Why are birth outcomes for black women in the US so much different than for white women? The statistics are shocking, and we should all be concerned about this disparity. What can be done about it? Today’s show dives deep into the problem and possible solutions.
Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess, LCSW, is passionate about possible solutions to empower black women when it comes to better health care and better birth outcomes. Alex is someone I work with personally, and she’s an awesome advocate and therapist. She’s the founder of Spirited by Truth, a private practice located in Ontario, CA, and she specializes in perinatal mental health. She creates a safe space in her practice for black women to focus on their healing. Alex is an aunt to an angel baby and the sister of a postpartum depression survivor. Spirited by Truth came to fruition due to the overwhelming need to provide holistic pregnancy and postpartum mental health services catered to the needs of black women. Alex is passionate about prenatal and postpartum education and providing culturally responsive treatment for black women seeking mental health services. She is a Postpartum Support International coordinator for San Bernardino county and is a black maternal mental health advocate. At Spirited by Truth, she provides education, community, and support for expecting black mothers to assist in the fight toward healthier birth outcomes for black women and infants.
Show Highlights:
Statistics for black birth outcomes in the US: black women are 4X more likely to die in childbirth, 30% of black women experience perinatal mental health crises, and 60% of these don’t receive any treatment or support
Reasons why black women don’t receive treatment or support as often as white women
The focus on finding solutions
Solutions we can address for improvement of the situation:
Finding things black women CAN control in the childbirth process
Finding healthy ways to manage chronic stress
Eliminating the taboo for black women who seek mental health treatment
How black women can be empowered in asking for a black nurse or Ob
The need for education in healthier lifestyles, especially on nutrition and exercise
Education about the birthing options, like home births and birth centers
Alex’s sister’s birth experience
Leapfrog ratings of hospitals across the country
Why the infant mortality rate is higher, because of misinformation and lack of education about SIDS
Simple dangers of crib bedding and stuffed animals that are normalities in black families
How we can give current and updated information to empower black women
Why black women need to ask for support and learn self-compassion
Why black women fall prey to the “Superwoman” syndrome
The need for culturally responsive services for black women
Alex’s “Spirited Mama Tribe”--the support circle for black women, including workshops, CPR training, and doula/midwife services
Why black women need help in managing preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, chronic stress, and hypertension
Resources:
www.spiritedbytruth.com
Find Alex on Instagram and Facebook: @spiritedbytruth
www.leapfrog.org
www.tdbh.ca.gov
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