This Black Maternal Health Guide for OTs is 23 pages filled with history, the issue of racialized health disparities in maternal care, and the integration of occupational therapy, practice framework, models, example interventions, perinatal trainings, and birth justice resources to give you a start on being a part of the change.
“Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related conditions such as cardiac issues and hemorrhage and to bear the brunt of serious complications as well. That risk is equally shared by all black women regardless of income, education or geographical location. In other words, the factors that typically protect people during pregnancy are not protective for black women.”
“Through their work with children, many pediatric occupational therapists already work closely with mothers. By obtaining the necessary skills and competencies in maternal mental health, occupational therapists can be equipped to screen mothers for maternal mental health disorders and can play an important role in overcoming gaps in maternal mental health care and providing the necessary support to both mothers and children that will positively affect their health outcomes and the well-being of the entire family. (Sepulveda, 2019).”
Check out Black Mamas Matter, Sister Song, the National Black Doulas Association, and this blog for more resources as well! Download the Black Maternal Health Guide for OTs and let me know what you think! What resources/ education can we focus on moving forward?