Share this @internewscast.com

Dr. Dawn Owens Robinson has worked as an OB-GYN for over 23 years.

“My grandmothers were nurses, so I did the candy stripe volunteer thing all through middle and high school and I wanted to deliver babies. This is the best job in the world. It’s a miracle every time,” she recalled.

In that time, she’s seen Black women plagued by an ongoing problem that she’s working to raise awareness about this Black History Month. 

“Studies have shown that well off, educated Black women die at a higher rate than uneducated, obese, chronic-hypertension and diabetic White patients. It is a true health care crisis,” Robinson said.

4p-kcnc-newscast-thursday-clean-feed-frame-72968.jpg

CBS


CDC data shows Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than White women.

Black women aren’t the only ones dying. Infant mortality is two and a half times higher than White infants. Additionally, the preterm birth rate for Black babies is almost one-and-a-half times higher than the rate of other babies. Health care inequities and underlying health conditions play a large role, as does mistreatment.

“Women are pooh-poohed away. We get sent home from the emergency room with chest pain, like, ‘Oh, you’re having anxiety,'” she told CBS News Colorado’s Mekialaya White, who visited her AdventHealth Avista office in Louisville. “It’s a shame that we have to fight to be heard.”

4p-kcnc-newscast-thursday-clean-feed-frame-72687.jpg

CBS


So, if you’re a Black mom-to-be, Robinson says do your research before picking your care team. 

“Research your hospital. Find out if they have a NICU. Find out if they have 24-hour in-house anesthesia, an in house doctor to deal with emergencies 24/7,” she advised.

Or, as your finances allow, look into a doula. 

“Doulas save lives. Doulas provide a voice for the people who don’t feel they can stand up to the other people in the room,” she explained.

4p-kcnc-newscast-thursday-clean-feed-frame-73612.jpg

CBS


And for those working in health care, or even aspiring to, Robinson says immediate action is needed as well. 

“More needs to be done. I think the most important thing as providers and practitioners and midwives – I think we just need to listen and treat our patients with humanity and decency and respect and just listen. We are all humans and to treat that person with respect, treat that person in your bed in your office as you would your cousin your aunt. (We also need) more of us in places that matter. We need more doctors that are Brown and Black, we need more nurses that are Brown and Black, we need more midwives that are Brown and Black,” she said. 

Learn more about AdventHealth Avista resources here.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

From Crisis to Cure: How Mounjaro Transformed My Life and Saved Me £200K

Rachel Cooper, a 35-year-old mother from South Wales, turned to weight loss…

Slimming World Unveils Bold Overhaul to Stay Ahead in the Evolving Dieting Industry

Slimming World is set to rename its controversial ‘Syns’ category in an…

Dermatologists Reveal Effective Tips to Relieve Dry, Sore Hands

As temperatures drop, our hands can suffer a range of issues, from…

Impending Malaria Crisis: Study Predicts Unprecedented Resurgence from Funding Cuts

According to a recent analysis, major cuts in contributions from affluent nations…

UK Vapers: Essential Action Needed to Tackle Newly Identified Risk

The United Kingdom is home to over 5.6 million individuals who use…

Experts Reveal the Surprising Trait of Lively 80-Year-Olds with Youthful Minds – Do You Have It?

Researchers have uncovered the secret behind why some individuals in their 80s…

Karren Brady Unveils Stunning Transformation in Swimsuit While Enjoying Quality Time with Grandson Amid Weight Loss Speculations

Karren Brady recently took to Instagram to reveal her impressive body transformation,…

California Health Alert: Three Severe Mpox Cases Detected, Officials Urge Vigilance

Health officials have reported that three individuals in California have contracted the…

Understanding Food Additives: Dietician Dr. Emily Leeming Highlights Those to Avoid for Gut Health

In recent times, food additives, particularly emulsifiers, have found themselves under scrutiny.…

Discover the Ultimate Fitness Secret for Seniors: Why This Activity Tops Walking and Running

Research conducted by Harvard Medical School has highlighted a novel activity for…

Phil Taylor Drops Two Foods from Diet After Discovering Mongolian Ancestry

In a surprising revelation, darts icon Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor has claimed…