Reclaiming Joy in Maternal Health
What does Black Joy look like in maternal health?
The narrative around ethnic minority maternal health is often steeped in stories of perpetual struggle, pain, and systemic suffering. The media leans into this narrative of Black pain.
Whilst it is critical to bear witness to disparities as part of the advocacy to overcome them, what is the cost of glorifying Black maternal pain without telling the full story of our experiences which celebrate our success, knowledge, values and strengths when it comes to birthing?
There are Unintended Negative Consequences of Advocacy
I have been guilty of causing unintended negative consequences in my zealous advocacy.
Advocating for birth equity is essential, but sometimes, it inadvertently fosters fear, helplessness, hypervigilance, and avoidance among those it aims to help. While fear can mobilize people to take action, it rarely builds sustainable, dignified change. Fear can stigmatize communities and detract from the root causes of disparities: unjust systems, policies, and environments. Fear can also alienate allies eager to help but who are overwhelmed with moral injury and helplessness.
Our Bodies are not Broken
Media headlines, research articles, policies and activism that simply describe disparate statistics without context fuel this fear and paralysis.
These well-intentioned actions contribute towards the pathologising and reinforcing the image of broken Black and Brown bodies.
To counter fear and helplessness we must share stories of positive change, resilience, and joy alongside adversity.
I recently spoke at a National meeting about maternal and newborn health inequalities in Scotland. In the spirit of sharing positive stories, I’d love to highlight the progress happening in Scotland as we work to close the gap in maternal health outcomes.
Use the time stamps to explore:
00:00 The work of the Scottish Patient Safety Program (SPSP) in improving maternal care.
07:29 An overview of perinatal disparities in Scotland ( Consultant Obstetrician Dr Isioma Okolo)
45:04 Practical examples of initiatives driving positive change in Glasgow ( Midwife Nicola O’Brien)
Five Reminders as You Watch:
There is nothing inherently wrong with Black and Brown bodies.
Black and Brown women aspire to experience safe, affirming, and positive pregnancies.
A greater risk of poor outcomes doesn’t mean you are destined or doomed to experience them.
Pregnancy and birth in the UK are safe.
Positive change is happening, and it’s all around us.
I think it’s time we shift the focus and ask different questions
Shifting from damage-centred narratives means moving the focus from stories of survival to stories of thriving. Maternal health advocacy can and should be a space where joy and resilience are celebrated despite, and not just because of adversity.
How to Shift Away from Damage-Centred Narratives
For healthcare providers: Instead of wondering, “What’s wrong with this person?” ask, “What matters to this person? What’s wrong with the environment I am providing care in? How are power imbalances and biases showing up here?” Creating a safe, supportive space is crucial for dignified equitable care.
For minoritised pregnant individuals: Don’t let yourself believe that you’re bound to experience a negative outcome. Instead, ask, “What in my environment nurtures, serves, and supports me, and what doesn’t?”
