Dear Mama: The Truth About Black Maternal Health
Amongst our own circle of Black female friends, they have all had their own stories of healthcare horror as they experienced injustices and disparities that other races simply don't experience as frequently based on the proven stats/data*. Racial discrimination has a deep rooted impact in an unsuspecting place like the healthcare industry, which ironically is supposed to help those in medical need. Though a post mortem is still happening for the cause of death for 8-month pregnant YouTube star, Nicole Thea, it begged the question: why aren't Black women taken more seriously and handled with care in the healthcare sector, particularly Black mothers-to-be? We connected with Black, Mother-to-be, doula and wife, Regina Adewunmi to hear her thoughts on her experience as a pregnant Black woman navigating the healthcare space. Read our Q&A below and please leave a comment with your thoughts on this very important topic.
How has your experience been as a Black woman leveraging the healthcare system? Regina (R): Being a Black woman and already having knowledge of inequalities in the system- I went into our first prenatal appointment with open ears and eyes. We decided to first go to the doctor’s office where I went as a teenager and during college. After the second appointment, it became very clear to me that I needed to go elsewhere for care. I watched out for the signs of providers that aren’t race friendly and found some there, unfortunately. They began to assume pregnancy complications based on me being Black before even checking me for anything. They asked me so many times if I was married and asked me several times if there was any domestic violence at home before allowing my husband to come into the room with me. It's that icky feeling you get when you feel like you’re being pre-judged. Being a doula, I advocate for safe and comfortable care. I knew I needed to change providers- and so we did. We absolutely love our midwife and feel super supported.
How have the inequities against Black mothers in the healthcare system impacted how you maneuver in your pregnancy? R: Knowing that Black women are often times ignored- it was really important to me to feel heard EVERY SINGLE TIME I had a concern, feeling, or question. If anything popped up in the pregnancy (which in every pregnancy things do), I felt like my feelings had been heard and action was taken with my midwife and affiliated doctors. That isn’t always the case. With this unfortunate fact, I’ve had to be super intentional and still make it very clear with every receptionist, nurse, aide, doctor, etc. what I’ve encountered- that I need to be listened to.
What inspired you to become a doula? R: I kind of “fell into” becoming a doula. I had supported friends on their pregnancy journeys before even knowing what a doula was. I was that friend that people called on for advice and support. I was telling a coworker about my experience with pregnant friends and birth and she told me that it sounded like a doula. I had no idea what she was talking about but looked it up and immediately felt drawn to all of it! I did my research and started on my journey. In my case especially, I feel like it's a calling that I really have had no choice but to answer. I’m blessed to have been able to support mostly families of color- we need that advocacy and support the most.
What healthcare institutions do you think are doing a good job of helping to improve the experience of Black mothers-to-be? R: There are many doula organizations, midwives, and breastfeeding organizations that are really working hard to change the healthcare system that has been failing Black women during pregnancy and birth. Black Mamas Matter Alliance is doing some amazing things for Black mothers and is a great resource!
*source: https://www.nationalpartnership.org/our-work/health/reports/black-womens-maternal-health.html
