Don't Wait: Empowering Black Mommies and Mommies to Be
One thing my mom always told me growing up is, “Girl, if you don’t learn to be patient! You’re a mover and a shaker!” What did she mean by this? She, like all my other friends know, I do not wait for others. I don’t have time to waste listening to other peoples excuses and waiting for them to come around and serve/help me on something I desire. If I want something, I’m getting/doing it, and I’m not waiting you, or anyone else to help me
The same can be said about healthcare, and black women’s healthcare and pregnancy care more specifically. We know the numbers, that “Black women are 3-4x more likely to die a pregnancy-related death as compared with white women, regardless of income, education, marital status, or other health factors.” We know you know the info, that “Black women are at increased risk for pregnancy related illnesses, such as gestational diabetes, blood clots, pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure leading to organ failure, seizures, and more), peripartum cardiomyopathy (heart failure), and much more.” And we know you know the reason why. Institutional and structural racism. Periodttt. End of discussion.
So guess what we NOT gon’ do: Wait for the racist higher powers that be to change and restructure all aspects of our infrastructure to make change. Although this is ultimately needed to see a zeroing out on a larger scale, and although it’s equally exhausting to always shoulder the burden of digging ourselves out of our grave that was built for us by others, 🙄😒😓, they (extreme, covert, and subconscious racists) sure aren’t going to help us. So we can, should, and will take measures to help ourselves.
Below are my tips for all my black pregnant mommies and mommies to be that I mentioned back in May 2019, and continue to preach to my patients today. Let’s take charge of not only this Black Maternal Health Week, but every day! ✌🏾
1. Ask questions! If you don’t understand the reasoning for a test or a medication, please ask. That’s why we’re here! I personally LOVE counseling patients because I love talking medicine... I’m a nerd 🤓 (and proud).
2. Use technology to your advantage. Keep a notes section in your phone called “My Pregnancy”, then write down and store any questions or symptoms you may have there. Some women can have forgetfulness in pregnancy, so this will help you to be prepared for your prenatal visits.
3. Take photos of/write down any diagnoses you may have and store it in the notes tab as above 👆🏾. This will allow you to tell your doctors in your future pregnancies about complications you had previously.
4. Try to walk for 30 minutes after eating. You can do this at home or at work. This will help you to stay active and healthy in your pregnancy, and if you have gestational diabetes, to get your sugar numbers down!
5. BE PRESENT! I know getting to and from your prenatal visits can be overwhelming, but please make every effort to go! As I stated before, we 👩🏽👩🏾👩🏿 are at increased risk for pregnancy related illnesses, and thus, stillbirth. A few cumbersome trips will be worth it to save your baby’s life. Who wants to go through all the pregnancy woes without a little one as the result? If you are having trouble, tell us why. I love helping patients find solutions to actually get to their appointments. We have parking vouchers, can advocate for easier scheduling for you, and a lot of us have nurses that love babysitting while you’re being examined. We’re here to help. 😘
We are all approaching the annual high of Mother’s Day, but overall I think we often forget just how much it takes to endure pregnancy, birth, and the aftermath... So go thank your moms again, and let’s make our own change! Love you all ✌🏾