Black Maternal Health Week (Day 7): Remain Vigilant

Well, we have come to the end of Black Maternal Health Week, and I must say I have enjoyed talking to you for the past 7 days. Today, as I wrap up this series, I want to keep it simple and plain for you. The last tip that I am giving you is to remain vigilant and aware of Black Maternal Health. This movement goes well beyond April 11^th through April 17^th but rather is a movement that must go on year round. It’s important to keep in mind that Black women are affected by the disparities of maternal health year round! Because of this, we all must do our due diligence to remain vigilant on how these disparities affect Black women AND how we can support Black mothers.

As a quick recap of the days and topics the things we can do to support Black mothers year round, take a look below:

Day 1 – Black Mothers and Postpartum:

• Black women have higher rates of postpartum depression and anxiety, because of this we have to support them through these moments. During this phase encourage Black mothers to get out of the house and around others.

Day 2 – Black Women and Pregnancy Loss:

• Similar to postpartum, Black women have higher rates of pregnancy loss and our numbers sadly increase the further along we are in our pregnancy. Be available to a Black women during her time of grief and loss, allowing her to show up however she needs to.

Day 3 – Advocacy and Knowledge:

• Knowing how to advocate AND having adequate knowledge on Black Maternal Health is the best weapon Black women can have as they navigate prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum phases of life. Be an advocate for a Black mother AND encourage her to use her voice as well.

Day 4 – Community Is Everything:

• We need community as Black women. We need to be around other Black mothers who are having a Black experience. Community is KEY during all phases in this journey to and through motherhood.

Day 5 – A Moment To Herself:

• It is crucial for Black mothers to have some time ALONE without kids and others. She needs time to think, regulate, and reconnect with herself. This way she can be a presence for her child(ren). Bless a Black mother with some childcare so she can have CONSISTENT time to herself, it will do her some good.

  
  

Day 6 – Don’t Forget About Her:

• Just because a Black mom is no longer in the prenatal and postpartum phase doesn’t mean that she is forgotten about during Black Maternal Health Week. Our kids may be walking, talking, and rapidly developing, but we also need to be checked on too. Make sure you remember the Black mother who has older kids, and see how her maternal health is holding up.

  
  

Day 7 – Remain Vigilant:

• Keep the same passion you had throughout this week for the rest of the year. Black Maternal Health is something that goes beyond April 11^th through April 17^th

Now that you’ve been equipped with some information over this past week, I’m encouraging you to not let it fizzle out after today. Remain vigilant to the issues affecting Black women in Maternal Health. Until next year’s Black Maternal Health Week, make sure you remain vigilant and vocal about these issues, so that you can