COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Research shows that Black women die at a 400% greater rate from childbirth complications than White women.
A new week-long initiative by the City of Columbia and local community groups are aiming to lower that number through education and awareness.
Based on the “Black Mamas Matter” initiative, the events happening through April 17th (available below) are meant to raise awareness around community-driven policies, research, and care solutions regarding Black mothers.
Councilwoman Aditi Bussells and members of the Black Maternal Health Collective helped kicked off the week at City Hall.
“Black women are three or four times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications compared to White women. And there are a multitude of reasons why including a lack of access to healthcare, discrimination in healthcare, lack of access to resources such as transportation and housing, and stressors that are often associated with poverty. This is unacceptable, and I passionately believe that it is our duty as elected officials to do our part to address this injustice head on,” says Bussells.
The week of events was ignited by local USC student Ebony Christie who says she contacted Bussells after completing research for her medical health classes and realized more could be done across Columbia.
“It is important to always ask for help, always advocate for yourselves, and I think this is what we’re going to do through this week. Teaching women and mothers and the village of people coming out to these events, that it’s important to be your own advocate, and I think it’s important we teach students young people and mothers how to do that so they can effectively get the care that they need,” says Christie.
The events also seek to educate mothers on the disparities and biases within the healthcare community so that they can experience healthier pregnancies and childbirths.
Tiffany Townsend is the only Black home birth licensed midwife serving Columbia. She’s also the mother of five children.
Townsend shared this personal example of bias she faced as a mom, saying, “One of the experiences I had as a mother was one of my providers. I was like ‘Hey, I’ve had so many children and we never talk about breastfeeding and my provider said, ‘Well you know, Black women don’t breastfeed, and so I don’t talk to my clients about that, because I find that they don’t breastfeed.’ But I happen to breastfeed my children until they’re three and so that is a bias that can cause harm. Because if I wasn’t educated and I didn’t do my own research to find out about the benefits of breastfeeding, them my provider wouldn’t have even given me access to that information based off their preconceived notion that Black women don’t breastfeed. That’s just a small look into how assuming what someone believes or how they want to parent or give birth or feed their baby based off of their race can cause a problem.”
As part of Black Maternal Health Week, the group will be holding a “Mom’s Market Health Fair this Saturday, April 6th, at the Drew R. Wellness Center’s Gymnasium from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Click here to view the list of events. They’re also listed below:
Event Details:
A series of events will highlight each area of focus for Black Maternal Health Week through advocating, educating and honoring those who experience inequities in maternal health.
The line up of events are listed below.
Schedule:
Thursday, April 4th – Forum “ The Future of Black Maternal Health” An Intimate Conversation with Future Generations
Location: University of South Carolina Campus – Bates West Social Room, 1399 Whaley Street, Columbia ,SC 29201
Times : 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Kickstarting the event is an open forum on April 4th that delves into “The Future of Black Maternal Health.” This intimate conversation will explore how the current state of maternal health impacts and shapes the decisions of future generations as citizens. Collaborating with state, city, and county leaders, birth organizations, providers, and community organizations, the forum aims to spark meaningful dialogue, restore hope and drive positive change.
Saturday, April 6th – “Mom’s Market”: Health Fair for Moms, Families, and Babies
Location: Drew Wellness Center Gymnasium, 2101 Walker Solomon Way , Columbia SC 29204
Times : 11:00 pm – 3:00pm
Community market fair that includes vendors providing an array of information and resources to support moms, families and babies through prenatal planning, pregnancy, and postpartum periods. Our vendors will range from mental health organizations, loss support groups, community birthing advocates, and nutrition specialist. Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear from experts in maternal health rights, advocating your voice as a patient and learn about health challenges that impact black and brown families.
Sunday, April 7th – Yoga In the Park w/ Balloon Release *Bring Your Mats*
Location : MLK Park 2300 Greene , Columbia SC 29205
Times: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Yoga In the Park session on April 7th will be led by an instructor and dedicated to mothers and families impacted by loss due to inequities in maternal health. This hour-long yoga session provides a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance. The event will also include a Balloon Release to honor those who have experienced loss and to foster connections and relationships within the community for mutual support.
Glowy Gradient Abstract Brush Stroke Blob
Thursday, April 12th – “ Talk with Doc” Part 1
Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia SC 29201
Times: 5:30pm -7:00pm
Join us for an open conversation with Black led OB physicians about safe labor, delivery, navigating the hospital, how to create a liveable birth plan.
Saturday, April 13th – Birthing Justice Film with Panel Q&A
Location: Epic Events, 125 Outlet Pointe Boulevard Suite A&B, Columbia, SC 29210
Times 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join us to view the cutting edge film on Birthing Justice” by Olympic medalist Allyson Felix. After viewing the film there will be an open Q&A discussion with leaders who support birthing families.
Wednesday, April 17th “ Talk with Doc” Part 2
Location: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia SC 29201
Times: 5:30pm -7:00pm
Come and join us for a open dialogue on topics such as medicated vs unmedicated births, how to advocate for yourself during pregnancy and how to choose your care team to support you during and after pregnancy.