Actionable Ways to Support BIPoC + Maternal Health
Our social media feed has been flooded with incredible resources and educational tools to educate ourselves, our children and finding ways to support BIPOC. Being that our core foundation is built upon providing resources supporting women through their motherhood journey, we want to shine a light on women of all diversities as we have been learning even more, there is vast differences in the birth experiences, postpartum and beyond. We have a lot more to learn. But we need to start somewhere.
When it comes to Canada’s prenatal health care, the rate of infant mortality in the Indigenous community two to four times higher than other parts of Canada. In the U.S. shows that Black, Hispanic and Asian people are far more likely to experience adverse outcomes during labour than white people. Systemic barriers like poverty, unemployment and discrimination also mean that Black women face an uneven playing field when it comes to their physical and mental health—including the experience of pregnancy. In all cases of the research that has been done in Canada the conclusion is the same—Black people are suffering far more adverse outcomes giving birth than white people. This also goes with Indigenous women in Canada and the imbalance of support, resources and accessibility they have to gaining a heathy and safe prenatal, birth and postpartum experience.
So, where do we start? We thought we should begin to look at resources related to anti-racism, systematic racism and maternal and wellness support and BIOPIC Organizations that we can shine more light on. Below, is a directory of wellness practitioners, articles and resources to begin to gain a deeper insight on this matter. This is in no way an exhaustive list. This is a list that is just a starting point so we can continue to learn (and unlearn) and to offer more opportunities to engage in conversations with our community.
Articles Related Racism to Learn From
Racism is a Barrier to Prenatal Health Care, Midwives Say
Why America’s Black Mothers and Babies are in a Life-of-Death Crisis
Setting the Standard for Holistic Care of and for Black Women
A Frustrating Year of Reporting on Black Maternal Health
What It’s Like To Give Birth While Black
It Is Time for Racial Injustice In Maternal Health Care
Maternal Health Care + Wellness Providers
Canadian Association of Midwifes
The Honey Pot (prenatal + postpartum feminine care products)
Mommy Monitor (a direct maternal health care app)
National Aboriginal Council Of Midwives
**Please note, we are not claiming we are experts in any of this, we are here to learn (and unlearn). We are here to learn to be allies in the anti-racist movement. We know we will make mistakes as we move forward, but we also need to start somewhere. Please feel free to include resources we can add to this list in the comments below!
Sources: Chatalaine, New York Times, CBC News, Every Mother Counts