There is, unfortunately, an indisputable fact in America: black mothers and their babies die at an amazing rate during childbirth. When comparing their white counterparts, even across the separation lines, the difference is shocking.
Even during prenatal appointments, black women are treated incredibly badly. Their fears are ignored and minimized by doctors; medical staff treat them rudely. Not to mention the systemic institutionalized racism that blacks generally endure in American society, which is exacerbated for black women by experiences of sexual discrimination.
The story of Simon Landrum
One of the most comprehensive investigations into the US infant mortality crisis was the cover story of the New York Times, "Why Black Mothers and Children in America Are Suffering a Life or Death Crisis by Journalist Linda Villarosa (Black), Mother of Herself".
The published article, released in April 2018, presented both the cumulative research that proved the existence of the crisis, and also continued the personal journey of Simon Landrum, a black mother who suffered from the tragic experience of having a dead child to a completely preventable medical complication.
Despite calling her doctor on several occasions, telling him of her severe symptoms, such as severe swelling, severe headaches, and sensitivity to light, the doctor ignored her request for help, instead telling her to calm down and simply take some Tylenol. After Landrum later tracked its medical file, it also revealed that the office itself had measured its blood pressure, suggesting an alarmingly high reading, and no action was taken.
This neglect led to Landrum eventually losing her baby due to complications associated with high blood pressure. The article then follows Landrum's pregnancy journey again - this time, with the support of a drug, which helped her cure her grief and move forward towards the birth of a healthy baby.
The Biggest Picture in America
Unfortunately, the story of Simon Landrum is the story of many. Countless studies have proven the fact that black mothers are treated worse than white mothers during pregnancy.
Villarossa's article refers to many appalling statistics, including:
"In 1960, the United States ranked 12th among the developed countries in terms of infant mortality. Since then, with the high mortality rate among black children, the United States has fallen and is now ranked 32nd among the 35 richest countries."
"Black babies in America are now likely to die more than double the number of white children - 11.3 per 1,000 black children, compared with 4.9 per 1,000 white children, according to the latest government data."
"... Black women in their mid-twenties were higher than ordinary teenage girls - most likely because they were older and the stress had more time to influence their bodies. For white mothers, the opposite is true: teenagers were more at risk of infant mortality And women in their mid-twenties are the least. "
"... Few in this area now argue that the disparity between blacks and whites in the death of children is not related to ethnic genetics but to the living experience of race in this country."
These statistics and results are staggering: it is an undeniable fact that black mothers and their children face significantly different obstacles and consequences.
Americans and our politicians enjoy promoting our international standing. It is very shameful that even though we have led the world in many areas, we seem to have forgotten the lives and dignity of black women and their children.
How can we brag about freedom when black women and their children are not given equal access to fair medical treatment? This crisis is widespread and dangerous, and it is time for Americans to realize its gravity.
How can you arm yourself for this difficult battle
Regardless of the extent of this unfair situation, the unfortunate reality is that black mothers still have to try to navigate this broken system despite the obstacles they face. If you're facing this struggle yourself, we've gathered some tips on how you can actively work to address the huge amount of prejudice and discrimination within America today:
1. Look for community organizations that support black mothers in your state.
The Times article specifically follows the work of Birthmark Doulas, the New Orleans Society that provides care for women of different backgrounds and classes. Their doula services are available for a fee, a sliding scale, or even at no cost to low-income women.
The story of Time Magazine tracks Simon Landrum's journey and how Dola, Latona Gioa, supported her during her last pregnancy, during childbirth, and even after birth. The story highlights how Jiwa provided much-needed emotional support, and how she literally defended Landrum during childbirth when the medical team treated her badly.
This means that organizations like Birthmark Doulas can help support you in a system, at the very least, stacked against you. Whether you are able to pay their fees or not, this may be an invaluable source for more personalized and sensitive care. Look for community organizations in your area, by searching online, or your own medical practitioner.
2. Make a conscious effort to defend yourself during medical appointments.
Whether you have medication or not, it's always good to be frank about your needs and interests during your medical appointments. Sadly this is the reality, but the odds are that many doctors may dismiss your fears and ignore your symptoms, even if you know deep down that they are dangerous.
Again, it's a bleak reality, but in order to protect both your and your baby's health, make positions to defend yourself during your medical appointments.
If your doctor seems to refuse, repeat your concerns: for example, "I know you're not worried about this symptom, but I really think it's dangerous. Can you do some other examinations, or refer me to a specialist in a second opinion?" Your doctor may become injured or upset with you, but you should know that it is your right to talk about yourself when you think you are being treated unfairly.
If you feel nervous about doing it alone, bring your partner, family member, close friend, or even yours with you to your appointments so that they can be satisfied if they notice that you are dealing with others unfairly. Again, it's wrong that you even need to take extreme measures in the first place, but being a lawyer can help ease the discrimination you may face.
3. Practice some relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels.
High stress levels are common not only in black mothers, but in black women in general, most likely because of the social discrimination they may encounter. This high amount of stress can have adverse effects on both your and your child's health.
An excellent article on Essence.com, "We Need to Rethink What Black Mothers Tell About Dealing with Stress" explains several ways you can try to lower your stress levels. The authors, Aisha Collins and Fatima Warner, note their own research and what they have learned.
The authors note that for some women, the mind can be effective. This is one of the most common recommendations that medical practitioners make to overcome stress, and it has some advantages.
But interestingly, they noticed that in their poll, it was found that for black women, prayer seems more effective. They also note that in terms of methods, trying to "pray with gratitude" seems more effective than prayers that focus on your mistakes.
So, consider adding mindfulness meditation or some kind of prayer in your life. If you prefer to pray, try to think about what you thank in your life. Stress levels can seriously help.
conclusion
As a parent and freelance journalist, I hope that this article has provided you with some much-needed information about the current infant mortality crisis in America. Remember that you deserve the best medical care possible, and unfortunately, you may need to be very candid in order to get it. My book to be released soon: our fault: infant mortality and black society; will delve deeper. Ruminate, always look for resources in your community first, defend yourself, and do your best to reduce your stress levels through things like meditation in prayer and thanksgiving; finally, we encourage because there is hope!
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