Black Maternal Health Disparities, and How MelaMama Is Closing the Gap
If you are a Black mother, or about to become one, there is something you deserve to know upfront: the challenges you may face in getting good care during pregnancy and after birth are not in your head, and they are not your fault. They are part of a well-documented pattern called the Black Maternal Health Crisis.
What Is the Black Maternal Health Crisis?
In simple terms, Black mothers in the United States are more likely to experience serious complications, or even die, during pregnancy, childbirth, and the year after birth, compared to mothers of other races.
This is true even when income, education, and access to insurance are the same across groups. In other words, this is not primarily about money or access. It is about the quality and fairness of the care Black mothers receive.
Here is what the most recent data shows:
According to the CDC, the maternal mortality rate for Black women in 2024 was 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births. For comparison, the rate for white women was 14.2, and for Hispanic women it was 12.1. This means Black mothers are dying from pregnancy-related causes at roughly three times the rate of white mothers.
These disparities exist across income and education levels. A Black mother with a college degree and good insurance still faces higher risk than a white mother with less education and no insurance. This is one of the clearest signs that the problem is systemic, not personal.
The disparity holds true here in Indiana as well, where Black infants die at more than twice the rate of white infants, and Black mothers face similarly steep gaps in maternal health outcomes.
Indiana has historically ranked among the worst states in the nation for maternal mortality, including being ranked third-highest in 2020. Black Hoosier mothers continue to experience a disproportionate burden of maternal deaths.
Why Does This Happen?
There is no single cause, but research and lived experience point to a few consistent factors:
Being dismissed or not believed.
Many Black mothers report that their pain, symptoms, or concerns were not taken seriously by healthcare providers. This has been documented in numerous studies and is often described as a major factor in delayed diagnosis and treatment of serious complications like preeclampsia or postpartum hemorrhage.
Implicit bias in medical care.
Research has shown that unconscious bias among healthcare providers can affect how quickly a patient's symptoms are addressed, what pain medication they are offered, and how much time a provider spends listening to their concerns.
Underlying health inequities.
Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can complicate pregnancy, are more common in Black communities. This is often the result of long-standing inequities in access to healthy food, safe housing, and preventive healthcare, not a difference in genetics or personal choices.
Less access to culturally responsive care.
Many Black mothers simply have not had the option of working with a doctor, midwife, doula, or lactation consultant who understands their specific experience and background. This can make it harder to feel comfortable asking questions or raising concerns.
Historical medical mistrust.
Given documented historical abuses against Black patients in the American medical system, it makes sense that many Black families approach healthcare with caution. This mistrust is a reasonable response to real history, not an obstacle to fix within patients themselves.
How MelaMama Is Closing the Gap
This is exactly the problem MelaMama was created to address.
Here is how we work to close this gap, one family at a time:
We center peer-to-mother support.
Our lactation consultants and support staff share lived experience with the families we serve. This means you are not just getting clinical advice. You are getting guidance from someone who understands your context without you having to explain it first.
We offer flexible, accessible care.
Our lactation consultations are available in-home, in-clinic, and via telehealth, so a lack of transportation, childcare, or time off work is less of a barrier to getting support.
We help you understand your insurance benefits.
Many families do not realize their insurance covers lactation support in full. We help you check your coverage so cost is not a reason to go without care.
We build community, not just appointments.
Our monthly support groups create a space where mothers can ask questions and share experiences without judgment. Isolation is one of the quiet risk factors in maternal health outcomes, and community is one of the most effective ways to reduce it.
We advocate alongside our families.
Part of our role is helping mothers feel confident advocating for themselves in medical settings: knowing what questions to ask, what symptoms should never be dismissed, and when to push for further evaluation.
What You Can Do
If you are currently pregnant or postpartum, here are a few concrete steps that can help protect your health:
Know the warning signs. Severe headaches, vision changes, swelling, and shortness of breath should always be evaluated right away, even if you feel like you are being "too cautious."
Bring support to appointments. A doula, partner, or trusted friend can help make sure your concerns are heard and can advocate for you if needed.
Ask questions, and keep asking. If something does not feel right, or an explanation does not make sense, it is okay to ask again, or to ask for a second opinion.
Build your care team early. Connecting with a lactation consultant or doula before delivery, rather than after a problem arises, can make a real difference.
You Deserve Better Care, and We Are Here for It
The Black Maternal Health Crisis is real, and it is documented, but it is not inevitable. Every family that gets connected to informed, respectful, culturally responsive care is one step toward closing this gap. That is the work MelaMama shows up for every single day.
If you are looking to build your care team, we would be glad to be part of it.
Book a lactation consultation: in-home, in-clinic, or telehealth
Check your insurance coverage: many plans cover lactation support in full. If you have Cigna, check here.
Have questions about your own care, or want to know more about our services?
Reach out to us! We are here to help.
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