Report explores experiences of Black families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum

Every baby deserves a joyful, healthy start to life.  

A new report from Kitsap Public Health District's Black Infant Thrive program highlights the experiences of Black families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum in Kitsap County.  

Based on a community survey conducted in 2024, the report describes the needs and challenges that families face as well as community strengths supporting birthing families.  

Survey responses came from 38 current and former county residents who identified as Black/African American and reported recently being pregnant. 

Click to read the full report

Results from the survey are already guiding the work of Black Infant Thrive, which strives to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for Black mothers, infants and families.  

Key takeaways

These were key themes identified through the survey:

• Families need access to culturally competent and racially diverse healthcare providers. Increased communication, trust, and shared decision making between families and their providers is also needed. Most participants (68%) rated their prenatal (pregnancy) care as positive and 40% described a mostly positive experience. However, one out of three (34%) said they did not trust their healthcare provider. Some participants said their pain, labor progression, and concerns during childbirth were not taken seriously. Others said their race or their child's race contributed to dismissive or inadequate care.  

  
  

  Strategies to address these challenges include provider training, workforce development, and information sharing on existing resources, such as Black doulas practicing in the region.  

"The lack of resources in Kitsap is overwhelming especially for [B]lacks. We need ppl of color in these places to feel more comfortable and understood.” - Black Infant Thrive survey participant "I wanted a provider that was well versed in understanding the issues pertains to [B]lack maternal health. The providers I spoke to understood the level of care I was looking for and understood and heard every concern I had and addressed them.” - Black Infant Thrive survey participant

• Families need timely access to quality care. Prenatal care access was identified as an important issue for all Kitsap residents in a 2023 Community Health Assessment. Among survey participants, 76% reported starting prenatal care in their first trimester. Still, survey participants reported instances of delayed entry into care and limited time to address their concerns during appointments. Some listed transportation, time off work, and childcare as additional barriers to accessing care.  

"It was very hard to connect with the provider. A lot of their websites said that they had OB shortages and the time frames to get in office were very extensive. So, a lot of my prenatal care came actually from the emergency room" - Black Infant Thrive survey participant

Many participants wanted more mental health support, such as information on when and where to seek care and more postpartum check-ins with their provider to screen for mental health concerns.  

Strategies to increase mental health support include working to reduce barriers to care, increasing awareness of available care options, and helping patients connect to care. 

• Families need strong community support systems, especially for single parents, military families and mothers who experienced pregnancy loss. Suggestions included kid-friendly events, opportunities for mothers to connect and rest, and more specific support groups. Local organizations can also advocate for structural changes that reinforce supports for families, such as increased childcare options and paid parental leave.

"Help mothers understand their resources. Such as insurance covered breast pumps, lactation support, what to expect with birth if things may not go as planned." - Black Infant Thrive survey participant

• Families need information and education about perinatal care and resources. Specifically, many participants felt uninformed and unprepared for a cesarean section. Statewide, Black patients have the highest cesarean rate, even for low-risk pregnancies. Other reported information gaps include warning signs for pregnancy complications and availability of mental health services.  

  
  

• These findings can help healthcare providers prioritize what information to share during their limited appointment time with patients. Pregnancy and childbirth classes and other local organizations can also focus on these topics.  

Next steps

Overall, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of what families and children need to thrive in Kitsap. Listening to Black perinatal experiences is an important step towards rebuilding trust and strengthening systems that support the health of Black families.  

The Black Infant Thrive (BIT) program is already using survey results to guide its activities and priorities:  

• One survey question asked participants what a successful Black Infant Thrive program would look like. Responses included increased information sharing about local resources and families advocating for themselves to ensure needs are met in healthcare. As a result, two Black birthing families now serve on a BIT advisory committee and will speak at a BIT-hosted panel discussion. This helps strengthen partnerships in community, improve knowledge, and foster engagement and community leadership.  
  

• Survey results indicated a need for lactation resources. This finding aligns with a "Nurture in Color" art gallery event organized by BIT to provide resources, education, and culturally tailored information. Events like Nurture in Color also support social networking for Black families to build interconnected communities of support.  
  

• BIT will hold a community listening session this fall, and participant feedback will be included in an addendum to the survey report.  
  

To learn more about Black Infant Thrive, go to kitsappublichealth.org/BIT