Black Women born in the United States continue to have the worse outcomes in childbirth, be it maternal or infant mortality. The question that many concerned people ask is - WHY? There are many theories about why Black mothers and babies die more… most times we think of factors that affect the mama during pregnancy, such as stress, poverty, substance abuse, cigarette smoking, poor nutrition, environmental pollutants, poor medical histories, and on, and on…
Did You know that?
Black (African Americans) have 2.4 times the infant mortality rate as Whites. They are four times as likely to die as infants due to complications related to low birth weight as compared to non-Hispanic white infants.
Black Women are four times as likely to die from complications to childbirth.
Black (African American) mothers are 2.5 times more likely than White mothers to begin prenatal care in the 3rd trimester or not receive prenatal care at all.
More than 70% of Black babies are born outside of wedlock.
At Urban Midwifery we believe that there are NO healthy Babies, without FIRST healthy mamas! Urban Midwifery believes that there is a strong connection between the “Baby Mama Epidemic”, (single mamas having babies) which disproportionately affects the Black Community, and the high infant mortality rate, causing Black Babies to die more.
We know that married women typically have more financial resources. Also they have more emotional support and involvement from their spouses. This leads to more stability, better nutrition, and less stress. One of our largest goals is to promote marriage and family within the Black Community to ensure that pregnant women, and those planning pregnancy have the proper support, resources, and education.
South Carolina
In 2011 Urban Midwifery expanded its services to Beaufort, South Carolina with a focus on four counties: Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Allendale. These counties all include rural areas, and women sometimes have to travel up to 1 hour (or more) to deliver their babies. Due to distance, transportation is often an obstacle and barrier to prenatal care.
In South Carolina, Urban Midwifery provides culturally-competent midwifery services, doula services, and childbirth education. Clients are able to receive prenatal care in the comfort of their homes, and have the option of being transferred to a clinic/physician for delivery at the hospital, or they may opt to have their babies at home.
Addressing & improving the disproportionately high infant mortality rates in black communities throughout the U.S. via traditional midwifery services, comprehensive education, and support.
Providing ALL women with access to, and the option of home/birth center birth.
Providing culturally-competent midwifery services to women in underserved communities
Educating & empowering women and girls in their childbearing years through educational workshops and classes.
Providing midwifery services, education and self-improvement workshops to incarcerated women
