Why Black Maternal Health Matters

• Talk to a health care provider right away if anything doesn’t feel right or is concerning.
• Think about what you need to feel comfortable and empowered during your pregnancy. You may choose to bring a support person with you to appointments. Or you may ask your provider to better explain instructions or why they are recommending certain care.
• Don't shy away from asking your health care provider questions. They could save you or your baby’s life. Here are some examples:
  • Addressing Disparities: I'm worried about the higher risk of pregnancy-related death for Black women. How can we work together to prevent this?
  • Blood Pressure Management: How will we monitor my blood pressure to ensure my safety?
  • Pain Management: I'm worried about pain management during delivery. How can we ensure I receive the right treatment?"
  • C-section Delivery: What is your C-section delivery rate for Black women compared to the overall rate? When and why would you recommend a C-section?
  • Postpartum Care Plan: I want to be prepared for postpartum recovery. Can we create a plan to keep me safe and healthy?

• Share recent pregnancy history during each medical care visit for up to one year after delivery.
• Know about urgent maternal warning signs, including severe headache, extreme swelling of hands or face, trouble breathing, heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge, overwhelming tiredness, and more. Seek medical care right away if experiencing any of these symptoms. They could indicate a potentially life-threatening issue.

• Connect with a specialist for mental health support if you aren’t feeling like yourself or if stress affecting your health. Pregnancy and delivery can bring up a lot of feelings and emotions that can be difficult to deal with alone. If you think you might need mental health or substance use care, please call your doctor or our 24/7 Mental Health and Addiction Crisis Hotline at 1-844-677-7553 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed mental health counselor.
• Consider low-impact exercise like walking or yoga to manage stress. Our health and wellness app, Sharecare, has various resources and tools to help our members manage stress and lead healthier lives. Visit LaHealthConnect.Sharecare.com and follow the steps to create your free account.

• Monitor your blood pressure throughout pregnancy and after delivery. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure cannot be controlled by resting or you have sudden vision problems or swelling in your hands, face or feet. 65% of pregnancy-related deaths from high blood pressure occur after delivery.

• Start Smart for Your Baby®: Our special program for people who are pregnant that includes a free pregnancy app. Our Start Smart staff can answer questions if you are having a problem. We can even arrange for a home visit if needed.
• Louisiana Department of Health Breastfeeding Resources: Learn about the state’s WIC breastfeeding program and more. An electric breast pump is a covered benefit for all mothers who choose to breastfeed. Your provider can write you a prescription for your breast pump. You can order your breast pump online at no cost to you through Aeroflow or Tenderheart. Or talk to your OB/GYN about ordering your breast pump.
• Black Birthing Bill of Rights: Learn about your rights as a Black person in need of maternal care.
• Birth Stories in Color Podcast: Hear other BIPOC moms share their birthing experiences. This may help you know what to expect, avoid, and what questions you need to ask your health care provider.
• Guide for Pregnant and Postpartum People: Learn about urgent warning signs and how to talk to your healthcare provider.
• Guide for Partners, Friends, and Family: If your loved one shares that something doesn’t feel right, support her to get the care and answers she may need.
• Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Poster: Pregnant now or within the last year? Get medical care right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Personal Stories of Pregnancy-Related Complications: The CDC’s “Hear Her” campaign features stories from women about their pregnancy journey. They share how pregnancy-related complications or conditions have affected them and how they got help.

Connecting with organizations and groups that support Black mothers can help you build a community of people who are rooting for you and your baby’s success. Here are some good ones to start with:

• Black Mamas Matter Alliance: Black women-led alliance to center Black mamas to advocate, drive research, build power and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights and justice.
• Black Women’s Health Imperative: Nonprofit created by Black women to help protect and advance the health and wellness of Black women and girls.
• Melanin Moms: A Facebook support group of 51,000 moms and expecting mothers of Black children.