Adverse maternal and infant health outcomes among African Americans are increasingly recognized as indicators of a critical public health crisis in the United States.

This paper describes the social determinants of health (SDOH) needs and experiences of pregnant Black women from the perspective of doulas and Birthing Beautiful Communities (BBC) clients.

This study examined the nature and characteristics of Black women’s interactions with medical providers during childbirth when accompanied by a perinatal support professional (PSP; similar to a doula).

We conducted in-depth interviews with 25 Black women enrolled in our perinatal support program exploring their interactions with medical providers, the meaning of their experiences, and the roles their PSPs played.

U.S. public health statistics report dismal Black infant and maternal mortality rates. Prenatal care alone, while essential, does not reduce such disparities.

The purpose of the study was to explore Black women’s experiences when a perinatal support professional (PSP) accompanies them to prenatal medical appointments.

This study describes findings of a phenomenological study of Black women’s experiences at Birthing Beautiful Communities.

Twenty-five women participated in interviews after their babies were born about how the organization in general, and perinatal support professionals (PSPs) in particular supported them during their pregnancies and the meaning of that support. The

Chronic stress due to racism has been identified as an important factor in infant mortality. This study examined Birthing Beautiful Communities’ goal of decreasing infant mortality by addressing chronic stress.

Focus groups and one individual interview were conducted with the program‘s 14 PSPs, and 25 clients were interviewed individually. Interviews were analyzed inductively using qualitative thematic analysis to identify pervasive themes.