Black women’s experiences with professional accompaniment at prenatal appointments

ABSTRACT

U.S. public health statistics report dismal Black infant and maternal mortality rates. Prenatal care alone, while essential, does not reduce such disparities. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to explore Black women’s experiences when a perinatal support professional (PSP) accompanies them to prenatal medical appointments. Design: This research used a phenomenological approach, using data from in-depth individual interviews to explore the essence of 25 Black women’s experiences. Results: We identified three major themes from the data that together, show that PSPs served as communication bridges for their clients. Clients said their PSPs helped them to understand and feel seen and heard by their medical providers during their prenatal appointments. The third theme was the deep level of trust the clients developed for their PSPs which made the first two themes possible. PSPs’ intervention resulted in reduced stress and uncertainty in medical interactions and increased women’s trust in their providers’ recommendations. Conclusions: Including a trusted, knowledgeable advocate like a PSP may be an important intervention in improving Black women’s prenatal care experiences, reducing stress associated with medical interactions, and ultimately reducing pregnancy-related health disparities.

KEYWORDS:

• Prenatal care
• African American
• black
• health disparities
• doulas
• perinatal support

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Reasons for non-participation included: client moved out of state (n = 1), no-show to scheduled interview (n = 4), messages left but calls not returned or phone did not accept calls (n = 6).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Cleveland State University: [Grant Number Faculty Scholarship Initiative]; Greater University Circle Community Health Initiative.