A Community Collaborative for the Exploration of Local Factors Affecting Black Mothers’ Experiences with Perinatal Care

Objectives Black women face disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality when compared to White women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities. This study examines the perspectives of Black women who have given birth in the last 5 years, to understand their pregnancy and birth experiences as a means of ascertaining factors that may be contributing to these disparities. Methods The Consortium to End Black Maternal Mortality was established as a collaborative table of cross-sector stakeholders and Black mothers to effectively conduct community-based participatory research focused on Black maternal health. Between January and March 2020, Black mothers who had given birth in the last 5 years facilitated Listening Sessions (LS) with other Black mothers in Rochester, NY. Participants reported on details of their pregnancy and delivery, including interaction with providers, personal relationships and their individual experience. The qualitative data captured during these sessions were coded to draw out key themes which were validated with LS participants and the Consortium. Results The key themes that emerged clustered into four groups, including: (1) Mother-Provider Communication; (2) Social Support; (3) Systemic factors and (4) Maternal Emotional & Mental Health. Mother-provider communication was the most salient factor affecting the maternal experience and was found to be influenced primarily by maternal health literacy and provider discriminatory attitudes and behaviors. Conclusions for Practice As a result of the Listening Sessions conducted with Black women, we identified mother-provider communication as the most important factor influencing the maternal experience.