Celebrating Black Maternal Health Week 2024 with Vitality PT!

Apr 15, 2024

Pelvic Health, Pre/Postnatal

By: Megan Jensen, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Specialist in Women’s Health

At Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy, we are proud to join in observing the 7th annual Black Maternal Health Week 2024 (#BMHW2024) from April 11-17th. This important week was founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) and serves as a platform for raising awareness, fostering activism, and building community support for Black maternal health.

This year, the official theme for Black Maternal Health Week 2024 (#BMHW24) in BMMA’s comprehensive Policy Agenda is “Our Bodies STILL Belong to Us: Reproductive Justice NOW!” It’s a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgent need to demand comprehensive insurance coverage for maternal, sexual, and reproductive health, improve access to care, guide healthcare entities on equitable and quality care, and prioritize research that benefits all Black women, Black Mamas, and Black Birthing People.

To honor this week and the incredible work of local Black Birth Workers, we want to highlight some organizations in our community that are making a difference:

Lactation:

Chocolate Milk Cafe Chicago: This group of lactation educators is dedicated to providing culturally sensitive care to families of the African Diaspora. Through peer-led lactation support, they advocate for and support Black families in their breastfeeding journey.

Doula Services:

Chicago Birthworks Collective: Empowering Black families through pregnancy and beyond, the Chicago Birthworks Collective offers comprehensive doula care from the first trimester through postpartum, ensuring families feel supported every step of the way.

Peaceful Birthing Services: Tunisia Macklin started her practice from her passion for massage and evolved to offer comprehensive services including massage therapy, Doula services, and Placenta Encapsulation.

Podcasts:

The All About Pregnancy and Birth Podcast: Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, a board-certified Ob/Gyn, offers evidence-based information on pregnancy and delivery, answering common questions and providing valuable insights.

Mental Health:

S.N. Turner and Associates: Salimah N. Turner, LCSW, CLC, is a Black therapist specializing in individual, family, and group therapy. As a certified lactation counselor, she can also assist with breastfeeding needs, providing holistic support for mental and emotional well-being.

Sleep Health:

Let Mommy Sleep Chicago: Led by Erin Thomas-Walker, Let Mommy Sleep Chicago offers high-quality newborn care services, including overnight care, to help babies and parents get the rest they need for optimal health and well-being.

Why these providers are needed

These organizations are just a few examples of the impactful work being done in our community to support Black maternal health. However, despite these efforts, key statistics remind us of the disparities that still exist:

In 2021, the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times higher than that of non-Hispanic White women (CDC).
Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women, with over 80% of these deaths being preventable (CDC).
Twenty percent of women reported experiencing mistreatment during maternity care, with higher percentages among Black, Hispanic, and multiracial women (CDC).
In 2022, the preterm birth rate among African-American women was about 50% higher than that of white or Hispanic women (CDC).

At Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy in IL, we are committed to serving the entire perinatal population, with a special focus on supporting Black Mamas in our community. Our clinics in Elmhurst and Chicago provide a welcoming space where patients can feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their entire perinatal journey.

To schedule your first appointment and learn more about how we can support you during this important time, please contact our clinic today. And to get involved in Black Maternal Health Week 2024 and learn more about the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, visit their website. Let’s work together to ensure that all Black Mamas receive the care and support they deserve.

Sources:

Celebrating Black Maternal Health Week 2024 with Vitality