Black babies are succumbing to infant mortality at double the rate of White babies across the nation. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the national infant mortality rate is 6%, Whites come in at 5.1% , while 11.1% of Black babies are dying. Why are our babies dying at such a high rate?
The healthcare disparities in the Black community are vast. The lack of quality healthcare access combined with hereditary factors are the reasons why many believe Black women are suffering so greatly from this problem. Venus Standard, a certified nurse midwife (CNM) and lamaze certified childbirth educator, says the answer to problem has many layers.
“The health care challenges of an African American woman are multifaceted. The sequelae of complication can increase drastically when pregnancy is added into the equation. While some challenges are a result of their inability to access quality health care, others are a direct result of lifestyle choices, i.e., obesity, hypertension and diabetes or toxic substances abuse such as smoking, alcohol or drugs,” Standard explained to BlackDoctor.org. “There’s not a whole lot you can do about your hereditary challenges, and while socioeconomic restraints can limit your ability to change your physical environment, we all have the ability to make conscious lifestyle choices.”
Conscious lifestyle choices during pregnancy are what experts like Standard believe are key for a healthy baby. Standard shared with BlackDoctor.org four things Black women can do before birth to help ensure a healthy baby:
1. Diet
Trips to Popeyes and your favorite greasy spoons have got to stop, ladies. This childbirth educator says that you should “Eat little to no fried and/or fast foods and increase your fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure to stay hydrated with water and keep an eye on portion control.”
2. Exercise
Breaks out those running shoes and that Nike warmup suit that you only wore to look to cute in. Even though you’re pregnant you can still get a nice sweat in. Standard said ,”This can be as simple as walking for 30 minutes 3-4 time per week. “
3. Blood pressure and blood sugar management
Since you’ll be eating better and working out, be sure to check your blood sugar. This can be supported with diet and exercise along with medication if prescribed by your health care provider.
4. Avoid toxic substances
And of course, things like drugs and alcohol must be completely eliminated in order to decrease the risk of infant mortality.
There have been a number of initiatives to encourage Black women to breastfeed. Statistics have shown that women who breastfeed decrease their child’s chances of dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Initiatives such as Black Breastfeeding Week and Instagram accounts like Blactavist are doing a lot to push the agenda of breastfeeding in the Black community.
Leigh Anne O’Connor, an international board certified lactation consultant, has been working with breastfeeding families for two decades. Her work in the Black community has revealed some very shocking news regarding Black women during pregnancy.
She says that a lot of Black women aren’t treated fairly in the hospitals because of their race. O’Connor believes that doctors don’t see Black women as empowered and capable, which leads them to offer things like cesarean sections right away (which isn’t standard protocol). C-sections in the Black community are higher than any other race. This method of childbirth makes breastfeeding even harder. The longtime advocate of breastfeeding believe that children who are breastfed are healthier and have decreased risk of illnesses, suck as asthma, leukemia, obesity, eczema and type 2 diabetes to name a few.
O’Connor also says that having a doula during pregnancy can also decrease the risk of infant mortality.
Breastfeeding Resources
Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association
Kimberly Seals Allers’ Mocha Manual
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