The journey of motherhood should be looked at as a joyous experience, but for many Black women, it’s fraught with fear, anxiety, and disparities in healthcare. As a third-generation nurse, I’ve witnessed firsthand the unique challenges Black mothers face, and it’s imperative that we address the urgent need for compassionate and equitable care.
In the state of Georgia, where I practice, access to quality maternity care is a significant issue. Many women in the outer counties lack prenatal care or rely on midwives and doulas. While these care providers can be valuable, complications during labor may require intensive hospital care, and a lack of succinct medical records can cause issues for patients and their providers. This lack of access can contribute to heightened anxiety and fear among Black mothers.
Addressing Black mothers’ fears
The fear I see in the eyes of many Black mothers is heartbreaking. They frequently express concerns about their own
survival and the well-being of their babies. This fear is often rooted in the awareness of the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality among Black women.
Building trust is crucial in these situations. As healthcare providers, we must acknowledge and validate these fears. Creating a safe and supportive environment where Black mothers feel heard, respected, and empowered is essential.
Looking beyond labels
One instance that really stands out to me is when I cared for a patient who had been labeled as “difficult.” You know how it is; that label can precede a patient and shape the expectations of the care team. But I believe everyone deserves a fresh start. By taking the time to listen to her concerns and fears, I was able to build a trusting relationship. She ultimately shared her past traumatic experiences, which had contributed to her nervousness. This experience taught me the importance of looking beyond labels and approaching each patient with empathy and an open mind. It reminded me that compassion can open doors and facilitate healing.
This situation also highlighted for me the importance of recognizing the role that cultural understanding can play in healthcare. In this case, I am also a Black woman, and it’s possible that this patient felt a greater sense of comfort and trust because of that shared identity. While compassion and empathy are essential for all healthcare providers, regardless of their background, it’s important to acknowledge that patients may feel more at ease with someone who they believe understands their experiences on a deeper level.
Leading with compassion
In addition to my extensive clinical experience, I also teach maternal health at Chamberlain University, an Adtalem Global Education institution, where I help prepare the next generation of healthcare providers to offer compassionate care to Black mothers. It’s crucial to emphasize that the lack of compassion and empathy in healthcare settings is a significant contributor to the Black maternal health crisis.
- Active Listening: Take the time to truly hear and understand the concerns and experiences of Black mothers.
- Cultural Humility: Acknowledge and respect the cultural backgrounds and beliefs of patients. Be open to learning and adapting care to meet individual needs.
- Education and Empowerment: Provide comprehensive information about the birthing process, medical interventions, and potential risks and benefits. Empower mothers to participate in decisions about their care actively.
- Advocacy: Advocate for policies and practices that address systemic inequities in healthcare and promote access to quality care for all Black mothers.
- Confronting Bias: Healthcare providers must be willing to examine their own biases and assumptions. Seek out training and education to increase cultural competence and address implicit bias.
We cannot ignore the impact of systemic racism and implicit bias on the quality of care that Black mothers receive. By making a conscious effort to provide compassionate care, healthcare professionals can play a vital role in addressing these inequities and improving outcomes for Black mothers and their babies.
Heretha H. Hankins, MSN-Ed, RNC, is a nurse educator, leader, and advocate with over 30 years of clinical experience. She currently serves as an associate professor at Chamberlain University, an Adtalem Global Education institution, specializing in maternal health.