Why Black Moms Are at Higher Risk During Pregnancy (And How Doulas Can Help)
- havenplacedoulas
- May 23
- 3 min read
Updated: May 29
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Black women are strong”? It’s meant to be empowering., but when it comes to Black moms' pregnancy and birth, it’s too often used to dismiss real pain.
“You’re fine. You’re just being dramatic.”
“Black women have higher pain tolerance.”
“It’s just normal pregnancy discomfort.”
But it’s not fine. It’s not dramatic. And it’s not just discomfort. Black women are dying and they are dying at three times the rate of white women during and after childbirth, according to the CDC. This isn’t because Black women are genetically predisposed to more pregnancy complications. It’s because the system is failing them.
If you’re a Black mom, you deserve to feel safe, heard, and protected throughout your pregnancy and beyond. And doulas are helping make that possible, one birth at a time.
The Reality: Black Moms Face a Higher Risk
Let’s be real - being pregnant while Black in America means carrying a heavier load. It’s not just the physical demands of pregnancy, it’s the emotional and mental burden of fighting for proper care.
The statistics are staggering:
Black women are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
60% of maternal deaths in the U.S. are preventable, yet Black women still die disproportionately.
Black infants are twice as likely to die before their first birthday than white infants.
And here’s the heartbreaking part, it’s not just about access to care. Even when Black women have access to healthcare, insurance, and higher education, they are still more likely to experience worse birth outcomes than their white counterparts.
Why? Because racism doesn’t stop at the hospital doors.
Racism and Bias in Maternal Healthcare
The truth is, Black women’s pain is often ignored. Studies have shown that Black patients are less likely to receive pain medication and more likely to have their symptoms dismissed.
Take Serena Williams, for example. One of the world’s most famous athletes, she nearly died after giving birth. Despite repeatedly telling her medical team that she was experiencing a pulmonary embolism, her concerns were brushed off. If it can happen to Serena, it can happen to any Black woman.
And it does, every single day.
Implicit bias, medical racism, and healthcare systems that weren’t designed for Black bodies put Black moms at risk. They are more likely to experience:
Preterm births due to dismissive or delayed care.
Unnecessary C-sections that increase complications.
Postpartum neglect, with pain or warning signs going unnoticed.
How Doulas Are Closing the Gap
But here’s the good news: Black doulas and culturally competent doulas are stepping in to bridge the gap.
A doula is more than a support person, they are an advocate, an educator, and a protector. When Black moms have doulas by their side, they are:
More likely to feel heard and respected during labor.
Here’s how doulas are making a difference:
Advocating for your voice: A doula will ensure that your concerns are heard. If you say something feels wrong, they will back you up. No gaslighting. No dismissal. Just fierce advocacy.
Providing emotional and physical support: Whether it’s holding your hand during contractions or helping you breathe through fear, doulas provide the compassionate care that the system often lacks.
Educating you about your options: Doulas make sure you know your rights and options, from birth plans to pain management, so you can make informed choices.
Reducing unnecessary interventions: With a doula by your side, you are less likely to have an unnecessary C-section or experience preventable birth trauma.
You Deserve a Safe, Supported Birth
If you are a Black mom, your voice matters. Your pain matters. Your birth experience matters. And you deserve to be seen, heard, and protected.
That’s why Haven Place Doulas is here. Our team is committed to supporting Black moms with culturally competent, compassionate care. Whether you’re preparing for your first birth, healing from a traumatic one, or simply want someone in your corner, you are never alone.
If you are in Boston, Massachusetts, or the surrounding area, reach out to Haven Place Doulas for personalized support. You deserve a safe, empowering, and respected birth experience and we’re here to make sure you have it.
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