Building Trust: How Black Moms Can Navigate a Healthcare System That Often Fails Them
By Tierra Emerson, LMSW CCM
Introduction
How Black Moms Can Navigate a Healthcare System That Often Fails Them
Black mothers often face significant challenges in the healthcare system, including racial bias, lack of culturally competent care, and systemic disparities. Understanding how to advocate for themselves and access trustworthy support can make a difference in their healthcare experiences. My hope is that this blog will explore key strategies Black moms can use to navigate a system that often fails them while advocating for systemic change.
Understanding the Challenges for Black Moms Navigating a System That Often Fails Them
The healthcare system presents unique obstacles for Black mothers, such as:
- Implicit bias and discrimination: Studies show that Black women are more likely to have their pain and symptoms dismissed by healthcare providers.
- Higher maternal mortality rates: Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
- Limited access to culturally competent care: Finding providers who understand and respect Black maternal health needs can be challenging.
How Black Moms Can Navigate a System That Often Fails Them Can Advocate for Themselves
1. Find a Trusted Healthcare Provider: In an effort to ensure they are receiving the best care possible for their health, I have detailed just a few ways that Black moms can best advocate for themselves such as:
- Researching and seeking recommendations for culturally competent doctors, midwives, and doulas.
- Asking potential providers about their experience with Black maternal health and most importantly being aware that they should not hesitate to switch providers if feeling unheard or dismissed.
2. Know Your Rights as a Patient: It’s paramount that Black women are equipped with the knowledge that the relationship between doctor and patient is to be one that is one that should be a partnership, where both are participating in decision-making about the patient’s healthcare; not one where the doctor is merely dictating the course of treatment without listening or taking the patients concerns, input or preferences into account. Know your rights:
- The right to informed consent and to refuse any procedures.
- Requesting a second opinion if uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment plan being offered.
- Bringing a trusted someone such as a partner, friend, family member, or doula along to appointments.
3. Keep Records of Your Health and Care: This is important in navigating a healthcare system that has failed Black women. Some tips that may be helpful are:
- Maintaining copies of medical records, test results, and prescriptions.
- Writing down symptoms, questions, and concerns before appointments.
- Asking the provider to slow down and explain if not understood.
- Documenting any interactions where left feeling dismissed or mistreated.
4. Utilize Community and Support Networks: This is important because these groups provide a sense of shared experience and empowerment, helping to combat healthcare disparities. They can also offer valuable resources, advocacy and guidance that can help ensure more equitable access to services and improve health outcomes and experiences for Black women navigating the healthcare system.
Pushing for Systemic Change as a Black Woman Navigating the Healthcare System
Hope is always possible. Although the importance of individual advocacy is crucial, systemic change is also necessary to create a healthcare system that serves Black mothers equitably. Ways that this continues is by:
- Supporting policy changes: Advocating for laws that improve maternal health outcomes.
- Promoting ongoing culturally competent training: Encouraging healthcare providers to receive at least annual bias and anti-racism training.
- Engaging with community-based healthcare solutions: By supporting initiatives and existing agencies that focus on Black maternal health.
Conclusion
Navigating the healthcare system as a Black mother comes with unique challenges, but with knowledge, self-advocacy, and community support, it is possible to build trust in care providers and demand better treatment. By combining individual action with collective efforts for change, we can work toward a healthcare system that truly serves and respects Black moms.
References
https://wams.nyhistory.org/a-nation-divided/antebellum/anarcha-betsy-lucy/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9914526
https://www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/our-services/maternity/your-antenatal-care/brain
About the Author
Tierra Emerson, LMSW CCM
Tierra Emerson, LMSW CCM, is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. She obtained her Certified Case Management Certification in December 2020. Tierra is a psychotherapist with the BHI department at a large hospital system in Detroit and also a part-time perinatal telehealth therapist contracted with a private practice. Tierra obtained certifications in 2022 with Perinatal Support International (Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care and Advanced Mental Health Psychotherapy Training). She is a part of the Board of Directors for PSI: Michigan and the Alliance Rep for the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color. Tierra is a wife, mom, and visionary. One of her life’s philosophies and favorite quotes is: “Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the wrong. Sometime in life you will have been all of these.”― George Washington Carver.
Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color
