Black Maternal Health Week: Maternal Equity and the Impacts Doulas have on Pregnant Women.

According to a 2020 report from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's Maternal Mortality Review Committee, half of the city's 26 pregnancy-related deaths could have been prevented. Between 2013 and 2018, 73% of pregnancy-related deaths in Philadelphia were Black women. This week Bridging Philly held a group discussion Dr. Elana McDonald from Twin Sister Docs on Maternal Equity and the actions needed to prevent Black women and infants from dying during childbirth.The Newsmaker of the week highlights therapist, doula, and CEO of Oshun Family Center, Saleemah McNeil, and her ongoing study with Temple University on how having support from Black doulas, mental health services, and lactation experts can improve heart health outcomes for pregnant Black women and raising awareness of birth trauma amongst Black women.