This makes the United States one of the riskiest developed nations in which to have a baby. Systemic racism, issues with access to care, and lack of support within the healthcare community all contribute to the unfavorable birth rates in Black women. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
In 2020, then Senator Kamala Harris, along with Representatives Alma S. Adams and Lauren Underwood, introduced the Momnibus Act, now a collection of 13 bills aimed at improving maternal care.So far, one of the bills has passed.
Initiatives aimed to improve and extend perinatal care have also been introduced in states such as California and New Jersey, which is exploring how increased access to midwives could improve maternal health outcomes. Research has shown that birth complications, maternal deaths, and newborn deaths can be drastically reduced by having birthing experts, such as doulas and midwives, present.
As for Ali, her second birth in 2019 was a positive experience, and in April of this year she announced on Instagram the launch of BabyYams, a limited series of hand-sewn quilts. Proceeds from each quilt, which Ali is designing, will go to support Black and Indigenous birthworkers.
There’s a long road ahead before the United States becomes the epitome of good maternal health for all. Until then, Black women need to know how to best increase their likelihood of getting the care they deserve.
One way they can do that is by familiarizing themselves with their health history and family history, and sharing that information frequently during pre- and postnatal visits.
Knowing and recognizing the warning signs of complications, and alerting a trusted support person to them if they occur, can help with timely interventions and improving outcomes.
Working with a birthing expert is also essential. The World Health Organization stresses that every woman needs a skilled health professional before, during, and after birth, but social determinants such as lower incomes, lack of education, and racial and ethnic bias have prevented this kind of equitable care in the past. Increased access to midwives, doctors, and nurses can all help improve outcomes.
Nutritional guidance and access to healthy foods and vitamins is also key. Malnutrition is at the center of many maternal health issues and deaths, says Nada Mays, RDN, a dietitian in Philadelphia. Anemia, a related issue, is responsible for 20 percent of maternal deaths worldwide.Yet a March of Dimes survey found that the percentage of women taking adequate prenatal and multivitamins before they know they are pregnant is low, especially for Black women.
Diet can also be linked to recovery time after birth, says Mays, as well as to emotional health and cognitive abilities. “A dietitian should be brought on the team to talk about very simple, sustainable strategies to improve nutrition as soon as conception,” says Mays. That nutritional guidance should continue through delivery and beyond.
Finally, if a new mom has any time left between caring for herself and her new baby, advocacy works. The more people who use their voice to reach out to government officials in support of legislation designed to improve maternal health for all birthing people — especially Black women — the better the chances of a healthy, trauma-free birth for both the mom and the baby.
