A joyful, safe birthing experience is on the wish list of every pregnant person. When I was pregnant with my first child, I truly didn’t consider that my experience might be any different from any other woman’s. I hate to admit it, but my image of birth was largely informed by what I had seen on television. I imagined pain, chaos and possibly humour – all naively contingent on colour-blind and competent medical care.
Thankfully, with uncomplicated pregnancies, I experienced relatively positive births.
However, as I’ve lived a little more life, I’ve stood by several friends who had less than picture-perfect experiences. These anecdotal stories from friends and family have shown me that a positive birth experience is not a given.
I also have come to understand that the reality is Black birthing people often face unique and significant challenges.
Understanding the Black Maternal Health Crisis
I used to believe that knowing too many of the statistics about Black maternal health stole the joy from our birthing experience.
Some part of me wishes that as Black people we could walk into our birthing journey free of the weight of this information. That we could expect positive outcomes and live in the blissful state of ignorance TV-watching induces.
And for sure, in some cases, many of us will choose to do this! In fact, if you prefer, skip the data and scroll right on down to the list of resources below!
That said, in the land of reality, I’ve also learned there is power in being aware. Not only of health risks but the experiences of others who share our skin. I feel knowledge gives us the power to stay ready for any shenanigans.
And according to stats from around the world, we have a higher chance than others of facing shenanigans.
Current statistics from around the world paint a startling picture of what it means to give birth while Black. Black women in the U.K. and U.S. are four times more likely to die in pregnancy or childbirth than white women, according to official data. A U.K. study found that Black women’s risk of miscarriage is 40 percent higher than white women’s.
The maternal mortality rate and the risk of miscarriage are alarming. These factors signal deeper issues in the health care system.
At least they do in those countries that track this information.
Canada needs to collect better data
However in Canada – we are super reluctant to address systemic racism. Our health institutions refuse to prioritize race-based data collection and so Canada lacks any comprehensive race-based healthcare data. This is despite numerous calls to collect Black maternal health data and drive policy changes to improve women’s health.
And this is not because we don’t have evidence there is a problem. It’s not uncommon for Black women to report experiences of racism and discrimination by medical providers. This racism may be overt or more subtle, Canadian-style.
The Black Health Education Collaborative (BHEC) collaborated with The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) to publish a two-part special issue on Black Health and Anti-Black Racism in Canadian Healthcare. The publication highlights that medical education in Canada does not provide doctors training on Black health or the impacts of anti-Black racism on health.
In an episode of her show, “For the Culture”, One of my internet besties, Amanda Parris, details her own experiences during pregnancy. Recounting her personal journey this award-winning journalist explained that given her traumatic experiences during her pregnancy, even she was indeed one of the statistics that Canada is not counting.
However, even the limited Canadian data available does indicate that giving birth is disproportionately dangerous for Black birthing individuals.
It was only when my beautiful nephew was born prematurely that I learned Black babies are more likely to be premature in Canada. A study at McGill University found that Black women in Canada face substantially higher rates of premature births compared to white women.
Another Canadian study found that Black women are at a considerably higher risk for severe maternal cardiovascular issues, including acute myocardial infarction, peripartum cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure and stroke.
Community-based organizations impact health outcomes
Many factors contribute to the Black maternal health crisis — from racial bias in healthcare systems to socioeconomic status. These richly complex topics are more than I can delve into in this post.
However, these risks shouldn’t detract from our joy in creating life.
Numerous community-based organizations exist to support and empower Black birthing people. These organizations ensure we receive the care and respect we deserve. There is evidence that affirming health care can create better outcomes for Black births.
Often also advocating for better support, these organizations are instrumental in ensuring Black birthing people experience the joy and safety that should be inherent in every birth.
Affirming Health Care Resources Supporting Joyful, Safe Black Births
Mino Care
Mino Care, formerly known as Mommy Monitor, offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to Black-identifying parents-to-be and birthing people. They provide access to health care providers including Doula Support, lactation assistance, massage therapy, mental health and postpartum services.
Mino Care prioritizes health equity. This organization is dedicated to serving as warriors, advocates, and support systems for expectant parents.
Research indicates that Black women and birthing people experience better outcomes when supported by professionals from similar racial backgrounds. Mino Care is actively building an expanding network of Black birth professionals, including obstetricians, midwives, doulas, pelvic health specialists, lactation consultants, therapists, and more. , Recognizing the importance of representation in healthcare their website hosts a Black Perinatal Directory, simplifying the search for Black practitioners.
Under the leadership of healthcare advocate Elsie Amoako, Mino Care is leading efforts to make birthing fairer for Black and other racialized women and birthing people in Canada. Her organization is behind the creation of MinoFest Canada’s leading conference for racialized perinatal and reproductive health. Mino Care is changing how maternal healthcare works by creating ways for Black communities to have more control over their reproductive health.
Toronto Birth Centre
The Toronto Birth Centre is a one-of-a-kind place, led by Indigenous community members and midwives. Here, pregnant people in the care of midwives can have their babies in a safe and culturally respectful environment.
This space isn’t just about giving birth. It’s a regulated healthcare facility that offers a safe and cozy place for pregnant people to have their babies. The Birth Centre is dedicated to providing information and support for pregnant people, families, and communities in the city. From prenatal classes to access to complementary therapies and care providers, educational opportunities, referrals, and community partnerships, the Toronto Birth Centre offers extra support for pregnancy, labour, birth, breastfeeding, and parenting.
Ancestral Hands Midwives
Ancestral Hands Midwives is committed to improving Black maternal healthcare, reducing racial disparities in maternal outcomes, and ensuring a positive care experience for Black individuals during pregnancy and childbirth.
Clients who reach out to Ancestral Hands will get help finding comprehensive and culturally competent care. Whether that is primary care, complementary maternity care or community services.
Believing education is key to empowerment, Ancestral Hands also helps folks access perinatal education specifically for the Black community. They give them the information that helps them to be the primary decision-makers of their healthcare. Throughout their pregnancy and childbirth journey.
Led by founder Althea Jones, a Registered Midwife, Ancestral Hands Midwives takes a holistic approach to maternal health. Althea believes that community-led, comprehensive care and support can transform Black maternal health.
Birthing While Black – Online Prenatal Class
Not everyone can access birth centers due to geographic or other issues. For those in this situation, Ancestral Hands offers the Birthing While Black course.
This free, online prenatal course is designed for Black women, people, and families in Canada. Open to Black individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, and family structures, the course provides invaluable support and knowledge. Especially to those who face the challenges of maternal healthcare in a system that often perpetuates discrimination and racism. The course’s curriculum covers every stage of the birthing journey, from prenatal care and pregnancy to labor, birth, and postpartum.
Ancestral Hands course works to help participants feel supported and empowered throughout their pregnancy and childbirth experience.
The Black Birth Project
The Black Birth Project, a nonprofit organization, actively enhances reproductive health outcomes for Black individuals in Canada. They strive to make positive changes in Canadian reproductive healthcare through community research, advocacy, and education.
Founded by Cheyenne Scarlett, a Certified Doula & Childbirth Educator, and Kamika Sylvester, a Registered Nurse, the organization prioritizes the principles of reproductive justice in all their endeavors. Their website offers valuable resources for patients, including a process for Navigating Healthcare Complaints. This resource not only guides individuals on how to file a complaint about their experiences within the healthcare sector but also provides information on regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the medical field in Ontario.
BHPN – Black Health Professionals Network
The Black Health Professionals Network (BHPN) actively dedicates itself to advancing the careers of Black professionals in the healthcare industry. The organization provides a range of services including advocacy efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in healthcare.
In an effort to increase public access to their services, the BHPB has created a comprehensive directory of Black healthcare professionals in Ontario. This list is inclusive of Black Doulas, Midwives and other specialists integral to the Black birthing experience.
Ontario Black Doula Society
Getting the right birthing support can greatly improve the health and wellness of Black mothers-to-be. Having a Black caregiver can make a big difference in the Black birthing experience. Black doulas, who are trained support persons providing non-medical care, play a key role in this. The Ontario Black Doula Society offers a directory of Black doulas across Ontario, helping mothers-to-be find the support they need.
Black Moms Connection
BMC began as an online membership group on Facebook for Black moms. The group served as a safe space for members to share their experiences of Black motherhood and seek support for the unique challenges faced. Over time, it grew into an online community of approximately 40,000 members and is now a global online village and leading national non-profit.
BMC provides financial support grants and culturally relevant resources to empower and educate Black women. From emergency financial grants for moms in need to financial literacy programs and events.
BMC also addresses wellness through its, You Okay Mama?, program which focuses on the physical, emotional, and mental wellness of Black moms. This program includes wellness workshops and retreats, designed to offer preventative support by teaching important life skills like self-care, goal setting, and problem-solving.
Through personalized attention and unwavering advocacy, BMC strives to create a nurturing environment where Black individuals feel supported, respected, and empowered throughout their parenting journey.
The Power of Affirming Health Care
Accessing the right healthcare resources can make a big difference in ensuring safer Black births. These groups are more than just providers of care; they offer essential support and encouragement for every step of the journey into motherhood. The hope is that all Black mothers and birthing people, whether they can access these organizations or not, can find the help they need.
Giving birth marks just the beginning of a journey. While there’s no magic solution to guaranteeing a smooth birth, finding the right support is paramount to increasing the likelihood of a joyful, healthy, and safe birthing experience. As the adventure of parenting begins with the arrival of your little one, it’s reassuring to know that there are resources available to help us along the way.
Of course, parenting is better in community. For those seeking extra support outside of the healthcare system, or seeking community, explore our curated list of 23 Organizations Canadian Black Parents Should Know.
If you are part of or know of an organization that supports Black parents but does not appear on this list, email me or comment below. I’d love to know more about spaces and organizations that exist to support Black parents.
