Prepare Our Teens and Young Adults: Discussion about Maternal and Infant Health
You may be asking yourself, “Why do I need to talk with my teen or young adult about maternal and infant health?” I understand the question but this is an important topic. In the United States, Black women are three times more likely to die due to pregnancy related reasons such as hypertension and complications during delivery than white women. Black infants are two times likely to die compared to white infants. “Maternal and infant health disparities are symptoms of broader underlying social and economic inequities that are rooted in racism and discrimination.” [1,2] In other words, the risk factors for poor health are embedded in our society and start before conception. We need to prepare our kids to help navigate these factors and help them when and if they make decisions about having a family.
I recommend having conversations with teens and young adults, no matter their gender or sexual orientation, because they may one day decide to be a parent or have a friend or love one that may be. Another reason is that its important to advocate for health equity. As Martin Luther King said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman.”
“Maternal and infant health disparities are symptoms of broader underlying social and economic inequities that are rooted in racism and discrimination.” [2]
Below are some tips adapted from American Psychological Association and American Academy of Pediatrics to help you have the conversation
Prepare-Take time to decide what you want to say and when.
Ask Questions-Find out what your teens knows or understands about the topics
Listen-Take the time to hear what your teen knows, understands or questions they may have about the topic
Talk-Conversations with teens should be open, honest and respectful
Share-Be open to share your feelings about the topic and injustice
Truth-Share facts about what the data shows about maternal and infant health
Action-Let them know that these health outcomes are not destined to happen and that there are things that can be done to prevent the health outcomes
Learn about organizations advocating for reproductive health justice and Black maternal health
Encourage careers in medicine and health fields
Help teens learn to talk with their doctor to advocate for their health
The conversations that we have with our teens and young adults help them to navigate the world, prepare them and help them advocate for their health and wellbeing. Who knows? They may be part of the generation that helps to achieve health equity and justice for all.
"Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Apr. 2022, www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.
References
1."Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Apr. 2022, www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/maternal-mortality/index.html. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.
2.Hill, Latoya , et al. "Racial Disparities in Maternal and Infant Health: Current Status and Efforts to Address Them." Kaiser Family Foundation, 1 Nov. 2022, www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/racial-disparities-in-maternal-and-infant-health-current-status-and-efforts-to-address-them/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.
3."How to Talk to Children about Difficult News." American Psychological Association, 14 Jan. 2021, www.apa.org/topics/journalism-facts/talking-children. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.
4."Talking With Your Teen: Tips for Parents." American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021. publications.aap.org/patiented/article/doi/10.1542/peo_document348/82061/Talking-With-Your-Teen-Tips-for-Parents. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.