Episode 1 I Why This Podcast Exists — And Why It Matters

Why This Podcast Exists — And Why It Matters

We’re finally here, episode 1! I’m seriously so pumped that you’re tuning in, and let’s be real — I’m also a little bit nervous because, well… this is something I’ve been thinking about doing for so long. But I knew it was time to take that leap of faith, and here we are. If this is the first time hearing from me, my name is Akira, I am Christian,  Haitian-American, Public Health Professional, Health Equity Advocate, and a Certified Doula.  

In today’s episode and in honor of Black Maternal Mortality week which happens from April 11-17th, I’ll be sharing a few statistics about Black Maternal Mortality that everyone should be aware and/ or about is this According to the CDC, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 

• More than 80 percent of pregnancy related deaths are PREVENTABLE. 

1. Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women in the United states and six times more likely in the UK.

2. Maternal mortality rate in 2019 was 20.1 and, in 2020, was 23.8 per 100,000 births which represents about 861 maternal deaths. For Black women, that rate is about 55.3 per 100,000 live births, representing an estimated 1800 maternal deaths, the highest amongst any racial group; this is a number that has continued to increase over the past few years [3,4].

As a general consensus, I really wish someone had told me before I step into this motherhood journey. As certified Doula and a lover of all things Maternal and child health, the majority of the things I hear always start with the phrase, “No one told me about “X” or I wish I knew about “Y” And even though I’m not a mom yet, this podcast will also serve as a love letter to myself when it is time for me to become a mother, helping me to prepare for that journey someday. Trust me, there’s a lot I didn’t expect, and we’re going to talk about it all. So, stick around — we’re about to spill the tea on the things nobody warns you about, but we’re going to learn and grow together. 

And here’s the best part — my voice won’t be the only one you’ll be hearing from. You’ll also hear from a ton of professionals and experts in their fields who will shed light on things you may or may not already know. We’ll be chatting with OB/GYNs, midwives, lactation specialists, pelvic floor therapists, perinatal and postpartum mental health therapists, nurses, nurse practitioners — you name it! And most importantly, we’ll be hearing from moms just like you, sharing their firsthand experiences of what they’re going through.

So, stick around, because we’re about to spill the tea on the things nobody warns you about, and we’re going to learn, grow, and support each other along the way. Let’s get into it!