Black Maternal Health Week: Beauty Brands Spread Awareness on the Maternal Care Gap
Written by Joe Lynch on April 17, 2024
This Black Maternal Health Week Baby Dove and Carol’s Daughter are intensifying their efforts to address the Black maternal care gap. Baby Dove has introduced its Expecting Care campaign. While Carol’s Daughter shares its initiative Love Delivered, which continues to bolster Black maternal health by enhancing access to doula care.
This campaign features a poignant portrait series by Solana Cain, a photojournalist focused on Black maternal health, spotlighting five Black Birth Equity Fund recipients. Expecting Care aims to raise awareness about the critical role of doula services and the necessity for high-quality care throughout the pregnancy and birthing process for Black mothers.
It’s a troubling reality that Black women often do not receive adequate medical care. For reasons that are difficult to understand, some healthcare providers dismiss or underestimate the pain expressed by Black women, particularly during childbirth. This skepticism can lead to dire consequences, including severe complications and, tragically, even death. The disparities in healthcare treatment are well-documented, pointing to a systemic issue that requires urgent attention to ensure equitable care for all.
Statistics reveal that in the U.S., racial disparities in maternal healthcare lead to significantly worse outcomes for Black mothers, who are three to five times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to their white counterparts. Notably, 60% of these deaths are preventable. Studies have also shown that doula-supported expectant mothers are twice as likely to avoid birth complications and enjoy better overall health outcomes.
Finding a doula to assist with your childbirth can help mitigate potential issues that may arise during delivery. Doulas provide continuous emotional and physical support throughout the birthing process. Their presence can help ensure that the mother’s concerns and pain are adequately addressed, potentially leading to a safer and more positive childbirth experience.
Since its inception in August 2021, Baby Dove’s Black Birth Equity Project has provided over $650,000 in grants, aiding more than 500 Black mothers in accessing essential doula support during and after pregnancy. The project is a cornerstone of Baby Dove’s mission to enhance maternal health outcomes for Black mothers.
The Expecting Care campaign will be featured on Baby Dove’s social and digital platforms, as well as through outdoor advertising and in-store displays at Walmart, to highlight the disparities in Black maternal care further.
“Being part of the Expecting Care campaign has empowered me greatly,” shares Jazzmine Hall, a grant recipient. “With the support of a doula funded by Baby Dove, I felt more confident and could truly enjoy my pregnancy. It’s incredible to be part of a movement that enhances care equity.”
Greg Ross, Chief Operating Officer of North America Personal Care at Unilever, remarks, “Launching during Black Maternal Health Week 2024, the Expecting Care project continues our dedication to improving the birthing experiences of Black mothers by highlighting and supporting their needs.”
Furthering its commitment, in 2023, Baby Dove partnered with Sista Midwife Productions to create the Black Doula Directory, a comprehensive national resource providing access to Black doulas. This directory, which features over 1,400 Black doulas and includes international listings, aims to broaden access to culturally competent care for expectant Black mothers.
Carol’s Daughter’s initiative, Love Delivered, continues to bolster Black maternal health by enhancing access to doula care. In 2024, in collaboration with CVS, they are dedicating an additional $32,000 to the Mama Glow Foundation to support Black families in major cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Washington DC, who are either expecting or have recently given birth. This commitment is set against a backdrop where the United States, according to the CDC, faces the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations, with Black women experiencing significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related complications and mortality.
Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, reaffirms the mission of Love Delivered: “As we move into the fourth year, our commitment to advocating for Black birthing individuals remains strong, ensuring they are respected and supported throughout their maternal journey.” This year, supermodel Chanel Iman will help elevate the initiative’s profile through her social media platforms by sharing her maternal health experiences and encouraging others to do the same, thus fostering a supportive community and promoting advocacy.
A collaboration with New York Presbyterian has expanded to include hair care kits specifically designed for Black maternal and pediatric patients, enhancing the healthcare experience by acknowledging and addressing unique hair care needs. This partnership, which began with a pilot at Weill Cornell Medical Center, has successfully delivered over 30,000 Carol’s Daughter products, extending to other locations such as Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.
Since its establishment, Love Delivered has touched nearly half a million lives through various outreach efforts including doula grants, educational sessions, and extensive digital advocacy, effectively funding over 120 births. “Our collaboration with Carol’s Daughter is a testament to our dedication to community service and cultural awareness, and it paves the way for future care models,” explains Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow. This partnership addresses immediate needs and sets a precedent for sustainable health justice and equity.
