You deserve to feel heard, respected, informed, and supported throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

Knowing what questions to ask, identifying the people you want involved in your care, and communicating what matters to you can help you take an active role in decisions about your healthcare. The resources below are designed to support Black birthing parents in navigating care and help healthcare providers create more respectful and responsive experiences.

For Black Birthing Parents

Consider what would help you feel informed, heard, and supported throughout your care:

Ask questions when you don't understand something or want more information about your options.
Share concerns or changes in how you're feeling, even if you're unsure whether they are significant.
Bring a partner, family member, friend, doula, or other trusted support person to appointments when possible.
Talk with your care team about cultural, spiritual, family, or personal preferences that are important to you.
Ask for additional consultation or a second opinion if you have concerns about your care.
Know the urgent maternal warning signs and when to seek medical attention.

Know what you deserve from your care.
Explore the RTZ Maternal Healthcare Bill of Rights for principles of respectful, equitable, and responsive maternal healthcare.

For Healthcare Providers

Supporting Black Birthing Parents

Listen without making assumptions or generalizations.
Take concerns and symptoms seriously.
Provide clear information about options and support informed decision-making.
Welcome the patient's chosen support people.
Ask about cultural, spiritual, family, and personal preferences.
Connect families with culturally responsive pregnancy, postpartum, mental health, and bereavement resources.

Five questions providers should ask

What does your support system look like right now (i.e., family, friends, partner/spouse, faith organizations, health providers, therapist, doulas, local or remote supports)? Is there someone you would like to bring to your visits to support you?
What has been your experience with pregnancy and infant loss or pregnancy complications?
How would you describe your past experiences with providers and systems of care (i.e., mental health, medical)?
Are there cultural, ethnic, or religious values that we should take into consideration during your pregnancy?
What do you need from your treatment team to feel fully supported?