A few days after coming home from the hospital, I knew something was seriously wrong.
Five days later, I found myself gasping for breath during simple actions like walking around the house.
I panicked and did what many of us would I called my mom.
She was the one who told me to call my doctor.
But the doctors office was slow to respond.
Left untreated, it can be fatal.
Other mothers havenot been so lucky.
Build the right support connection.
For Black women especially, a support system is crucial during pregnancy.
Find out if theyll be accommodating.
Also, consider adding a team member who solely advocates for you.
Doulas havebecome a stapleof the Black community for a reason.
Dont underestimate what their combination of birth knowledge and empathy can bring to a potentially risky healthcare situation.
Use tools that actually help keep you safe.
Any app can use messages or images to make you think your needs are being addressed.
If an app doesnt serve specific, data-supported needs, it may not be worth your time.
Similarly, theBlack Maternal Health Center of Excellencehas a number of incredible resources targeted specifically to the Black community.
Arm yourself with your own data.
So, its important to know yourself.
Pay attention to your menstrual and preconception health and become your best expert on your body.
Then, record any other important medical information along your pregnancy journey.
This will help you have more productive, data-driven conversations about your care.
Having objective data could also reduce bias in care, especially as medical systems are increasingly taxed.
Data also breeds confidence.
Remember that throughout your prenatal and postpartum journey, it pays to be proactive, informed and empowered.
As people of color, the current reality is that we face greater risk.
