Dear Birth Team

Dear Birth Team....

Some of the stories I hear sadden me. Why are people still feeling unheard?

Why is implicit bias clearly still rife in the birthing world and having such an impact on the experiences of women and birthing people?

Often the birth trauma experienced is exacerbated by poor care and the birther feeling like all control and decisions were taken from them.

As health professionals we must do better. I've learned a lot over the past few years and knowledge/experience is growing.

You know I have spoken about informed consent many times before.

I've spoken about positive interactions and non judgemental care between birther and care giver many times

I offer support, education and care to ALL people. There are one group however that are suffering at an alarmingly higher rate than others.

I've spoken about implicit bias and it's role in the Black maternal mortality crisis.

I will keep talking about it even if it ruffles feathers 🪶

Black women & birthing people are still 4-5 x more likely to die in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum than White women. Mixed race people x 3 times and Asian people x 2 times.

There are several organisations that are doing something to try and help. If you are Black and expecting a baby or just had one in the UK, head over to @blackmumsmattertoo and sign up to their free programme. They are looking to recruit 200 people to receive additional support & advice with the help of @peppy.health

If you are a birth worker there are several pages you may be interested in following including @abueladoula @mixing.up.motherhood @fivexmore_ @ruthoshikanlu @_aliciaburnett @dr_christine_ekechi @novareidofficial @hibowardere @thequeerbirthclub

There are many more that talk about inclusivity so please feel free to drop them in the comments.