Breaking Barriers: Confronting Health Stigmas in the African American Community Blog Series (Part 1: Maternal Health)

UF Health Jacksonville is dedicated to providing the highest-quality care to all patients. In recognition of African American History Month, we are taking a deeper look into how health stigmas impact the African American community. We are committed to addressing challenges that affect access to care as well as proper diagnosis and treatment for all our patients.

This month, we highlight African American health care providers from UF Health Jacksonville to offer unique perspectives and actionable solutions to improve health. We encourage you to read every blog in this series with the intent of sparking meaningful conversations that extend beyond these pages and into our communities.

We begin this series by discussing maternal health stigmas. Pregnant African American women often face significant barriers that may hinder the quality care they deserve.

In this conversation with Naderge Jean, an advanced practice registered nurse practitioner II, at UF Health Jacksonville Women’s Health Specialists – Emerson, we address challenges and explore ways to overcome them, ensuring better maternal health outcomes for all. Having personally experienced communication challenges during her previous pregnancy, Jean was eager to share her insight on maternal health stigmas impacting African American women. She believes her story is not unique. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, often because their concerns are ignored or minimized.

What are some common stigmas and misconceptions you hear most when it comes to Black women and pregnancy? How do they impact their maternal health outcomes?

Naderge Jean, APRN: Some common misconceptions around the care of Black women include:

• They have a higher pain tolerance
• Mothers are single and fathers are uninvolved
• Black women are strong and do not require or need emotional support
• Black women are more likely to reject medical advice
• Black mothers do not breastfeed
• Mortality rates are higher among black women due to socioeconomic status

The myths listed above have often had serious consequences for maternal health outcomes such as:

• Delayed or inadequate pain relief
• Untreated complications
• Higher mortality rates
• Poor mental health outcomes

These factors also often negatively impact patient trust.

How do we ensure that Black women have access to the best possible care in their community?

Naderge Jean, APRN: We must first acknowledge there is an issue. Acknowledgment of potential biases is key. Training staff to deliver culturally appropriate and competent care is crucial. This requires cooperation and collaboration on many levels and across multiple systems.

How can Black women become better advocates during their pregnancy?

Naderge Jean, APRN: Black women can become better advocates by educating themselves regarding options, procedures and potential complications or risks during their pregnancy. It’s important to do the research and choose a health care provider who is supportive and informative. Ensure that the birth team consists of family or friends who can be trusted to advocate and speak up on behalf of the patient.

What resources are available for Black women during their pregnancy?

Naderge Jean, APRN: We have a variety of resources, including childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes, our Little Miracles Program, tours of the L&D units and community referrals to programs such as Healthy Start. Life's Course, which is focused on helping women manage toxic stress through access to vital resources, expert care, and community support. UF Health also offers a Nurse-Family Partnership Program that includes a two-year home visit program for new parents who need assistance. Specially trained nurses go out into the homes of these first-time moms to provide support for two years.

Why is postpartum care just as important as prenatal care?

Naderge Jean, APRN: Many complications can arise in postpartum or the third trimester for all women. This is the period when the body is trying to recover from pregnancy and labor/delivery. This period is crucial to ensure mental and physical well-being of mother and infant. We can identify issues such as postpartum depression, breastfeeding/latch issues, poor healing or infections in the weeks following delivery. Providers must listen to their patients, challenge their own biases and recognize the urgency of postpartum complications.