The day you bring your baby home is a celebration. It is the beginning of a beautiful new chapter. As your midwives, our goal is to ensure that you feel just as supported and cared for as your newborn during this transition.
We often hear about the “Fourth Trimester” as a time of recovery. But for Black mothers and birthing people, it is also a time for strategic advocacy.
We believe the best way to navigate the medical system is to enter fully informed. When you know your body and you know the data, you can demand the standard of care you are entitled to.
Knowledge is Power: Understanding the Landscape
We share these statistics not to create fear, but to validate the need for proactive care. Understanding the landscape allows us to navigate it effectively.
- The Reality: According to the most recent data from the CDC / National Center for Health Statistics (2025), Black women in the U.S. are over 3 times more likely to experience severe pregnancy-related complications than White women.
- The Opportunity: The most empowering statistic we have is from KFF (2025): More than 84% of these complications are preventable.
This tells us that with the right monitoring, timely communication, and culturally safe care, we can change the narrative.
The Timeline: Care Continues After Birth
It is common to focus heavily on the birth itself, but your health journey continues long after you leave the birth center.
KFF Data (2025) shows that 57% of pregnancy-related complications occur between one week and one year postpartum.
This is why we emphasize “Body Literacy.” We want you to feel confident interpreting your body’s signals during this recovery window.
Body Literacy: Interpreting Your Signals
You know your body better than anyone else. If something feels “off,” it is worth investigating.
Research from the PRB / Population Reference Bureau highlights that Black women are at higher risk for blood pressure variations (preeclampsia) and heart strain (cardiomyopathy) in the postpartum period.
Here are the signals your body might send if it needs medical attention:
- Persistent Headache: A headache that does not improve with water, rest, or Tylenol.
- Vision Changes: Seeing spots, stars, or experiencing sudden blurriness.
- Swelling Changes: Sudden puffiness in your face or hands, or “pitting” edema in your legs (where an indent remains after pressing).
- Breathing Changes: Feeling winded while resting or needing to prop yourself up to breathe comfortably while sleeping.
- Upper Abdominal Discomfort: Sharp pain under your right ribs (sometimes mistaken for heartburn).
Navigating the System with Confidence
We know that racial bias in healthcare is a documented reality. Nearly 1 in 4 Black women report being ignored or dismissed by healthcare providers (National Partnership for Women & Families).
If you seek care and feel your concerns are not being addressed, you have the right to advocate for a deeper look.
The Advocacy Script: Clear, professional communication is your most effective tool. If you are in an ER or urgent care and feel dismissed, use this script to clearly state your needs:
“I am experiencing [Symptom]. I know that statistically, Black women are at higher risk for postpartum preeclampsia and cardiac conditions. I am requesting a full workup, including blood pressure monitoring and labs, to rule these out. Please document my specific concerns in my chart.”
If a test is refused:
“If you are deciding not to run these tests, please document in my medical record exactly why you are ruling out these complications without a workup.”
Meet Your Advocate: Julia Underwood
Having a provider who understands your cultural context can make all the difference.
Julia Underwood, LM, CPM Julia is a Licensed Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife dedicated to providing culturally safe, empowering care for Black families. She works to ensure that your voice is central to your care plan.
Julia believes that advocacy isn’t just about speaking up when things go wrong. It is about building a relationship of trust where you never have to shout to be heard. She provides the space, time, and clinical expertise to help you navigate your postpartum journey with confidence.
You Deserve to Thrive
Your health is the foundation of your family. By listening to your body and knowing your rights, you are protecting that foundation.
If you are looking for care that centers your experience and expertise, connect with our team.
Santa Clarita Birth Center Featuring the specialized care of Julia Underwood Midwifery
(661) 254-3000