The Black Maternal Health Crisis is Real, Here’s What We Can Do About It

By Keisha Daniels,
MetroPlusHealth Manager, Brand
Partnerships & Experiential Marketing

Black communities have long been disproportionately affected by severe health challenges. One of the most alarming is the Black maternal mortality crisis. Black mothers are two-to-three times more likely to die during childbirth than white women.

We know the disparities that face Black birthing parents are not solitary incidents, but a result of generations of systemic racism. To improve the Black maternal health crisis in America, we need to address a broad range of areas including access to health care, nutrition and paid leave. There are a few steps we can take today to improve outcomes.

Engage in Conversations Before the Positive Result

First, and before starting the process of getting pregnant, it is recommended that intended birthing parents have a preconception checkup. Having early discussions about pregnancy can help ease concerns and initiate the vetting process of a birthing team. During these discussions, providers should get a sense of medical conditions and social factors that may impact the process such as high blood pressure, depression, and imbalanced nutrition. An informed patient is one that can most effectively advocate for themselves and their baby. This early knowledge can help mitigate issues further down the road.

Ongoing Education is Key

Although the birthing process has evolved and improved due to medical and technological advances, circumstances continue to exist that can adversely impact the experiences of birthing parents. On top of the systemic racism that has created vast health disparities within Black communities, the pandemic further exacerbated the issue. According to the United States Government Accountability Office’s analysis of CDC data, Black (not Hispanic or Latina) women experienced maternal death at a rate more than 2.5 times higher during the pandemic. Providers should seek ongoing education on the factors that impact severe adverse maternal outcomes (SAMO) for patients of color to have necessary conversations early and often to prevent complications like eclampsia, blood transfusion, hysterectomy, or ICU admission. Healthcare providers who have increased awareness of social factors impacting patients such as unstable housing, transportation access and food insecurity, can improve the quality of their birthing and early parenting experience.

A Diversified Care Team Makes a Difference

Where possible, a diverse informed health care team can serve as a remedy for addressing the racial and ethnic disparities that put Black birthing parents at higher risks of severe adverse maternal outcomes. Many expecting parents find solace in a team that looks like them, but even if this is not possible—a birthing parent should select providers whom they are comfortable advocating for themselves with. According to a recent study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, giving birth in states with the highest nurse diversity was associated with a 20% reduced risk of SAMO for Black mothers.

Another element includes having providers who speak diverse languages. At MetroPlusHealth, we reflect the communities that we serve and speak more than 40 languages. Finding a provider that speaks your native language can alleviate confusion during unexpected emergencies.

Developing an ongoing health care and social support system that can aid before, during, and after pregnancy may help mitigate potential pregnancy-related complications such as postpartum depression. When selecting a team, birthing parents should consider the type of experience they seek and their safety. Whether the team includes an OB/GYN, midwife or other alternatives, the birthing parent and their designated support person should feel comfortable working with them.

We know there is more to be done across the industry to achieve equitable health care, but these actionable steps can help many Black birthing parents who have no time to wait for new policies and legislation. Learn more about MetroPlusHealth at www.metroplus.org.

Roseville Fall Festival

“Annual Family Fall Harvest & Trunk or Treat”

Roseville Community Charter School Roseville Community Charter School hosted its annual “Family Fall Harvest & Trunk or Treat” event on...

Essex County College’s Community Education Forum

Check out the latest Essex County College Community Education Forum TV episode, a special show taped at the College’s new West Essex campus...

SHE Wins! Aspiring Law Student Scholarship Award 2024

Earlier this month, SHE Wins Inc.  Founder and CEO A’Dorian Murray-Thomas announced the winner of the  SHE Wins – Sherman...

BERKELEY COLLEGE CELEBRATES ‘REMARKABLE RESILIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE’

Photo Caption: Berkeley College celebrates the perseverance and achievements of more than 1,000 graduates during a Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May...

BERKELEY COLLEGE NEWARK NETWORKING BREAKFAST

HIGHLIGHTS NEW INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Business partners, community leaders, and alumni focused on collaboration and education during Berkeley College’s second annual Newark...

Financial Life After College Learning the Basics of Retirement Planning

You did it! You’re about to graduate. As you close this chapter and begin a...

N.J.’s African American Chamber named national chamber of year at Black Business Conference

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey was recently recognized as the National...

Unlock the Door to Your Dream Home: Join Us at the NCJAR Housing Fair and Expo

Are you ready to take a step closer to owning your dream home? Mark your...

Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver-Durrah & Brooke Durrah

Mother & Daughter Building a Legacy of Black Excellence in Brooklyn Known throughout Brooklyn as...

This Mom Is Fighting Hunger by Starting a Company That Reduces Food Waste

Atlanta mom Jasmine Crowe-Houston launched Goodr, a company that keeps food out of landfills while...

John Amos, Emmy-nominated ‘Good Times’ and ‘Roots’ actor, dies at 84

John Amos, the actor best known for playing family patriarch James Evans Sr. on the sitcom “Good Times,” has died...
Read More

Remembering Frankie Beverly: A Ministry of Good Music

Like so many others, I was saddened to learn of the passing of music icon Frankie Beverly—front man and bandleader...
Read More

New Jersey Mayor Ted Green Talks Politics and Business

For East Orange Mayor Theodore (Ted) Green, making a promise and delivering on it is the critical component that makes a good businessman and an even better politician...
Read More

‘The Wild Robot’

Chris Sanders’s movie about a robotic assistant and the gosling she raises is defined by dazzling visuals and frank ideas...
Read More

Frankie Beverly has died at age 77

Frankie Beverly has died at age 77.  The legendary R&B hitmaker passed away on Tuesday, according to his family’s announcement...
Read More

Darrell K. Terry Sr.

At Home in Newark and at The Beth By R.L. Witter President and Chief Executive...

Should You Focus On Exercise When You Want to Lose Weight?

Exercise may not be the best way to lose weight. A quick Google search on...

Holy Name Announces New Leadership Appointments

Holy Name, the region’s leading independent health system, appointed Cynthia Ziegler as Vice President of...

You Can Live Well

As a fitness expert, I often encourage clients to care for themselves first. It seems...