Piedmont Macon shares resources ahead of Black Maternal Health Week

"Black mothers have a higher mortality rate and it's not just about race," says Willingham. "It's against the biases and access to healthcare that these women experience."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As Black Maternal Health Week approaches, Piedmont Macon is raising awareness about the disparities Black mothers face and sharing resources to support mothers and families throughout pregnancy and the postpartum journey.

Kari Willingham, director of women’s services at Piedmont Macon, says it is important that mothers listen to their bodies if something doesn’t feel right.

“Black mothers have a higher mortality rate and it’s not just about race,” says Willingham. “It’s against the biases and access to healthcare that these women experience.”

Willingham says Piedmont Macon is teaching not only mothers, but also their families, different signs to look for during the postpartum journey. She adds that Piedmont Macon also offers free community classes to prepare mothers for birth, motherhood and the postpartum period.

“We also partner with the Department of Public Health,” says Willingham. “They have a new program that is a home visiting program for those at risk moms. They will actually come out to the house. They’ll monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, heart tones, but they also follow that mom and baby for up to a year after they deliver.”

Willingham recommends that mothers speak up and ask questions.

“Make sure that you have somebody there when there’s a lot of information thrown at you,” says Willingham. “Having another set of ears that might hear something differently than what you did or be able to capture all the information that you need so when you go back and start thinking about things you can bounce that off of the person who heard some of those messages as well.”

Willingham says she wants every mother to feel heard, respected and cared for when they come to Piedmont Macon.