From Fear to Joy: A Black Mother’s Birth Story
Black Maternal Health Week stands as a powerful testament to the struggles endured by black mothers throughout pregnancy and childbirth. It's a stark reality we face: Black women are three times more likely to face fatal outcomes from pregnancy-related complications, and their infants are also disproportionately affected compared to their white counterparts.
But behind each statistic lies a personal journey, a story that demands to be heard. Through the sharing of our individual experiences, we illuminate the stark disparities within maternal healthcare, igniting a fervent call for change. My journey serves as yet another poignant chapter, underscoring the urgent need to address these issues and amplify the resilient voices of black mothers everywhere.
My Story:
The night before my scheduled labor induction, I meticulously prepared my expected son’s nursery, unaware of the trials that awaited me the next day. Upon arriving at the hospital, my husband and I were swept into the whirlwind of labor and delivery protocols. My delivery was scheduled due to an ultrasound projecting complication with my placenta and indicating that my son would have a low birth weight, reaffirming the trust I placed in healthcare professionals.
As labor progressed, the administration of Pitocin, a common synthetic form of oxytocin, intensified the contractions of my uterus. With each surge of intensity, my son's heart rate plummeted, prompting a flurry of medical intervention to stabilize it. The subsequent escalation of Pitocin and the agonizing realization of a slipped epidural, which was not discovered until I was 10 cm dilated, compounded my distress. Despite my body's natural response to move and request for my epidural to be checked due to the immense pain, I was told I had a higher pain tolerance and was not allowed to stand. Throughout this ordeal, my son’s heart rate dropped three times, prompting my fearful request for a C-section to safeguard his life.
I spoke with my OBGYN, which provided me with a sense of reassurance and confidence as I prepared to bring my baby into the world. At this point, the Pitocin was turned off, and the team informed me that I needed to push within the hour, emphasizing the urgency due to his previous heart rate drops. With that fear weighing heavily on me, I summoned all my strength and resilience of my ancestors, giving two hard pushes and a primal scream, and delivered my beautiful baby boy. Despite the setbacks, I found solace in the inherent strength in female bodies.
Tears of joy and relief filled the room as I looked at the team and said, “I didn’t think we would make it.” After a brief snuggle, they took him for weighing, and he weighed 7.8 lbs., far from underweight. His weight, a testament to his resilience, dispelled the fears of an underweight birth and highlighted the unpredictability of childbirth.
As Black Maternal Health Week approaches, my story serves as a reminder of the urgent need for reform within maternal healthcare. Regardless of your choice for a birth plan, it's crucial to acknowledge the existing disparities and inadequacies within the system. Through awareness and advocacy, we aim to ensure equitable access to quality care for all mothers, regardless of race. Let's unite to amplify the voices of black mothers and enact tangible change to safeguard maternal health for generations to come. Join me in advocating for comprehensive reform that addresses the disparities and inadequacies in our healthcare system while praising hospitals that strive to provide exemplary care.
Please consider donating to organizations focused on improving black maternal health outcomes, such as the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, to further support this critical cause.
-Shennel F