This is a very important topic. It's a sad fact that Black mothers in the US face disproportionately high risks and challenges throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. Here's a breakdown of some key areas where Black motherhood is underserved, and why:

Higher Rates of Maternal Mortality and Morbidity

• Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.

• They also experience higher rates of complications like preeclampsia, eclampsia, and postpartum hemorrhage.  

  Factors Contributing to These Disparities

  Systemic Racism: This is a major underlying cause. It includes things like:

  • Implicit Bias in Healthcare: Doctors and nurses may unconsciously hold biases that affect the care they provide to Black women.

  Lack of Access to Quality Care: Black women are more likely to live in areas with limited access to prenatal care, specialists, and hospitals with adequate resources.

• Stress from Racism: The chronic stress of experiencing racism (known as "weathering") takes a toll on the body and can contribute to health problems during pregnancy.

• Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthy food and housing can also play a role.

• Lack of Cultural Competency: Healthcare providers may not be adequately trained to understand the specific needs and cultural contexts of Black women.

Other Areas Where Black Mothers Are Underserved

• Mental Health: Black women are more likely to experience postpartum depression and anxiety, but often face barriers to getting mental health support.

• Breastfeeding Support: Black mothers are less likely to receive adequate support to breastfeed, which has health benefits for both mother and baby.

• Lack of Representation: There is a lack of Black healthcare providers, especially in specialized areas like obstetrics and gynecology.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Addressing Systemic Racism: This is a long-term goal that requires societal change, including addressing bias in healthcare and improving access to resources in underserved communities.

• Improving Cultural Competency: Training healthcare providers to provide culturally sensitive care to Black women.

• Increasing Access to Quality Care: Expanding access to prenatal care, specialists, and hospitals with adequate resources in underserved areas.

• Supporting Black Healthcare Providers: Increasing the number of Black doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

• Providing Mental Health Support: Expanding access to mental health services for Black mothers.

• Promoting Breastfeeding Support: Providing culturally relevant breastfeeding support to Black mothers.

Let us know how we can help. Contact Us.