When Hospitals Are Not Safe For Black Moms

Trigger warning: This episode discusses Black maternal death, medical neglect, and birth trauma.

In this episode of Two Moms Too Much Coffee, Tempestt and Jhshell talk about what it feels like to walk into a hospital as a Black woman and know that you are more likely to die during childbirth than women of other races.

We name and sit with the stories of:

Mercedes Wells, Jessica Ross, DeChelle Johnson, Jayde Garrison, Tanisha Williams, Krystal Anderson, Tori Bowie, and Amber Rose Isaac, and we talk about what their experiences reveal about how Black women are treated in labor and delivery.

We also share:

• Our own birth stories and fears

• How partners, doulas, and friends can advocate in the room

• How bias and pain minimization show up for Black women

• Why some Black moms feel like there is no truly safe option for birth

At the end of the episode, we talk about self advocacy, changing providers when something feels off, using privilege in the room when you have it, and why knowing your options before you go into labor can save your life.

Resources mentioned

Black Mamas Matter Alliance: https://blackmamasmatter.org

National Birth Equity Collaborative: https://birthequity.org

4Kira4Moms: https://4kira4moms.com

Irth App: https://irthapp.com

Every Mother Counts: https://everymothercounts.org

March of Dimes: https://www.marchofdimes.org

Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center: https://maternalhealthlearning.org

Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act: https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/Momnibus

Connect with us on socials at @twomomscoffeepodcast and let us know how you are feeling after this episode or what you want us to talk about next.