Episode 25: Black Maternal & Infant Mortality

The topic of Black maternal & infant mortality is a hot topic in the birth community today. However, it’s a critically important topic, every single day.

In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the issues surrounding Black maternal & infant mortality. Exploring some of the deeper reasons for the mortality rates among Black birthing people and their babies while exposing some of the well-intentioned misinformation.

Our guest, Samantha Griffin joins us as we explore the topics of allostatic load, epigenetics, institutionalized racism and their impact on Black birthing bodies and their babies.

Samantha is a Black doula, doula trainer, and owner of DC Metro Maternity who serves primarily Black clients as they navigate pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. In addition, Samantha brings her background in working in the nonprofit sector focused on Black women’s health to our conversation.