Black women in many countries, including the United States, face higher rates of maternal mortality, preterm birth, low birth weight, and other pregnancy
complications compared to their white counterparts. Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. In an
article in the New York Observer, entitled “What is Causing The High Maternal Death Rate Among Black Women in America?”, I highlighted
that “in the U.S., Black expectant mothers are 243 percent more likely to die from childbirth-related causes than white women. Black women are also 49
percent more likely to deliver prematurely than white women, while black babies are twice as likely to die before reaching their first birthday”. These
disparities are influenced by a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, systemic racism, healthcare inequities, and implicit biases within the
healthcare system.
Our guest on this episode of the Holistic Wealth podcast on empowering Black women’s health is Dr. Monique Rainford. Dr. Monique Rainford is a
board-certified OBGYN and Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale Medicine.  Dr. Rainford is the author of the new book Pregnant While Black: Advancing Justice for Maternal Health in America. Dr. Rainford received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
In this episode of the Holistic Wealth podcast with Keisha Blair we take a deep dive into Black women’s health and in particular maternal mortality. Understanding and addressing these disparities is crucial to ensure that Black women receive the care and support they need for healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes.
Reproductive health and maternal health are also critical to holistic wealth.
Also check out our previous
episode with guest Dr. Uche Blackstock on Advancing Health Equity. The
issue of maternal mortality was also discussed in the new Holistic Wealth
Expanded and Updated book.
Key Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Pregnant
While Black: Advancing Justice for Maternal Health in America by Dr. Monique Rainford
Holistic
Wealth Expanded and Updated: 36 Life Lessons To Help You Recover From
Disruption Find Your Life Purpose and Achieve Financial freedom by Keisha Blair
What You Will Learn In This Episode:
Understanding Black Women's Health Disparities

The definition and explanation of health
disparities affecting Black women during pregnancy
The factors contributing to these disparities
(e.g., socioeconomic, systemic racism, unconscious bias and implicit biases in
healthcare)
Statistics and research findings on Black
maternal health outcomes

Navigating Healthcare Systems

Challenges Black women face when seeking
prenatal care and navigating the healthcare system
Addressing the issue of implicit biases and
stereotypes in healthcare encounters
Sharing practical tips and strategies for Black
women to advocate for themselves during pregnancy

Maternal Mortality and Advocacy

The alarming rates of maternal mortality among
Black women 
Empowering Black women to engage in advocacy
and activism for improved maternal health outcomes  
The importance of community and support
networks for Black mothers



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