Addressing the Crisis: Black Maternal Health with Jazzmine Brooks
The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries, with Black women disproportionately affected. Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the CDC. This stark reality underscores the urgency of addressing systemic inequities in maternal health care for Black women.
In our latest episode of The Healthy Project Podcast, Brooklyn Lowry spoke with Jazzmine Brooks, MPA , a certified doula and advocate for Black maternal and infant health. Jazzmine's journey into this vital work is deeply personal, rooted in her experiences navigating healthcare as a Black woman in rural Iowa. She shared insights into the challenges and triumphs she’s encountered along the way.
"I walked in with this complex that I didn't really realize was forming... I need to be out here saving people," Jazzmine explained, reflecting on her early days in doula work. She emphasized how her approach has evolved over time, particularly after experiencing pregnancy loss. "It gives me a newfound respect for how Black women, particularly in rural places that are underserved and low in access to clinical preventative care, really show us the work we still have to do."
Jazzmine's dedication to increasing the presence of Black doulas in Iowa has been a key focus of her work. She has spearheaded efforts to ensure that doulas are not only trained in birth but also in postpartum care, recognizing the importance of continuous support for Black families. "We also started a doula program that serves migrant immigrant refugee families... Blackness is also not monolithic. I've served Black, you know, Black-identifying families that speak Spanish or their families speak Spanish," she shared.
The conversation also touched on the systemic barriers that Black women face in accessing reproductive healthcare. Jazzmine recounted her own harrowing experience when she miscarried at home because she didn't feel safe seeking care at a hospital. "I did not feel like I was going to be treated with care... I was already in counseling, so I had that support, but I can reason with the fact that finding a counselor is very difficult, let alone a counselor equipped to talk through fertility loss."
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the need for genuine community engagement and support. Jazzmine stressed the importance of uplifting existing organizations and programs rather than creating duplicate efforts. "We don't need a thousand doula projects... How can you maximize their relationship building and uplift their work by donating to covering services to families?"
Jazzmine's work is a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing Black maternal health not just as a medical issue but as a social justice imperative. As we continue to advocate for equitable healthcare, it's crucial to listen to voices like Jazzmine's, who are on the front lines, making a tangible impact.
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