Here in my lovely, home state of Georgia, we are experiencing a maternal health crisis. As an industrialized country, the USA has some of the worst maternal health stats all around, but in GA it is even worse than the national rate. According to the CDC, Black women are four to five more likely to die giving birth than our white counterparts.

Quote: “In 2016, The Yale School of Public Health found that the pregnancy-related maternal mortality ratio in Georgia was 40.8 per 100,000 live births.

The maternal death rate for white women in Georgia is more than twice that for white women nationally. The maternal death rate for black women in Georgia is twice that for white women in Georgia and 6 times the rate for white women, nationally!”

Not only is Georgia among the top five most dangerous states to give birth in, but it’s also ranked in the top ten of highest c-section rates.

Many mothers here in Georgia are hearing the statistics, especially after this documentary (link https://youtu.be/S5CMkloNZQY ) aired. (I must warn you, it’s heavy.) They are being educated surrounding birth and their options. They are opting for doulas, midwives and learning to advocate for the birth they want. Black women are learning that you don’t have to have another c-section, just because you’ve had a previous one. Women deserve to be evaluated FAIRLY by a provider to see if they are a candidate for a vbac. Ive heard from mamas that want to attempt a vaginal birth after cesarean, but they can’t find a supportive provider. I wanted to interview a local, black mama that had a vbac, to hear about her experience, what led her to this choice and what she recommends to other moms that are desiring a vbac. This is her story…..

Information/Statistics from:

https://www.ajc.com/news/state–regional-govt–politics/georgia-maternal-death-rate-once-ranked-worst-worse-now/qG8xWYMufoW2OEiiZNDRmM/

https://www.acluga.org/en/problem-georgia-has-maternal-mortality-crisis

https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/slideshows/c-section-rates-are-highest-in-these-states

https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/slideshows/c-section-rates-are-highest-in-these-states?slide=2