Health Spotlight | Saving Black babies & their moms

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It should be one of the happiest times in a woman’s life, but for some, it can be one of the most life-threatening. Black women have the highest maternal mortality rate in the US, almost three times the rate for white women. And according to the CDC, Black babies are more likely to die and also be more likely to be born premature. That’s why some expecting Black moms are now turning to Black doulas to help ensure their own safety, and the safety of their unborn child. Healthy now, but before giving birth to little Asa, Jordyne Blaise was worried – she had seen the headlines. “Quite frankly, I was scared,” Asa’s mom Jordyne said. “I also was pregnant at an advanced maternal age, so I had just turned 36.” Doula Ste’keira Shepperson believes systemic racism in the medical field is partially to blame. That’s why she created Triangle Doulas of Color. “Essentially what it boils down to is having a doula that’s from the same community or cultural background as you,” Ste’keria said. Ste’keria believes doulas are often misunderstood. “One big myth about doulas would be that doulas are only for a natural unmedicated birth...