In today’s episode, I will dive into the critical topic of improving maternal health outcomes for black women and the promising programs that are making a difference.
Black women often face discrimination and stress during their pregnancies, birth and postpartum, leading to the highest rates of maternal mortality and health complications in the US.
However, there is hope on the horizon and Dr. Venice Haynes and Natalie Davis are joining me today to discuss the positive changes that are happening around this topic!
Venice is the Senior Director of Research and community engagement at United States of Care and brings over 14 years of public health experience. And Natalie is the CEO and co-founder of United States of care with nearly two decades of shaping American health care policies.
I’m so thrilled to share this interview in honor of black maternal health week as a means to help raise awareness and support wider adoptions of these crucial programs and practices. And if you want to keep listening to learn more about the realities of black maternal health, I encourage you to listen to Episode 73 after this one.
A peek at the questions we covered:
- What are some of the key findings from the United States of Care’s “Bright Spots” report regarding trends in improving maternal health outcomes?
- How did the United States of Care approach understanding women’s experiences across the entire preconception to postpartum journey?
- What are some of the funding challenges faced by community-based organizations providing maternal health services?
- Why are doula services considered so important for improving maternal health outcomes?
- What program goals are some hospitals and health systems incorporating to support more equitable outcomes for black women?
- What can hospitals do to help ensure better and more equitable care?
- What are some of the mental health issues faced by black women during the postpartum period?
- What role can virtual care and telehealth play in expanding access to maternal health services?
- How are community-based organizations helping address gaps in postpartum mental health support?
- How can individuals support the important work of local maternal health organizations?
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Resources and Related Episodes
- “Bright Spots” Report from United States of Care
- Nurse Family Partnerships – Provides resources and support for first-time moms.
- Black Mom of Glowing – Peer support group for maternal mental health.
- Family Solutions – Provides resources and support for parents and children in rural communities in South Carolina
- Maven Clinic – Provides reproductive and family healthcare for members.
- Ocean Family Center – Has a program that gives free virtual psychotherapy appointments for mothers.
- Shades of Blue Project – Offers a postpartum support group through journaling in Houston, Texas.
- Spinning Babies – Provide resources on a physiological approach to preparing for and caring for birth.
