Black Maternal Health Week: Why We Need to Talk About It

Do you know her?

The mom who didn’t make it home with her baby.

The woman whose pain was ignored until it was too late.

The family left grieving because no one listened.

You may not know her by name - but she exists. And she is one of far too many Black mothers who die from preventable pregnancy-related complications.

Here’s the truth: Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Let that sink in. In a country with some of the most advanced healthcare, race is still a factor in who lives and who dies during childbirth.

And that’s why Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) exists.

Founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, BMHW (April 11–17) is more than just a campaign - it’s a call to action. It shines a light on the racial disparities in maternal healthcare, amplifies Black voices, and pushes for real, systemic change. And this week, we’re talking about it.

The Black Maternal Health Crisis: By the Numbers

The statistics are more than just data - they are real moms, families, and futures. And the numbers are heartbreaking:

• 3x More Likely to Die: Black women face three times the maternal mortality rate of white women, regardless of income or education level (CDC).

• Disproportionate C-Section Rates: Black women are also more likely to undergo unnecessary C-sections, which carry higher risks of infection and complications (National Institutes of Health).

• Higher Stillbirth Rates: Black women are twice as likely to experience stillbirth compared to white women (American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology).

And it’s not just the statistics - it’s the stories.

It’s Shalon Irving, a CDC epidemiologist who studied health disparities but died from complications after childbirth.

It’s Kira Johnson, who passed away from internal bleeding after a C-section, despite her husband repeatedly begging for help.

It’s the countless Black women whose concerns are dismissed, symptoms ignored, and lives cut short.

This isn’t just about healthcare. It’s about racial bias in the system.

Why Are Black Moms at Higher Risk?

Black women are not inherently more at risk for complications, it’s the system that fails them. The reasons behind the maternal health crisis are complex, but they often include:

• Implicit Bias in Healthcare: Research shows that Black women’s pain is more likely to be dismissed or underestimated by medical professionals, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment (National Institutes of Health).

• Lack of Access to Quality Care: Black women are more likely to give birth in under-resourced hospitals with lower-quality care.

• Stress and Racism: The chronic stress of racism contributes to poorer health outcomes, even in otherwise healthy Black women.

How Doulas Help Close the Gap

Here’s the good news: doulas are making a difference.

By providing continuous, culturally competent support, doulas help Black mothers:

• Advocate for themselves during labor and delivery.

• Navigate a healthcare system that too often overlooks or dismisses them.

• Experience better birth outcomes, including lower rates of preterm birth and C-sections.

In fact, a study by Dr. Kozhimannil found that women who received doula support had a preterm birth rate of 4.7%, compared to 6.3% for those without support. That’s a significant difference that saves lives.

At Haven Place Doulas, we’re committed to being that voice and support for Black mothers in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. Our doulas stand beside you - advocating, educating, and empowering - so you never have to fight alone.

Resources Supporting Black Maternal Health

If you want to learn more or take action, here are some organizations making a real impact:

• Black Mamas Matter Alliance – The official organization behind Black Maternal Health Week, advocating for Black maternal health and rights.

• The National Black Doulas Association – A network of Black doulas offering culturally competent support.

• Sisters in Loss – A community offering support for Black women experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, and infertility.

• Count the Kicks – A stillbirth prevention campaign promoting fetal movement monitoring, especially important for Black moms, who face higher stillbirth rates.

What You Can Do During Black Maternal Health Week

• Listen to Black Moms: Listen to their experiences, believe them, and share their stories.

• Support Black Birth Workers: Hire Black doulas, midwives, and lactation consultants. Representation in care matters.

• Donate or Volunteer: Support organizations that fight for Black maternal health rights.

• Share the Message: Use your platform to raise awareness. The more people know, the louder the call for change.

Haven Place Doulas: Standing with Black Moms in Boston and Beyond

At Haven Place Doulas, we know that every mother deserves to be heard, respected, and cared for - regardless of race. Our team of experienced, culturally competent doulas offers compassionate, personalized support to Black moms in Boston and throughout Massachusetts.

We’re here to:

• Advocate for you when you feel dismissed.

• Support you emotionally and physically throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.

• Ensure you are heard, respected, and safe - every step of the way.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let Haven Place Doulas be in your corner.

Personalized care for Black mothers in Massachusetts