First State works to decrease maternal mortality rates amongst Black women

DELAWARE – Black mothers have the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States, according to the CDC.

Delaware state Representative Melissa Minor-Brown, puts her all into tackling the issue, so Black mothers and their babies can live long, prosperous lives.

“I’m a Black woman who has experienced some of these same issues, and if I am in a position, especially with politics as a platform to lead that change, I’m definitely going to do it,” Rep. Minor-Brown said.

During pregnancy, it can be hard for Black women to voice their concerns to health care providers, out of fear of not being taken seriously or being overlooked together. Rep. Minor-Brown said one resource in particular helps bridge the gap between pregnant women and necessary care.

“We know data has proven that the use of a doula significantly improves outcomes, when it comes to Black maternal health,” Rep. Minor-Brown said.

That’s why women, like Erica Allen, are so important during the pregnancy journey.

Allen founded the Do Care Doula Foundation in Dover, and actively works to educate pregnant women, preparing them to welcome their bundle of joy into the word, in the safest way possible.

“We teach people to take a notebook with them, write down any questions or any information they receive, and they can go home and sit with us or sit with their family or whoever they want to follow up with, and research evidence-based information,” Allen said.

A Doula, nurse and mother herself, Allen is doing her part in bringing healthy babies into the world, but she said the health care industry needs to fully lean into that mission.

“Just sit and listen,” Allen said. “I can’t say that word enough; actually listening to what people are saying and not being dismissive.”