Health Insights

UC Medical Center and West Chester Hospital have once again been recognized as Leaders in Advancing Maternal Health Equity by Mama Certified—a reflection of our deep commitment to ensuring that Black birthing women and their babies receive the highest quality care. You deserve to feel safe and supported, and we are here to help you navigate this journey with confidence.

Did you know? Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the CDC. Many of these deaths are preventable and linked to disparities in access, bias, and systemic inequities.

Planning for Pregnancy: Laying the Foundation for a Healthy Journey

Before pregnancy, it’s important to build a healthcare team you trust. Schedule a preconception visit with a provider who listens to your concerns and respects your choices. This is the time to discuss any health conditions, family history, or lifestyle changes that can help optimize your body for pregnancy.

Evidence shows that early and regular engagement with prenatal care providers improves outcomes for both mother and baby. Yet, studies have found that Black women often report feeling dismissed or unheard in healthcare settings—leading some to delay or avoid seeking care. 

The Right Provider Makes All the Difference

It is important to feel a strong connection with your provider. With a diverse team of experienced OB-GYNs and care professionals, you can find the person who best supports your needs and communication style. We’re committed to helping you feel empowered to speak up and take an active role in your care.

Choosing an Advocate

Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a doula, having someone by your side to advocate for you can make a meaningful difference. Your support person knows you—and your wishes—on a deeper, more personal level than your care team. Their presence isn’t just comforting; it’s a powerful complement to the care you receive, helping ensure your voice is heard and your experience truly centers around you.

Removing Barriers, Together

Everyone deserves access to quality care. If getting to your appointments feels hard because of transportation, childcare, food, or clothing needs, you're not alone.

At UC Health, we’re here to help connect you with support through our Community Health Workers or Help Me Grow programs—so you can focus on what matters most: you and your baby. We also offer an on-site food and clothing pantry at the Hoxworth Women’s Center, making sure you have what you need during every step of your journey.

Pregnancy: Staying Informed and in Control

Pregnancy comes with a lot of decisions, and education is key to feeling in control. Consider taking virtual or in-person prenatal classes that cover topics like:

• Preparing for Labor and Delivery – Learn what to expect during labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.
• Breastfeeding Basics – Understand the fundamentals of breastfeeding, including latching, milk supply, and positioning.
• Baby Care Basics, Infant Safety and CPR – Get hands-on guidance on newborn care, safe sleep, and essential safety techniques, including infant CPR.

Classes are small, which means you get the attention you need and the opportunity to have your questions answered. Our experienced educators have the highest credentials and give you hands-on instruction and tips to help you feel more confident about what lies ahead. We also offer tours of UC Medical Center and West Chester Hospital so that you feel prepared and ready for your baby’s birth.

Black women are more likely to experience serious pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and hemorrhage. Understanding abnormal pregnancy symptoms and speaking up for yourself can be lifesaving.

Creating a Birth Plan: Your Voice, Your Vision, Your Power

As a Black mother, crafting a birth plan is more than just outlining your preferences—it’s about owning your birth experience and ensuring your voice is heard in every room you enter. At UC Health, we believe that every mother deserves the power to shape her birthing journey, supported by a care team that respects her choices and honors her lived experiences.

What Is a Birth Plan and Why Is It Important?

A birth plan is a written document that communicates your labor and delivery preferences to your healthcare team. While no plan can predict exactly how your birth will unfold, having your wishes clearly outlined helps ensure you remain at the center of every decision—especially when things move quickly.

It’s also important to talk with your provider ahead of time about possible scenarios, including alternative methods of delivery. These conversations help you understand what to expect and feel more prepared—no matter how your birth journey unfolds.

What to Include in Your Birth Plan

Your birth plan can be as detailed or as simple as you’d like—it’s all about what matters most to you. Your care team is here to help you shape a plan that reflects your preferences while supporting the safest experience for you and your baby. Here are some key areas to think about:

Support People and Delivery Room Environment

• Who do you want in the room? (Partner, doula, family, friend)
• Would you prefer a calm, quiet space or a more energized environment? Think about what helps you feel most at ease—dim lighting, soft music, minimal interruptions, or maybe upbeat music and words of encouragement. Personalizing your space can make a big difference in how supported and comfortable you feel during labor.

Pain Management Preferences

• Do you want an epidural, IV medications, or to try unmedicated techniques first?

Monitoring and Movement

• Do you want intermittent or continuous fetal monitoring?
• Would you like the freedom to move, walk, or use tools like birthing balls?

Birthing Positions

• Would you prefer to push in a certain position—squatting, side-lying, hands and knees?

Newborn Care Preferences

• Skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth
• Delayed cord clamping
• Who cuts the cord?
• Breastfeeding support or infant feeding options.

Cultural and Spiritual Considerations

• Are there any rituals, prayers, or practices important to your family? 
• Do you want a specific type of music, lighting, or affirmations during labor?

Your Birth Plan, Your Rights

At UC Health, you will be treated with dignity, your preferences will be respected, and you will be part of every conversation. And if things change, you still have the right to ask questions and re-center your care around what matters to you.

If at any point you feel unheard or uncertain, pause and ask for clarity. You can also request a patient advocate or lean on your birth support team to speak up on your behalf.

Affirmations for the Journey Ahead

As you create your birth plan, remind yourself:

• I deserve to be heard.
• My body and my choices matter.
• I am capable. I am powerful. I am supported.

Postpartum: Caring for Yourself and Your Baby

The postpartum period is just as important as pregnancy. Your body is healing, your hormones are shifting, and your emotions may be heightened. Make sure you have a plan for support, whether it’s help with meals, childcare, or simply someone to check in on you.

According to the CDC, over 50% of maternal deaths occur in the postpartum period—often due to complications like infection, high blood pressure, or mental health issues. Black mothers are disproportionately affected, making access to quality follow-up care essential.

Key postpartum tips:

• Prioritize your health: Postpartum check-ups are just as important as prenatal visits. Keep your appointments and speak up about any physical or emotional concerns.
• Monitor for warning signs: If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or symptoms of postpartum depression, seek care immediately.
• For new moms with hypertension (high blood pressure): We send you home with a blood pressure cuff—and the knowledge to use it confidently. Our team walks you through how to take your readings, what the numbers mean, and when to take action. You’ll know exactly what to look for and when it’s time to call your doctor or take your medication. Learn more about this unique offering here.
• Ask for lactation support: If you choose to breastfeed, UC Health offers nurses who are trained to provide breastfeeding support and education, as well as both prenatal and postpartum lactation consultants to help with any challenges. We also offer free weekly breastfeeding support groups–view the schedule here.

We’re Honored to Be Part of Your Journey

We don’t just provide care—we build lasting relationships rooted in trust, compassion, and respect. Our recognition by The Joint Commission, Baby Friendly, and Mama Certified is a reflection of our deep commitment to advancing maternal health equity and ensuring every patient feels seen, heard, and valued.

We are honored to be part of your journey and are here to support you every step of the way—through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Most importantly, you matter.

At UC Health, we listen—because your concerns, instincts, and lived experiences deserve to be taken seriously. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. You have every right to ask questions, seek clarity, and choose the provider who makes you feel most supported.

Your dignity, your comfort, and your care will always be our top priority.

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you.

●     Prenatal Classes: Our classes walk you through preparing for labor and delivery, infant safety, and more.

●     Community Resources: Many national and local organizations are dedicated to supporting Black women during pregnancy. UC Health is proud to partner with Mama Certified, Queens Village, and Cradle Cincinnati.

●     Doula Referrals: Doulas provide physical, emotional, and advocacy support throughout pregnancy, labor, and birth. Through our partnership with Cradle Cincinnati, we can connect you with a doula who aligns with your needs and preferences—offering personalized support every step of the way.

●     Birth Plan Templates: Ask your provider for a customizable template.

●     One-on-One Consultations: Schedule time to go over your plan with your care team so you feel confident walking into labor.

For more information about our maternity services and to connect with our team, visit uchealth.com/women.