Why this year’s Black History Month theme is more important than ever

During all three of my pregnancies, I faced serious complications.

But having my first child was probably the most challenging and terrifying experience of the three.

My nurse laughed at me when I shared my birth plan with her. A team of nurses barked orders at me, contorting my body in a way that made labor more painful.

I felt ignored, confused, and powerless, and it was a traumatizing experience that I thought was normal and acceptable.

It is not.

Unfortunately, and infuriatingly, I’m not the only Black person who’s gone through a negative birthing experience.

We’ve heard about the tennis champion of our generation, Serena Williams, nearly dying from postpartum complications after birthing her daughter, Olympia.

We’ve heard about superstar artist, performer, and mogul Beyoncé, who had high blood pressure, developed toxemia and preeclampsia, and had to do an emergency C-section to birth her twins, Rumi and Sir.

And what about the hundreds of Black physicians who die or come close to dying during or soon after childbirth every year, despite being taken care of by their own colleagues?

A Google search of the phrase “Black doctor nearly died giving birth” yields 1.25 BILLION results.

If this is triggering, it should be.

Because the systemic imbalances and biases that cause this to happen need to be destroyed — and a new, more equitable system needs to be built from the ground up.

There’s no reason that white medical students and physicians should STILL believe that Black people have a higher pain tolerance than white people.

There’s no reason that doctors in emergency departments should be less likely or willing to admit Black or Latinx children to the hospital after visiting the ER, or to order the blood tests, CT scans, and X-rays that they need to receive an accurate diagnosis.

There’s no reason that Black parents should be 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white people in the United States.

We can NOT and must NOT continue like this.

That’s a huge reason why I started the Hello Seven Foundation — because I can’t continue seeing my people treated the way I was treated during childbirth.

Because Black and brown parents deserve to be heard, understood, and appreciated in our most vulnerable moments.

Because we should have just as much access as anyone else to the facilities and services that will make our lives easier, keep us safer, and protect our children.

If I can help at least one Black parent…

...turn their money towards their personal and professional dreams instead of having to pay thousands of dollars in hospital fees after giving birth...

...get proper care during and after childbirth by healthcare practitioners who understand and listen to their pain, concerns, and emotions....

...have a happier birthing experience and bring a joyful Black child into the world with as little distress as possible…

Then I’ll have accomplished my mission.

So I will keep fighting and lobbying and raising money for Black parents in need — because when we take care of our bodies, our minds, and our money…

We automatically give ourselves permission to go after our goals, create wealth, and build a legacy.

And that makes the world a better place.

Want to learn how you (yes, you!) can make tangible moves towards more equitable healthcare for all?

Check out part 2 of this post: How we can combat racism in healthcare, right now.

You can also give to the Hello Seven Foundation to help Black parents and children in need. No amount is too big or too small.

And if you can’t give right now, share these social media graphics to help spread the news about our mission.

Let’s play our part in getting one step closer to equitable healthcare.

xo,

R ...