Cultural Considerations for African American Mothers in the Maternal Setting
Addressing the Black Maternal Health Crisis: Strategies and Solutions
The birth of a child is a joyous occasion, yet for African American mothers, it comes with disproportionately higher risks of maternal post-natal deaths. Black women are three to four times more likely to experience pregnancy or childbirth-related deaths compared to White women. This alarming disparity contributes to increased feelings of depression and anxiety, heightening the risk of postpartum depression among Black mothers.
The Maternal Health Crisis in the U.S.
The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among wealthy nations, with pregnancy-related deaths rising annually. In 2020, over 850 people died from pregnancy-related complications, up from around 750 in 2019 and 650 in 2018 (Hoyert, D. L., National Center for Health Statistics, 2022). Black women face the greatest impact, being three times more likely to die during and after childbirth than White women. Additionally, they are more prone to long-lasting mental health issues postpartum, yet receive less treatment for postpartum depression.
Historical and Structural Challenges
The reproductive health of Black women has been compromised by racism at interpersonal, institutional, and structural levels. From non-consensual medical experimentation to inadequate care, healthcare has historically contributed to the severe complications faced by Black birthing people (Prather et al., Health Equity, 2018).
Why Are Black Women at Risk?
Several factors contribute to the racial and socioeconomic disparities in maternal health for Black women, including lack of access to quality healthcare, delayed diagnoses, and inadequate provider response to warning signs. The CDC suggests that over 60% of maternal deaths could be prevented by addressing these issues. Stress is also a significant factor affecting maternal health outcomes for Black women.
Solutions to the Black Maternal Health Crisis
Niche Therapies and Sister Circles: Programs like the Spirit of Motherhood, initiated in 2021, screen expectant mothers for PTSD and chronic stress, aiming to reduce maternal mortality rates. Sister circles provide culturally relevant support groups to reduce anxiety and stress among Black women.
Patient Advocacy and Cultural-Sensitivity Training:Therapists can help communicate patient concerns to physicians, ensuring better listening and response from healthcare providers.
Transforming Maternal Care Delivery: Legislative support, such as the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, is crucial to addressing maternal mortality and morbidity by investing in social determinants of health.
Destigmatizing and Treating Maternal Mental Health: With 60% of Black mothers lacking treatment for prenatal and postpartum emotional complications, expanding insurance coverage and support services is essential.
Protecting Reproductive Health Care Access: Black women are more likely to live in states with restrictive abortion laws, highlighting the need for expanded reproductive healthcare access.
Conclusion
Addressing the Black maternal health crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including niche therapies, sister circles, patient advocacy, self-advocacy, and cultural-sensitivity training. Community interventions, such as resource kits from The Color of Wellness Media, provide valuable education and support for Black mothers during the postpartum period.
For more information on these resources, visit The Color of Wellness.
References
Chatlani, S. (2022). Focusing on maternity and postpartum care for Black mothers leads to better outcomes. APA
Gray, V. et al. (2023, November). Fact Sheet: Black Women’s Maternal Health. National Partnership for Women & Families