Black Maternal Health Week
Founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., Black Maternal Health Week is a week of awareness, activism, and community- building aimed at amplifying the voices of Black Mamas, bringing visibility to Black-led maternal health initiatives, and centering the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements.
So, why are we bringing attention to black maternal health? The racial injustice in our health system is astonishing. Did you know:
In 2020, Black women were most disproportionately affected with a mortality rate of 55.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to 19.1 deaths per 100,000 live births, and 18.2 deaths per 100,000 live births for White and Hispanic women, respectively. (Source: CDC)
The U.S. has an infant mortality rate of 5.6 per 1000 live births in 2019, with a health disparity among Black babies at a rate of 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018. (Source: CDC)
Black women are 3 - 5 times more likely to have a maternal death than White women in the United States. (Source: AJMC)
Cesarean Rates
Let’s tie black maternal health week and cesarean awareness month together. Did you know black birthing people are more likely to have a cesarean birth than any other race?
CESAREAN BIRTH RATE 2020
Non-Hispanic Black - 30.6%
Native Hawaiian/PI - 29.1%
Asian - 27.7%
Hispanic - 25.2%
Non-Hispanic White - 24.9%
Am Indian/Alaska Native - 23.6%
(Source: CDC)
What about breastfeeding?
85 percent of white mothers initiated breastfeeding at birth while only 69 percent of black mothers did
By 6 months, rates were 44.7% and 62.0% respectively.
Research shows that hospital staff are less likely to offer lactation support to black birthing people and are more likely to offer formula instead.
When improvements to breastfeeding support and education were made in hospitals serving black women, the disparity decreased.
(Source: CDC)
And mental health?
Black parents are more likely to suffer from PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) like postpartum depression, in silence, and without clinical help. (Source: NCBI) Why do black people experience higher PPD and less treatment? Racism.
This can look like:
Lack of quality prenatal care
Inaccurate diagnosis
Lack of mental health screening postpartum
Lack of representation in healthcare
Lack of health insurance
Discrimination
Stigmatization of mental health care
It is so important everyone gets screened for postpartum mood disorders. It can save lives. Some symptoms of PPD:
Guilt
Fears of harming the baby
Feeling angry
Isolating from family
Feeling disconnected from their baby
Crying more than normal
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to a professional and get help immediately.
We need to make serious changes in the maternal health field. Let’s listen to black voices, let’s help advocate, let’s do what we can to help build a more equitable future. My heart breaks for black birthing people in hospitals today.
