Bringing a new life into the world should be a moment of joy, but for too many Black mothers, it comes with heightened risks and disparities that demand urgent attention. Black Maternal Health Week is a time to recognize the challenges Black women face during pregnancy and childbirth while also empowering them with the knowledge and tools to advocate for themselves. While maternal health disparities affect women of all backgrounds, Black women experience disproportionately higher rates of complications and mortality. At TeamHealth, we are committed to delivering exceptional care during life’s pivotal moments—ensuring that every mother receives the compassionate, expert-driven support she deserves.
Reiesha Graham, MD, PhD, FACOG, Facility Medical Director and OB/GYN Hospitalist, knows this reality firsthand. As both a physician and a mother, her birth experience sheds light on the challenges some Black women face in maternal healthcare and underscores the importance of awareness, advocacy, and equitable care. Through her story, we aim to empower clinicians and patients alike to take action in closing the gaps in maternal health outcomes.
Facing Personal Maternal Health Challenges
Despite being a physician, Dr. Graham encountered numerous complications throughout her three pregnancies. From an abruption during her first pregnancy to preterm labor in her second, each experience brought its own set of challenges. However, it was during the postpartum period of her third pregnancy that she faced a particularly alarming situation.
After delivering her third child via C-section, Dr. Graham began experiencing a severe headache. Like many mothers, she initially dismissed her symptoms, attributing them to exhaustion or dehydration. But when the headache persisted, she trusted her instincts and checked her blood pressure. It was dangerously high, so she immediately sought medical care but encountered challenges in having her concerns fully recognized.
Despite presenting signs of postpartum preeclampsia, Dr. Graham was met with skepticism. Her providers focused on treating her headache rather than addressing the underlying blood pressure issue. Alone in the hospital due to visitor restrictions, she felt unheard and vulnerable. Her condition worsened, with blood pressure readings soaring. It took relentless self-advocacy—demanding further evaluation, requesting a second opinion, and insisting on proper treatment—for her to finally receive the care she needed.
The Reality of Black Maternal Health Disparities
Dr. Graham’s experience is not unique. Black women in the U.S. face a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications, with studies showing they are three times more likely to experience severe outcomes. These disparities are influenced by factors such as biases, differences in diagnosis timelines, and the challenges some women face in having their concerns fully acknowledged—challenges that are often intensified for Black women, who are also disproportionately subject to unsafe housing, lack of affordable transportation, and lack of insurance. In some cases, when Black women advocate for their health, they may be met with skepticism for any number of reasons, underscoring the need for improved communication and patient-centered care.
How Patients Can Advocate for Themselves
Dr. Graham offers key advice for women, particularly Black mothers, to ensure they receive the care they deserve:
- Be persistent: If your concerns are not being taken seriously, continue advocating for yourself.
- Ask questions: If a provider dismisses your symptoms, ask them to explain why. Request clarification and insist on thorough evaluations.
- Seek alternative care: If necessary, ask for a second opinion, request a different doctor, or even go to another hospital.
- Know your rights: Patients have the right to comprehensive care and to be heard. Never hesitate to push for the treatment you know you need.
How TeamHealth is Making a Difference
At TeamHealth, we are committed to addressing disparities through education, advocacy, and systemic change. Our clinicians are trained to recognize and combat implicit biases while prioritizing patient-centered care. We advocate for changes that improve maternal health outcomes and work to ensure that every mother receives the exceptional, compassionate care she deserves.
Dr. Graham’s story is a reminder of the importance of listening to and empowering women in their healthcare journeys. While this article highlights Black maternal health, we recognize that disparities impact women from other marginalized communities as well. This Black Maternal Health Week, we reaffirm our dedication to closing the gap in maternal health disparities—because every woman deserves safe, equitable care.