Enhancing Perinatal Care Support to Improve Maternal Mortality Disparities

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) women experience profound maternal health disparities in the US, including rising rates of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. This study will develop a Well-Mama intervention for pregnant and postpartum BIPOC women, centered around Community Doula Navigators conducting in-person and telehealth check-ins on 5 priority areas (mental health, cardiovascular symptoms, safety, opioid/substance abuse, and social support), supplemented with virtual support groups and labor support. We will conduct a randomized trial in Chicago IL, Newark NJ, and Baton Rouge LA to test whether the Well-Mama intervention increases BIPOC women’s receipt of prenatal and postpartum care.