#311 | Listen to Me: Black Maternal Health, Tragedy, and the Fight for Change

In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, we’re joined by Stephanie Etienne and Kanika Harris, creators of the documentary Listen to Me. The film follows the pregnancy and birth journeys of several black women. It reveals a devastating reality: Black mothers in the U.S. and U.K. are dying in childbirth at far higher rates than white women regardless of education, income, or resources.Kanika shares the heartbreaking story of losing her twin babies after a sudden onset of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Though she arrived at the hospital by ambulance, bleeding and in critical condition, she was still stopped at the front desk and asked for insurance information before being evaluated. The tragedy was compounded when her husband, Jua, was advised not to tell Kanika the whole story about the fate of her babies, out of concern that Kanika might not survive if she received the devastating news while her own health was so tenuous.We talk with Stephanie and Kanika about why they made the film, what they want every pregnant woman to know, and how Black families are often treated with suspicion or disregard in medical spaces. They also speak of the grief carried by partners, families, and entire communities when a mother is lost.Listen to MeListen to Me on InstagramWatch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube!**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.Send us Fan Mail Support the showAccess our workshops: Have a Physiologic Birth in the Hospital and Ultrasound: The Research vs RhetoricNeeded <-- for 20% off DrinkLMNT <--  for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure Skincare: Use code DOWNTOBIRTH Postpartum Soothe: Use code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits Superfood<--for 20% offJoin Patreon hereIG @downtobirthshowCall 802-GET-DOWN. Watch us on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice.