The Black Maternal Health Crisis

You may have heard the statistics. More than 60% of all maternal deaths in the U.S. are preventable, yet the rates continue to increase. Black women are 3-4x more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. A college-educated Black woman is more likely to die during childbirth than a white woman without a high school diploma. It’s all disturbing and truly a crisis! 

The Black Maternal Health Caucus is fighting to get the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act passed to change this narrative. There are many ways you can get involved. Staying informed and using your voice are ways you can start today!

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Did You Know: Quick Facts About Preeclampsia, Eclampsia, & HELLP Syndrome

• Persistent high blood pressure during pregnancy or postpartum causes high protein in urine and/or possible complications such as organ damage, stroke, seizures, and death of mom and/or baby before or after birth.
• “A Silent Killer” – Sometimes moms cannot feel their blood pressure rising, nor do they have “unusual signs” (which can be mistaken for pregnancy side effects, the flu, etc.). 
• Preeclampsia commonly occurs in 1-in-25 moms and is a leading cause of maternal and infant death in the U.S., affecting 5-8% of births.
• For Black moms, the preeclampsia rate is 60% higher than for white moms, and we are more likely to have severe cases, including complications like death.
• DELIVERY IS NOT THE CURE! Moms are still at risk after delivery. 
• Postpartum preeclampsia can happen to anyone who has just had a baby up to 6 weeks after birth. Risks: organ damage, seizure, stroke, death.

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“When I learned about the Preeclampsia Foundation, I immediately began volunteering by hosting a Promise Walk in my community and raising money for research, awareness, advocacy, and support. My volunteerism with the Preeclampsia Foundation continues today, serving as a Patient Advisory Council member, MoMMA’S Voices Certified Patient Family Partner, and Take 10 Ambassador and Focus Group Member.” — Starlita Kilpatrick, Black Maternal Health Advocate

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Still A Risk: A Postpartum Preeclampsia Story

I am a postpartum preeclampsia survivor.

In 2017, while 1-week postpartum—and in the throes of motherhood with a then 4-year-old, 1-year-old, and newborn—a random blood pressure self-check warranted a call to my midwife and a trip to the local hospital.

Because they lacked a Maternity Unit, the doctors would not admit or stabilize me. 

After having my supportive husband drive another 20 minutes into town to a full-range hospital, I was ultimately admitted with blood pressure over 170/100 and without other preeclampsia signs.

This would be the first of two admissions in ONE WEEK!

This is just the beginning…..

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Be A Change Agent

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My Related Press Links

It’s not easy sharing a birth trauma with strangers over and over again, but I’m grateful for every opportunity to share my story, educate communities, and empower families! Here are links to some of them.