Resources
This section includes resources on pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and infertility. Click on each artwork image to learn more.
Pregnancy
The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care. Please consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as midwives, nurses, doulas, nurse practitioners, physicians, or other licensed providers. Lucinda’s House is here to provide information, guidance, and support to help you make informed decisions about your care.
Childbirth
Pregnancy Loss
Postpartum Care
Infertility
Black Maternal Health
Black Maternal Health Week, observed annually from April 11–17, raises awareness about the urgent need to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce pregnancy-related complications and deaths among Black mothers.
One of the most important parts of a healthy pregnancy is having a trusted healthcare team. Your providers should listen to your concerns, respect your experiences, and offer compassionate, nonjudgmental care. Every prenatal visit should leave you feeling heard, supported, safe, and informed.
If you do not feel comfortable with your provider or believe your concerns are not being taken seriously, you have the right to seek a different provider. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and reach out to someone you trust for guidance and support when needed.
Members of the Maternal Healthcare Team:
Community Health Workers
Doulas
Family Physicians
Genetic Counselors
Lactation Consultants
Mental Health Providers
Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Nurses
Nutritionists
Obstetricians
Ultrasonographers
Healthcare providers can:
- Ask questions to better understand their patient and things that may be affecting their lives.
- Help patients, and those accompanying them, understand the urgent maternal warning signs and when to seek medical attention right away.
- Use their physical assessment skills to evaluate their patient's concerns.
- Order laboratory tests and procedures based on their patient's history and physical assessment.
- Help patients manage chronic conditions or conditions that may arise during pregnancy like hypertension, diabetes, or depression.
- Recognize and work to eliminate unconscious bias in themselves and in their office on an ongoing basis.
- Take an anti-racist approach to provide care to racialized communities. Understand the role of history and influence on the delivery of healthcare.
- Respond to any concerns patients may have.
- Provide all patients with respectful quality care.
Websites for additional information related to racial disparities and maternal mortality:
- CDC Hear Her Campaign
- Maternal Mortality Prevention
- CDC Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2020
- Maternal Mortality Rates in the United States, 2024
- CDC Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System
- CDC Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy-Related Deaths - United States, 2007-2016
- CDC Vital Signs: Pregnancy-Related Deaths, United States, 2011-2015 and Strategies for Prevention, 13 States, 2013-2017
Online Resources that Educate and Empower
The titles below are linked—click any title to learn more.
National Association to Advance Black Birth: BLACK BIRTHING BILL OF RIGHTS
Maternal health equity
Advocacy and Policy
We often hear troubling statistics about maternal health outcomes among Black women and other women of color. While these realities can create fear and uncertainty, it is important to remember that knowledge, support, and advocacy can help empower healthier pregnancy and birth experiences.
Across the country, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and organizations are working to address racial disparities in maternal health and advance health equity. Below are organizations dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for mothers, families, and communities.
The titles below are linked—click any title to learn more
National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC)
National Black Midwives Alliance
Perinatal Health Equity Initiative
International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization
