Communication Between Pregnant People of Color and Care Providers

What does the research tell us about how pregnant people of color experience communication with their care providers? What can midwives do about it right now?In this episode, we sit down with Amy Goh, CNM, PhD, whose integrative review published in the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health examined communication dynamics between pregnant people of color and their prenatal care providers across the United States. Dr. Goh unpacks the overarching themes her team uncovered — racism, discrimination, and critical unmet educational needs — and translates that evidence into actionable strategies for building stronger, more trusting patient-provider relationships.We have a candid conversation about confronting the historical roots of midwifery and obstetrics, and what it truly means to provide care grounded in respect, safety, and bodily autonomy for every birthing person. Dr. Goh also shares the Beloved Birth 50 by 50 bold vision, which is a national call to action to have 50% of all U.S. births attended by midwives by the year 2050.Key Takeaway:Systemic change begins with local action. When we center the leadership of midwives of color and expand equitable access to birth centers, we move closer to a future where every birthing person feels genuinely safe, respected, and heard.Featured Research:Goh AH, Altman MR, Canty L, Edmonds JK. Communication between pregnant people of color and prenatal care providers in the United States: An integrative review. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2024;69(2):202–223. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13580