching aides in your curriculum or to have a presentation about this subject at your next conference, contact:‍ ‍LuAnne Brown, R.N., CEO - Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network.

About Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network (BPPN)
Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network empowers women, fathers, and families to take charge of their health and well-being by providing education, support, advocacy, and resource connections throughout Western New York.  BPPN is committed to advancing health equity, BPPN strengthens communities and builds healthier, more stable families.  

“Efforts like Can You Hear Me? shine a light on implicit bias and move us closer to a healthcare system where every mother and baby receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve.”
-Trina Burruss, President & CEO, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County.

Please view this short promotion reel .

UNEXPECTED ! A Story of Sex, Love and OMG Birth - A New Musical in Development

This two-act emotionally cathartic musical is hilarious and thought provoking at the same time. A coming of age story, Amy is a Gen Z in a new marriage unexpectedly pregnant. With the support of unlikely girlfriends and synchronicity, and the challenges Gen X, Y, and Z are facing today, lAmy, her husband and her mother are catapulted into an unexpected journey.

“Unexpected!” is about hope, healing, friendship and love.

Watch the sizzle reel and learn more!
Unexpectedthemusical.com

OH BABY ! A Theatrical Anthology Of Stories and Songs about Birth

Perfect for conferences and Presentations for parents, caregivers, professionals, doctors and educators, these stories inspire laughter, introspection and conversation.
A Talk Back with the writers can provide a valuable way to deepen the experience.

“OH BABY” (previously called Can You Hear Me Baby?) was developed from true stories. Sourced from interviews with moms, dads, doctors, nurses, doulas, midwives and more, the stories reveal the personal, the challenging, the surprising, and the deeply touching and often outrageously hilarious situations that can arise during birth.

Research reveals that 30-40-% of people experience birth as a trauma, leaving them feeling disempowered and wounded. We repeatedly hear from our audiences that witnessing the authentic stories of others is inspiring, empowering, and healing.

For more information contact Anita Jones at Anita@lisarafel.com.
www.canyouhearmebaby.com