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Research
Lived Experience of Moms During COVID
Assessing the unique needs of Black and Brown pregnant people during the pandemic
Takeaway
Pregnant people of color reported increased anxiety and isolation as a result of COVID-19, compounding experiences of racism and micro-aggressions.
The Issue
COVID-19 exacerbated existing concerns about the quality of care during pregnancy and postpartum for Black and Brown birthing people in Texas. Historical racism is a key factor in health inequities. Understanding the history of Black and Brown maternal care is critical context for understanding the lived experiences of pregnant people during COVID-19.
The Findings
The lived experience survey was designed, conducted, and analyzed by Black and Brown mothers in Central Texas.
- Overt racism is still prevalent. Black, Indigenous and people of color experience micro-aggressions throughout their birthing experience. This can lead to a change of behavior such as switching doctors.
- Additionally, this racism leads to isolation and lack of support within the healthcare experience. BIPOC respondents reported being ignored, having to repeat themselves, etc.
- Moms report increased anxiety and isolation due to COVID-19, and these feelings are coupled with the racism, micro-aggressions, and lack of control over healthcare which intensifies these feelings for BIPOC moms.
- Responding BIPOC mothers say their pain is glossed over. Historically healthcare professionals erroneously attributed Black mothers with a higher tolerance for pain and led many providers to deny or offer less pain medication for black women. This survey signifies that BIPOC mothers still face this discrimination today.
