IT Blog

“I had a small breakdown the first time my midwife texted to let me know our next session would be virtual,” says Leslie Lissaint, who is 22 weeks pregnant. She and her husband are expecting their first child, but like many, COVID-19 has drastically shifted their plans.

She still intends to deliver at home—a growing trend among Black women—hoping to avoid racial discrimination and the heightened risk of illness that accompanies COVID-19. Lissaint wants to be accompanied by a midwife, a medical professional with the time to give her attentive personalized care, answer questions, and advocate for her if needed.

Lissaint knows that even pre-coronavirus, Black women are three to four times more likely to die due to pregnancy-related causes than white women and often report experiencing mistreatment during care. She’s found online advocacy groups and storytelling opportunities, like Black Mamas Matter Alliance and Natalstories—a…