Black Maternal Health Week, observed annually from April 11-17, highlights the critical disparities affecting Black mothers in the U.S.
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that in 2023, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, significantly higher than the rates for White (14.5), Hispanic (12.4) and Asian (10.7) women.
This stark disparity underscores the urgent need for accessible, culturally competent health care resources for Black expecting mothers, particularly in underserved communities like Martindale-Brightwood.
Accessible prenatal and postnatal care
Ensuring consistent and comprehensive prenatal care is vital for the health of both mother and baby. In Indianapolis, several organizations offer free or low-cost services:
- Pregnancy Choices Indy: Operating five pregnancy resource centers across Central Indiana, they provide confidential services at no charge, including pregnancy testing and educational resources.
- Community Hospital East: Located at 1500 N. Ritter Ave., this hospital features private maternity suites and a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), offering advanced care for newborns.
- Jane Pauley Community Health Center, 16th Street: This center provides comprehensive health care services, including prenatal and postnatal care, regardless of insurance status.
The role of doulas in enhancing birth outcomes
Doulas are trained professionals who offer physical, emotional and informational support throughout pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
Their involvement has been linked to shorter labor durations and reduced rates of cesarean sections. Notably, in Indianapolis, Black mothers face a 73% higher likelihood of mortality during childbirth compared to White women.
- A Birthed Blessing Doula Services LLC: This organization offers comprehensive doula services tailored to assist women and families in planning for birth and postpartum recovery.
Community initiatives and support programs
Active community engagement and access to supportive programs are essential for addressing the challenges faced by Black expecting mothers:
- Black Maternal Health ECHO Program: This initiative connects birthing professionals to explore clinical practices aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality among Black women in Indiana.
- Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC): Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through education, advocacy and quality health care services for racial and ethnic minorities.
Upcoming events and resources
Staying informed about local events and resources can provide additional support:
- Maternal and child health — Marion County Public Health Department: Offers various programs and resources to support maternal and child health in the community.
- Bumps and Babies Resource Fair: Hosted by CareSource, this event provides free health screenings and resources for mothers. For details on upcoming dates and locations, visit CareSource’s official website at caresource.com.
Anthem Community Baby Showers and Lead Testing
Anthem Medicaid, in collaboration with local organizations, hosts Community Baby Showers to educate and support expecting mothers who may lack access to essential resources. These events often include partnerships with health departments to provide on-site services such as lead testing for pregnant women and children under 2 years old.
Additional resources:
- Pregnancy Choices Indy: pregnancychoicesindy.com
- Community Hospital East: ecommunity.com/locations/community-hospital-east
- Jane Pauley Community Health Center, 16th Street: janepauleychc.org/location/16th-street
- A Birthed Blessing Doula Services LLC: abirthedblessingdoula.com
- Black Maternal Health ECHO Program: fairbanks.indianapolis.iu.edu/research-centers/centers/ECHO/echo-programs/black-maternal-health-echo.html
- Indiana Minority Health Coalition (IMHC): imhc.org
- Marion County Public Health Department Lead Poisoning Prevention: missionunleaded.org
- CareSource Bumps and Babies Resource Fair: caresource.com
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
