MHERT is a college-level research and community engagement research center
09/20/2023
👩🏽⚕️🤰🏿🌟 Standing up for Racial Maternal Equity! 🌟 Every mother, regardless of their race or ethnicity, deserves equal access to quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. Let's work together to eliminate racial disparities in maternal health. 💪🏿💪🏽💪🏾 🤱🏿🤱🏽🤱🏾
09/14/2023
UH Healthy Start and the M.O.M.S Tour are seeking a and a to be present at the M.O.M.s and learning sessoins. Please reach out if you are an experienced Houston midwife or doula who wants to be a part of this!
09/11/2023
🌙✨ Hey fellow moms, let's talk about the importance of a good night's sleep! 😴💤 Being a mom can be a 24/7 job, and we often put our own sleep on the backburner. But remember, taking care of ourselves is essential for taking care of our families. Here are some to consider:
💤: Turn off those screens at least an hour before bedtime. It helps signal to your body that it's time to wind down. 📱🚫
🥦: Avoid heavy or spicy meals close to bedtime. Opt for light, nutritious snacks if you're hungry before bed, like yogurt or a piece of fruit. 🍏🥕
⏰: Establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same times every day, even on weekends. A routine can work wonders! ⏳
🏋️♀️: Get moving! Regular physical activity is great, but try to avoid strenuous exercise close to bedtime. Gentle exercises like yoga can help relax your body. 🧘♀️
Remember, prioritizing sleep isn't selfish; it's self-care. A well-rested mom is a happy and healthy mom. Let's make sleep a priority and take care of ourselves so we can give our best to our loved ones. 💪❤️
09/06/2023
Kamala Harris reminded us that we need - "to build [ ] a future in which being Black and pregnant is a time filled with joy and hope, rather than fear."
Let's work together for maternal equity. 💪🤰✨
09/04/2023
👩🔬🌟 Celebrating Labor Day by honoring our dedicated MHERT researchers working tirelessly for maternal equity! 🤰🏽👶🏿 Your hard work is making a world of difference. 💪 Let's keep striving for a healthier, more equitable future for all mothers. 🌍🤱 💙🔬
08/31/2023
The MHERT team have just secured a prestigious National Science Foundation research grant this month! 🎉
📚 Study Title: Unveiling
Insights into Obstetric Care, Maternal Mortality, and Morbidity: A Holistic
Exploration 🔍
We're embarking on a ground breaking mixed-methods study that's all about delving into the intricacies of health risk awareness, its influence on health perceptions, behaviors, and obstetric care choices among birthing individuals. 🤰💪 Not stopping there, we're also going to dive into how social environments shape the birth experiences of these amazing individuals.
Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this enlightening journey
of discovery! 🌍🔬📊
08/28/2023
🤰🏾 Empowering Motherhood 🌟 Breaking the Silence 🤱🏽
Shocking new report from the US CDC sheds light on mistreatment and discrimination faced by women during maternity care. 😔 About 1 in 5 women experienced mistreatment, and nearly a third faced discrimination. But the stats are even more alarming for Black, Hispanic, and multiracial mothers. 😢💔
🙅🏾♀️ 30% of Black & Hispanic mothers reported mistreatment
🙅🏽♀️ 40% faced discrimination
It's time to make a change! 🌍💪🏼 Let's break the stigma around maternal mental health and demand better care for ALL moms. Most states got a D or F grade on maternal mental health – but we won't settle for that. 🚀
⭐️ Let's prioritize respectful care during pregnancy & delivery
⭐️ Health systems, hospitals & providers must step up
⭐️ Together, we can lower the risk of complications & maternal mortality
👩⚕️ Dr. Debra Houry, CDC's Chief Medical Officer, emphasizes: "We must do better to support moms." 💗 Let's spread awareness, demand change, and build a safer, more equitable world for all mothers. 🌈👶🏼🌟
For more information visit: https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/22/health/maternity-care-mistreatment-cdc-report
💪🏾🤱🏼🤰🏽👩🏽⚕️🌎
08/25/2023
During the process of delivering a baby, controlled breathing plays a crucial role. As contractions intensify, deep and focused breathing helps manage pain and oxygenates both you and your baby. Inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips can aid relaxation and prevent hyperventilation. Remember, every woman's experience is unique, so finding the breathing techniques that work best for you with the guidance of your healthcare provider is essential.
08/23/2023
🖤👩👧👦 To all the strong and resilient Black mothers out there, this message is for you: We see your unwavering strength, we stand by you with unwavering support, and we are here to amplify your voices. 🗣️ Your journey through motherhood is a testament to your determination and love, and we acknowledge the unique challenges you face.
Let's continue to work towards maternal equity and break down the systemic barriers that have historically disadvantaged Black mothers. It's time to ensure that every mother has access to quality healthcare, resources, and opportunities. 💪🏾 Let's create a world where every Black mother's voice is not only heard but celebrated.
🖤👩👧👦
08/22/2023
🏥 Bridging Gaps: Unequal Maternity Wards Under Scrutiny 🌟
As observed by Victoria Fletcher, MSN, ARNP, FACNM, we're delving into the challenge of separate and unequal maternity wards in our pursuit of equitable maternal care. Shedding light on persisting disparities, we strive to create a fairer system for all mothers.
🌍 Empowering Diversity: Equitable Care for Communities of Color 🌟
Culturally competent care stands as a cornerstone of maternal equity. We must ensure that patients from diverse communities, including communities of color, receive the support and understanding they rightfully deserve.
⚖️ Personalized Birthing: Honoring Your Experience and Choices 🌟
Highlighting the importance of a patient-centered approach to childbirth. There needs to be prioritization of individualized birth plans that deeply respect Mom’s preferences and needs.
For more information, visit: withinreachwa.org/achieving-health-equity-for-black-moms-and-babies
🌈👶🌺
08/21/2023
As a new mom, getting a good night's sleep is pure gold. Here's how to make it happen for both you and your precious one:
Peaceful Ambiance: Create a serene sleep haven with a cool, quiet room. Dim the lights and let tranquility embrace you.
White Noise Magic: Consider using white noise machines to drown out any disturbances and provide a calming atmosphere for your baby.
Sleepy Routines: Develop a soothing bedtime routine. A warm bath, gentle lullabies, and cuddles work wonders in preparing your baby for a restful slumber.
Dreamy Feeding: If your baby wakes up, try a calm feeding session. Keep the lights low and interactions gentle to encourage a swift return to sleep.
Comfort Comes First: Ensure your baby's crib is cozy and safe, reducing any discomfort that might interrupt their sleep.
Team Effort: Partner up with your co-parent or support system. Sharing night duties can make a world of difference.
Mom Self-Care: Remember to prioritize your own rest too. Napping when your baby naps can help you recharge.
Patience & Perseverance: If your little one has a wakeful night, don't worry. Every baby is different. With time, patience, and love, you'll find what works best for both of you.
08/19/2023
News Alert!
In the U.S., black women who are expecting and who are new mothers die at rates similar to those of the same women in lower income countries, while the maternal mortality rate for white U.S. mothers, more closely resembles rates in more affluent nations.
Sources are from the US ratios (2011 to 2013) and also the CDC Pregnancy Mortality, Surveillance System and global ratios in 2015 provided from UNICEF