Want to save black moms? Start by honoring our histories and bodily autonomy

Mothers and people giving birth find out about other people’s opinions about their bodies long before the newborn is born. Black mothers face this from all sides – our inner circles offer unsolicited opinions and the broader world offers damning statistics. None of them prioritize Black women’s desires when it comes to pregnancy or childbirth. And since the opinions of others overshadow their voices and concerns, it is straightforward to feel dehumanized and unable to make decisions.

Bodily autonomythat’s, the proper to determine about one’s own body, life and future without coercion and violence is never mentioned directly in discussions about pregnancy and childbirth. Still, even without direct mention, it is easy to see how patterns of ignoring and silencing Black women’s concerns during and after childbirth hamper efforts to improve reproductive health outcomes. Downplaying our fears also minimizes our ability to tell stories, and the consequences of this limit control over our bodies and create additional vulnerabilities during birth.

“I often joke that motherhood is the best kept secret in the world,” says Brenda Kola, director and co-founder Orbit, a British platform dedicated to motherhood and femininity. She notes that the silence around childbirth, pregnancy and motherhood affects our ability to advocate for ourselves. “Too often we don’t share our experiences for fear of being judged – then another woman enters motherhood completely blinded by reality.”

When gave birth to her daughter Capella-Rose in 2020, she learned the importance of bodily autonomy and respecting her own fears firsthand. “My birth was traumatic not only because my daughter could have died, but in addition due to the best way my rights were always violated; I had no voice,” says Kola.

The dangers black women face while pregnant and postpartum frequently appear within the news. Reminders that black women are three to 4 times are more likely to die during childbirth, include us to every visit. Sometimes it seems like others are discussing our risks while denying our humanity. During care, we rarely give attention to the dark prospects of pregnancy and childbirth. However, this give attention to disparities rarely connects maternal health and well-being within the West to the common limited autonomy of individuals of African descent. We often miss the chance to see global patterns and examine the complex interplay of things shaping differences in maternal health around the globe.

Like many others, Kola was aware of the racial disparities in black women’s pregnancy and childbirth. As mentioned, she lives within the UK where the consequences on black women might be just as bad as within the US MBRRACE-UK (Mothers and babies: reducing risk through audits and confidential inquiries across the UK) published report which shows that black women within the UK are 4 times more likely to suffer maternal death. Birthright InquiryA year-long investigation into racial injustice in maternity facilities found physical and mental lack of safety, ignorance and disbelief, racism from caregivers, dehumanization, lack of selection, consent and coercion, structural barriers, and workforce representation and culture.”

In that spirit, Kola and her best friend and Orbit co-founder Shanice Tomlinson shared their birth stories, but what they didn’t expect was video where they did, they found success just as quickly with a worldwide audience. Nearly 1,500 people from around the globe shared stories of mistreatment during childbirth. “Some of the comments were from women who did not even know they had experienced assault or ill-treatment during childbirth.”

“During my first experiences with pregnancy and birth, “I trusted the healthcare workers and didn’t push and ask as many questions as I should have,” Tomlinson says, recalling the birth of daughter Milan in 2020. “I trusted their processes and the things they said I needed to do.” to do”. She realized that provider preferences and expectations could shape the birthing experience.

In the United States, racial health disparities are facing calls to hire more Black doctors. Research shows “racial conformity” or providers and patients of the identical race improve outcomes. But Koli’s story shows that we want greater than a change of color – we want a change of culture. She had a team of black midwives, however the provider downplayed her concerns, namely through cultural customs and expectations to respect and not query older people, which was contrary to her needs as a patient. The result was a denial of its autonomy.

He remembers comments like, “My daughter didn’t need gas and air, so you don’t need it,” and “My daughter had three kids and dealt with pain well.”

“As a patient, I have the right to ask myself why certain things are done. I can ask what’s going on with my care,” Tomlinson says. But she felt quiet. “They see themselves as my ‘aunt,’ not a service provider.”

Maternal health disparities are widely discussed, but solutions and perspectives that humanize Black moms and birthing individuals are rare. Public instances, e.g Jackie Walters, a Bravo’s star, making disparaging comments about black women in medical care is proof of that. Kola was upset that the comments invalidated the birthing experience, saying it showed why many individuals remain silent about their traumas. She points to Walters and these comments about Black women “crying wolf” as evidence that issues related to Black maternal health are multifaceted.

Many people consider that the issue is a birth culture that places medical preferences above patient consent. Like other advocates, Kola emphasizes the importance of education about birth rights before giving birth.

Tomlinson says many moms “suffer in silence,” unaware of the frequency of their experiences. I would like them to feel the validation of hearing that they will not be alone. Fortunately, it is not hopeless. Supporters consider that black people needs to be given the chance to share their birth stories to increase autonomy. Black scientists and doctors paved the way in its use Black birth stories as a tool for autonomy – and a challenge only negative images. Resources like Irth application strengthen the angle of patients and their family members. Organizations like Sister song, Black Mamas Matter Allianceand other reproductive justice-oriented groups are taking on extra space in these discussions. – wrote the National Association for the Assistance of Black Births Black Birth Bill of Rights.

But for these efforts to achieve success, Black birthing people must take up extra space and share their stories. Orbit’s founders say the conversations they’ve with moms to share anecdotes about pregnancy, birth and motherhood are a part of a broader strategy to challenge the culture of silence and secrecy that leaves many unprepared for the realities of motherhood.

There is far work to be done to be certain that Black moms and birthing women have the reproductive experiences they deserve. But change starts with regaining voice, autonomy and information. Orbit has connected with over 5,000 women, hosted over 40 live audio rooms, partnered with organizations and built a community to move closer to this mission.

“Change cannot happen if we remain silent. Change can only happen when we make noise and disruption,” says Tomlinson about what they do at Orbit. “We push boundaries and talk about absolutely everything, including things that society considers taboo in femininity and motherhood.”