Black Maternal Health Week: Empowering Black Mothers to Prioritize Their Well-being

Black Maternal Health Week is a time to acknowledge the disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and birthing people. In 2023, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, nearly 3.5 times the rate for non-Hispanic White women. (Source: CDC, 2025). In the U.S., Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. CDC notes that more than 80% of pregnancy related deaths are preventable (CDC, 2024).

While systemic change is crucial, it's equally important to empower Black mothers with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their own health and well-being during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. Let's focus on actionable steps Black mothers can take to prioritize their health and navigate the healthcare system.

Before Conception: Laying a Strong Foundation

• Preconception Check-up: Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider to discuss your overall health, including any chronic conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. This is the perfect time to address any concerns and optimize your health before trying to conceive.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Incorporate regular physical activity and manage stress through practices like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
• Address Underlying Health Conditions: Work with your doctor to manage any pre-existing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or obesity. Proper management can significantly reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.
• Mental Wellness: Prioritize your mental health. Seek therapy or counseling if you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or past trauma. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.

During Pregnancy: Advocating for Yourself and Your Baby

• Choose Your Provider Carefully: Research and select a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and respectful of your cultural background. Don't hesitate to switch providers if you feel your needs are not being met.
• Ask Questions and Be Informed: Be an active participant in your prenatal care. Ask questions about every aspect of your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Don't be afraid to voice your concerns and seek clarification.
• Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, or a doula. Having a strong support system can provide emotional, physical, and informational support throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
• Know Your Rights: Understand your rights as a patient and advocate for yourself. If you feel your concerns are being dismissed or ignored, don't hesitate to seek a second opinion.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals and report any unusual symptoms or changes to your healthcare provider immediately. Trust your instincts and advocate for your needs.
• Consider a Doula: Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Studies have shown that doula support can improve birth outcomes, especially for Black women.

Postpartum: Prioritizing Recovery and Self-Care

• Prioritize Rest and Recovery: The postpartum period is a time for healing and bonding with your baby. Prioritize rest, nutrition, and self-care.
• Seek Support for Postpartum Depression: Postpartum depression is common, and it's important to seek help if you're experiencing symptoms like sadness, anxiety, or difficulty bonding with your baby.
• Attend Postpartum Check-ups: Attend all scheduled postpartum check-ups to monitor your physical and mental health.
• Connect with Other Mothers: Join a support group or connect with other new mothers to share experiences and build community.
• Advocate for Extended Postpartum Care: Advocate for policies that support extended postpartum care, including access to mental health services, lactation support, and childcare assistance.

Key Takeaways:

• Knowledge is Power: Educate yourself about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
• Advocate for Yourself: Don't be afraid to speak up and advocate for your needs.
• Build a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive people who can provide emotional, physical, and informational support.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental health.
• Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your body and trust your intuition.

This is a reminder that Black mothers deserve access to quality, culturally competent care. By empowering Black mothers with the knowledge and tools to advocate for their own health, we can help to improve maternal health outcomes and create a more equitable healthcare system for all. For more information, reach out to a CHI Health Women's Health provider today.