“I’m on Maternity Leave Without a Baby”

A young, Black woman, pregnant with her second child, leaves the hospital empty-handed because no one would listen to her. It is a social refrain that bears no repeating. She had a previous delivery at 37 weeks because of preeclampsia. When she became pregnant again, her ob-gyn told her she was not a high-risk patient, but he was wrong. She didn’t receive baby aspirin during the second pregnancy, although she should have. Her provider told her he would prescribe it at 28 weeks, which was wrong because the optimum time to receive it is 16 weeks. She never saw a high-risk pregnancy specialist, although she should have. Instead, she developed the HELLP Syndrome at 25 weeks, and her baby expired.

One might say that the baby died from prematurity. However, evidence-based research reports a 67 to 76% survival rate for preterm babies born at 25 weeks.

She went to a social media group, seeking solace and comfort for her grief, and the disparities were glaring. Painful. Everyone in the group knew what a maternal fetal medicine specialist was except Laney, and no, they did not look like her.

I am weary of those sad stories. I am frustrated that things get worse instead of better regarding our healthcare system. However, I am committed to “Be the change I want to see.” So, I, along with other Black ob-gyn physicians, are rolling out a Black Obstetrician-Gynecologist Directory/Database so people like Laney can receive care from people who respect her culture and, most importantly, LISTEN to her.

Representation matters. Healthy Babies Matter. The dignity of this patient matters.

We, as humans, matter, and that means ALL of us.

Happy Father’s Day: 10 Important Things an Expectant Dad Can Do to Help Have a Healthy Baby

This blog was originally written in 2011 but it still holds true today.

Some of the most endearing moments I have witnessed as an obstetrician involved observing men in the labor room. There was the Jewish dad from Brooklyn who brought his Anita Baker tape and played it while his wife was in labor. Because she was one of my favorite artists, I was constantly in their room under the guise of watching the fetal monitor, just so that I could listen to the music. Another memorable moment was the dad who cried tears of joy when his wife was returned back to her room after having a c. section. The love and admiration that beamed in his eyes almost tempted me to ask him if he had a friend (this was of course when I was single). The point is, that expectant dads can play a significant role in helping their wives or girlfriends have a healthy babies. Here’s how:

  1. Remind the baby’s mother to make certain she feels the baby move at least 4 or more times in one hour.
  2. Make sure she knows what her blood pressure is at each prenatal visit
  3. Make sure she keeps all of her prenatal appointments
  4. Make certain her hospital bag is packed and she has all her important papers in one specific location
  5. Ask permission to be in the labor room with her so that you can witness the birth of your child. It is a scene you will never forget and will bring you closer together as a couple.
  6. Please don’t cheat on her while she’s pregnant. You could give her an unwanted sexually transmitted infection
  7. Encourage her to push when it’s time
  8. Rub her back in between contractions
  9. Take notes when she’s in labor. If there’s a change of shift, make sure that the new shift knows what went on during the previous shift; particularly if she’s having complications such as high blood pressure or fetal distress on the monitor. One of the greatest risks of OB medical malpractice is miscommunication or a lack of communication during shift changes. The proverbial left-hand doesn’t always know what the right hand is doing.
  10. If the nurses become concerned about the baby’s fetal tracing, ask that the doctor or midwife come to the hospital immediately.

The active participation of an expectant father is priceless. In the words of an old R&B classic by the Winstons, “. . . color him father; color him love.” Happy Father’s Day.

Three Things You Should Know About the Infant Formula Crisis

On May 13, 2022, the U.S. D.A. (U.S. Department of Agriculture) issued Press Release No. 0106.22 regarding the U.S. infant formula crisis.  In plain English, here’s what parents need to know:

  1. If you are a WIC participant and participate in Food Packages I and II, you might not need a doctor’s note to get “noncontract infant brand formula.” Your state would have to request a waiver from the U.S.D.A
  2. If your state applied for a waiver, your maximum monthly allowance (MMA) could increase
  3. If you state applied for a waiver, you can exchange products purchased with WIC benefits

The USDA reports that to date, not all states have submitted waivers which might adversely impact families. If your state is not listed on this list. Then they did not apply for a waiver. If your state is not on the list, contact your local political representatives to find out why.

For further help and assistance, contact the U.S.D.A website.