Alarming statistics prove that when it comes to black maternal health, the morbidity and mortality issues are astronomically unacceptable. According to the National Partnership for Women & Families, black women in the US have more maternal health complications than white women, and even worse, we’re three to four times more likely to experience a pregnancy related death. In our society, racism as well as other systemic challenges contribute to these health disparities. I find it appalling that though we exist, and have existed, merely carrying and giving life are threats to our being. This should not be the case. We are not new to this country. We are not new to this world.

I, myself, have been a part of these staggering statistics because I’ve lost a child due to a severe maternal health complication. So you see, being a black woman who has personally been affected, I have a vested interest in this topic. Also, as a public health professional, I’m happy to share some tactics you can use to begin to advocate for yourself when it comes to your black maternal health because we are magic, and our black maternal health matters. While we cannot individually change this system that was not particularly built with us in mind, we can serve as our own advocates and implement practices to hopefully give us better maternal health outcomes for ourselves and our children.

Use these 7 ways to advocate for your maternal health. You and your baby matter!

1. Seek black healthcare providers.

   It is well known that one of the main pathways to health disparities in the black community as a whole is lack of black cultural competence. As an expectant mother, one of the best solids you can do to advocate for yourself and your unborn child is to seek a black healthcare provider. Make sure you feel comfortable with your providers’ qualifications, that they provide you what you need, that they make you feel like they’re listening, and most of all that it’s clear to you that they care. You can find reviews on doctors on websites like Healthgrades, RateMDs, and Yelp before you pick one.

2. Ask questions.

   The most empowering way to advocate for yourself when it comes to your black maternal health is to ask questions. There is no such thing as “too many” either. The more you know, the better off you are, plus it also let’s your healthcare provider know you’re inquisitive and will keep them on their toes. Don’t ever be afraid to ask about next steps, your next appointment, or even something as simple as the side effects of medication. When you aren’t able to ask questions (because you’re giving birth, sedated, on an operating table, etc.) assign your partner or someone else close to you as your point person to do your question asking. Whether something seems off, or there is just more information needed, ask. Don’t ever be afraid to advocate for yourself and the health of your unborn child. Make time to ask all the questions.

3. Request documentation.

   Another great way to advocate for yourself is to ask for documentation. You have another important OB visit coming up? Ask for documentation. Did you ask for something and you were told you didn’t need it? Ask for that to be documented and get a copy. Either way, keep record of them keeping record. Which leads to my next point.

4. Keep your own documentation.

   You do have medical records that you can ask for at any time so ask for them. Take a look at what is being documented. Be diligent in knowing what medications you’re on (the name, dosage, and directions for taking) and keep that information on hand so you can always rattle that off if you need to. Is the doctor discussing something important that you won’t remember later? Whip out your smart phone and use your notepad. Remember, your life literally depends on it.

5. Discuss alternative options.

   In healthcare, there are always alternatives. There are alternatives to how you can create and carry out a birth plan, care delivery, etc. If your OB is mentioning something that you don’t agree with, or you want to discuss a different pathway, feel empowered to say so and ask them for more information. If they’re hesitant, don’t feel like you can’t seek a second opinion because you can.

6. Do your own research.

   I was on research overload in my second pregnancy because of the fear I had of losing another baby, or not making it myself. Doing your own research is critical. I knew I had to give birth, by c-section, between 36-38 weeks so learned about the developmental stage my baby was in during that gestational period. While he was considered a bit premature, and he would presumably do well, I’d read that a steroid could really help him take his first breaths once he was born. It needed to be administered a specific amount of time in advance of my scheduled c-section. I not only asked the question about the steroid to be given, but also had to remind my provider to give it to me during my last OB visit. ALWAYS do your own research!

7. Know your rights.

   When I was pregnant the first time I knew my rights as a patient, but I also knew my rights in the work place. I was very candid with my manager at work about my needed frequency for appointments and special needs that I may have required to accommodate me while at work. I also knew what was possible through HR if I needed to take that route. Take control and advocate for yourself by knowing your due rights.

While change is desperately needed in our health care system to address the health disparities associated with black maternal health, we cannot depend or wait for change to happen. We have to do what we can to advocate for ourselves and navigate in the best way possible to hold physicians, health care staff, and the health care system accountable. Until then, use these ways to advocate for yourself to create the best maternal healthcare outcomes possible for you and your babies.