MACON, Ga. (WGXA) — Black Maternal Health Week happens across the country yearly between April 11th- April 17th. It raises awareness and brings forth activism for black expecting mothers.
According to the CDC, black women are 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues compared to other races.
Kathleen Mont-Louis is an obstetrician at Piedmont Macon she says she believes the key to lowering that statistic is to have better access to healthcare.
“There’s just not enough obstetricians, gynecologists in the area that serve the African American community”, said Mont-Louis.
2 months ago, Tiffany Caslin had a possibility of becoming another number in the mortality statistics. She says she began feeling cramps in her stomach and assumed they were light contractions. Shortly after while she was in the shower she passed out and was rushed to the hospital.
“Everybody just started coming in quickly and fast and I heard my doctor coming down the hallway he was like we have to get her to the or. I got to the or and honestly after that I don’t remember anything. I woke up and I had a baby”, said Caslin.
She suffered from a ruptured uterus which can be a life or death situation.
Caslin says she is grateful for the staff at Piedmont Macon for stepping up quickly and making sure she was not another statistic.
“It was a situation where I could have gone home without my baby or vice versa. My family could have gone with either of us”, Caslin.
Caslin and her son Ri’Carri are now as healthy as can be.
And as for black mothers who are currently expecting Dr.Mont-Lewis recommends that they be aware and cautious.
“Keep an eye on your blood pressure, if you’re starting to feel any abdominal pain, spots before your eyes, if you have sudden swelling in your hands your feet, your face”, said Mont-Louis.
To view Piedmont Macon’s maternal program and classes visit their website.