Kyla Pratt recalls dealing with a dismissive doctor while giving birth to her second child

Pratt joined actress Tatyana Ali, singer Melanie Fiona, chef Nyesha Arrington, entrepreneur Lizzy Mathis and licensed midwife Kim Durdin on a recent episode of “Recipe of Change” titled “Revolutionizing Black Motherhood.”

Kyla Pratt is opening up about her experiences as a Black mother within the American health care system.

While the most recent episode of “Recipe for Change” — which brings together celebrities, chefs, activists and creators for necessary discussions across the table — the “One on One” star shared that she faced a dismissive caregiver who tried to ignore her concerns while giving birth to her second child.

“I remember going into labor early with my second pregnancy,” Pratt recalled within the episode titled “Revolutionizing Black Motherhood.” “While in the hospital, I told the nurse there that I was having contractions”; she checked out the machine and said, “No, you weren’t,” and I said, “Yes, I am.” I’ve done this before; go get my doctor.”

Pratt has two daughters – Lyric Kirkpatrick, 13, and Liyah Kirkpatrick, 10 – with longtime partner Danny Kirkpatrick.

“Fortunately, in standing up for herself in that moment, my daughter is here now,” Pratt added. “She went to get my doctor; my doctor said, “You’re 6 centimeters dilated and we need to do an urgent cesarean section.” But because I used to be so small, it wasn’t visible on the machine. At that time, I didn’t really recognize when people weren’t listening to me because I used to be young, because I used to be black, and since I used to be a woman.

Pratt’s experience highlights the continuing challenges Black women face in in search of care from health care providers who’re supposed to support and help them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, compared to white women, black women are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes.

Many aspects contribute to disparities, including structural racism, implicit bias, underlying chronic diseases and differences in health care quality.

“Even I actually have been fired before in my life. I do not really recognize certain things, I just allow them to go,” Pratt added. “But when it came to my child’s safety, I easily said, ‘Ma’am, keep your appearance and everything you need to yourself. I understand that””.

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