Black Maternal Health Week: What Every Woman Needs to Know (Part 1)

In this first part of a two-part episode for Black Maternal Health Week, host Lauren LaRosa interviews Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow and a leading advocate for maternal health equity. The conversation centers on the alarming reality that Black women in the U.S. are three to four times more likely to die during childbirth than white women, with systemic racism identified as the root cause. Thomas explains how medical bias, lack of provider representation, and dismissive care contribute to preventable maternal deaths. She emphasizes the importance of exploring birth options beyond hospitals—such as home births and birth centers—and highlights the critical role of doulas in providing emotional, physical, and advocacy support during labor. The episode also addresses the legal and ethical violations in healthcare, including forced C-sections and lack of informed consent, and demystifies access to doula services through insurance, Medicaid, and free community programs. Thomas stresses that doulas are not a luxury but a vital, community-based resource available to all, regardless of income. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action: women must be informed, empowered, and proactive in their healthcare decisions. By understanding their rights, asking questions, and utilizing tools like the Shared Decision-Making Toolkit from Mama Glow, birthing individuals can navigate the system with greater confidence and safety. The conversation is both educational and urgent, underscoring that maternal health is not just a personal issue but a systemic one requiring policy change, cultural awareness, and community support. The second part of the interview is teased as a continuation of this vital dialogue.