by Tamara Muhammad – BSN, MSN
“If the Nation is going to be a wise Nation, then our women have to give themselves to the acquisition of knowledge.”
—The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, “How To Give Birth To A God,” August 9, 1987
The United States is the most dangerous developed country in which to give birth for Black women, with the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates compared to all ethnic groups and races of people. This vast disparity is influenced by many factors—such as lower quality care, lack of insurance, unmet social needs, systemic racism, and the one we mostly do not speak of, and that is the lack of knowledge on the part of the patient.
Hopefully, we can answer some of your questions and address some of the Black maternal health problems together. This will require us as a people and community to first equip ourselves with knowledge and hold ourselves accountable for that knowledge. Being knowledgeable about how to navigate through a broken and racist health care system will help us address systemic biases, access quality health care, tackle social determinants, and ultimately save our lives.
We can start by choosing providers who look like us. Research has shown that Black patients who see Black health care providers report improved patient experience and trust, which leads to better health outcomes. The increased patient satisfaction has improved treatment plan adherence. This may be due to a shared cultural understanding, leading to a more comfortable and trusting patient-provider relationship.
Research has also proven that Black patients are more likely to agree to preventative care measures, such as screenings, when treated by Black health care providers. This could be because Black health care providers are better equipped to communicate the importance of preventative care in a way that resonates with Black patients.
It’s important to note that implicit bias in health care can lead to disparities in care for Black patients. Therefore, having Black health care providers in the workforce can help mitigate these biases and ensure that Black patients receive better access to health care and equitable care.
So, how do we choose the right health care provider for you? First, we will do our research. It’s important to research new providers so that you may know their cultural practices, such as whether they promote vaccines heavily or believe in inductions and C-sections rather than natural, unmedicated births. Will they respect your birthing plan? What are their general cultural practices? Go and interview a potential new health care provider to see if your personalities mesh.
Yes, you can change your health care provider mid-pregnancy, but it’s generally recommended to do so sooner rather than later.
Why you might change: You might switch providers for various reasons, including feeling unheard or uncomfortable, or finding that your care preferences don’t align with your health care provider.
Timing is key: The earlier you start looking for a new provider, the better, especially if you’re further along in your pregnancy.
Prepare for the transition: Gather your records, check your insurance coverage, and schedule your first appointment with the new provider.
Consider the current practice and choose another provider within that practice: Consider whether staying within the same practice is suitable, as you might still encounter the original provider in shared practices, on-call appointments, and possible delivery.
Make an informed decision: Talk to friends, family, and coworkers, review online resources, and check the reviews.
Mosques and churches:
Build a list of trusted, vetted providers for the believers of your congregation through your Ministry of Health.
I pray this was helpful as we take charge of our health and no longer choose to be victims of this health care system. In the meantime, eat your bean soup. Keep your mind on the word of Allah (God) that is taught through his servants, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan.
Sister Tamara Muhammad is a fourth-generation member of the Nation of Islam and is based in Memphis, Tennessee. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), is an RN, and has a Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Midwife.