Mom aims to end Black maternal health crisis after daughter died following childbirth

After Wanda Irving's daughter, Shalon, passed away, she worked with her daughter's best friend to "put pain into purpose" by starting their organization, Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project.
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[@riverrhodes7394]

I'm a white guy with a black girlfriend and for years I could never figure out why she always refused to seek medical attention when she needed it. She'd always try to "fix" herself and joke "God got me" rather than go to doctors. One day she finally told me that growing up she watched her grandmother slowly die of a disease that was left untreated and eventually the grandmother contacted sepsis and died. She told me that her father and other family members asked the doctors many times to run more tests as they figured what she had was something more serious but they kept telling them that it was common and would heal on its own. She also said that when she was a kid growing up and broke her arm, doctors wouldn't even give her pain medication refills after the small amount they gave her ran out whereas I thought about the many times I fractured my arm as a kid and doctors advised my mom to keep bringing me back for observation and prescribed me many refils of pain meds. I just can't belive that we are in 2022 and still under the same backwards system we were under back during segregation. Damn.

[@prettyllady]

Yes as a black woman, I can confirm this is true and it’s sad. 😞 I’ve gone through the same struggles with doctors. I used to complain about having severe migraines and neck pain among other nerve issues, and my white doctors didn’t take it seriously. It took years before I was taken seriously. It wasn’t until I had an Indian doctor who helped me and we found out by my M.R.I. That I had Chiari malformation, which is a malformation of my brain! This was why I was suffering. Smh and I was finally able to receive extra help from other specialists ☺️ I think Caucasian doctors need more training on taking their black patients pain & complaints more seriously; and to treat all patients the same‼️I pray for change..

[@confidentrose2829]

Your words are very much needed for us thankyou for speaking up for your girlfriend, she is very Lucky to have you.

[@shon1924]

My mom is on dialysis and they operated on her legs, chest & arm to find a place for her port and to declot her other ports, so that she can use them in the future. After being under for hrs & multiple surgeries, they wouldn’t even prescribe her any pain medication. When she woke up she couldn’t really move & was crying all day. They make her suffer for no reason at all. I had to call her doctor and get something prescribed.

[@theconcealedmistress]

Segregation never left

[@riverrhodes7394]

@@prettyllady My God. I am so sorry you had to go through this!

[@queent3343]

Serena Williams tells a story of how she had to fight to get doctors to believe she was having a pulmonary embolism after the birth of her daughter. She was right and finally got treated. Her insistence is why she is alive today. It is so important to have doctors that believe you and know you.

[@kathleenking47]

Really? 🤔I hot what I wanted my entire pregnancy Could some if this be a vitamin D3 deficiency 🤔

[@drknow1997]

Not true. Serena’s embolism happened after her knee surgery not her pregnancy.

[@SSRIs]

@@drknow1997 you coulda easily googled it instead you chose to spread misinformation. Shame on you

[@vuksgitau]

@@drknow1997 Google is free genius 😩

[@staymadloser7754]

@@drknow1997 you’re wrong Karen

[@jessicab5448]

Recently did a paper on maternal deaths rates among black mothers, honestly it has a lot to do with the history of medicine especially when it comes to black people. They don't take our concerns or pain seriously. There are still prejudices and lack of resources. Going to be a nurse soon hoping I can do my part some day.

[@ayuanabradford3206]

Want any luck go outside the country and give birth

[@dinavienna]

@@ayuanabradford3206 so sad - I honestly think had she been in Central or Northern Europe she wouldn’t have had an issue even not speaking a word of the languages .. so sad

[@mobutter2879]

And they can’t figure out why “we” don’t trust them..

[@queenesquiresquad]

❤️❤️

[@journeyswithjae]

Thank you Queen for becoming a nurse! My sister is in her last year of nursing school and soon to be first time mom.

[@ms.b3382]

This is so touching. As a black woman I am aware of the disparities in maternal care. I gave birth a month ago, but within the week after giving birth started to experience symptoms that concerned me. I intentionally saw a black obygn who wanted me to go to the ER. I am so thankful she took me seriously because although I would have rather been with my baby then admitted to the hospital (which ultimately happened), I got the care I needed. So thankful there are people working to improve the system for black mothers.

[@notabadword4026]

As a Black woman I believe that Black mothers have it worse, but rest assured that pregnant women in general are dismissed, not believed, told they are exaggerating, abused, etc.

[@racqynathiri856]

What were your concerning symptoms?

[@drjones6567]

In this day and time I cannot believe this is happening. It is absolutely unacceptable. I'm glad you got the care you needed. I saw a black obgyn for a long time and now my mom and sister do. My insurance won't cover her now. This ob has the best reputation all over our somewhat large city. She is absolutely amazing. She was the only dr to ever listen to my mom who had issues for DECADES. I think finding anyone to hear you as a woman is hard too . But to add to that with color being an issue? Just unacceptable.

[@jl1695]

Ohh plzz everybody is treated with respect and receives the care they need regardless of skin color stfu and stop using skin color for everything u guys are weird asf

[@Supersquishyawesomeness]

There are no disparities, this lie needs to stop being perpetuated.

[@sweetlexou]

I lost my friend earlier this year the same way. Her baby boy will always know how strong his mom was, and how wanted he was. We need more light on this situation.

[@Autumn-Rain]

So sorry to hear that. Your friend also had a heart attack after c-section?

[@sweetlexou]

@@Autumn-Rain she did. A few months after. They didn't take her symptoms seriously. She'd been slowly dying from her c-section.

[@fvfr6294]

😢OMG😭 That's terrible!! I'll keep you in my prayers.

[@sweetlexou]

@@fvfr6294 🙏🏾

[@missflorencek8569]

My God help us. I live in South West Africa, Namibia to he precise. Had first baby by c-section 9 months ago and the best care. This is not one we expect when we think of the US. This is unreal and unnecessary. What about the babies? :(

[@redwoods7370]

My co-worker had a type of stroke after she got home with her newborn. Her doctor said it was postpartum depression and fatigue and normal. She finally got an ambulance and saved her life. We love doctors but they are human and not always right. You have to trust what your instincts and what your body is clearly telling you.

[@deenice5444]

Right, and always get second for third or fourth opinions.

[@Iam_mamakae1]

💯🙏🏾

[@flo-dd5sw]

They care less about minorities ma'am.

[@idonhadenuff5979]

“Simply believe her.” Something I can relate to all to well.

[@itazuranakisu]

You’re suppose to take what a patient says seriously and rule things out. When a doctor becomes too arrogant people die. Patients know their bodies more than a doctor will. Women, particularly black women, are more often dismissed if a doctor can dismiss the symptoms as overreacting. You still have medical people learning the signs of a heart attack that typical occur in men but the books and/or teachers don’t talk about the signs in women which can be very different.

[@CookieBear187]

I’m really glad this social issue is getting the attention it deserves now. It shouldn’t have taken this long, but I’m glad to see it is finally starting to get acknowledged.

[@deannayork9128]

Me too!!!!!

[@ilovegoodsax]

I'm retired now but back in the late 1990s worked as a county public health educator for a Maternal Child Black Infant Health program here in California. The fact that 25 years later nothing much has changed with black maternal health and black infant mortality is beyond shameful.😞

[@yl7495]

As long as there is bias on healthcare providers part, nothing will change for minorities. I witnessed an eye doctor treat a young patient, whose father didn’t speak English, so badly.

[@sparklesp9304]

It's not going to change until we start raising our kids to bombard the healthcare system and be doctors and lawyers, but to do this, we HAVE to be intentional about having children and plan them.

[@yl7495]

@@sparklesp9304 I totally agree with you. That’s probably the best way to eliminate the bias we encounter in healthcare.

[@kathleenking47]

County hospitals arent that good, and you need to check

[@carrowxhex6891]

@@yl7495 statistically minorities are less likely to be in a healthy weight range, get prenatal care, medically manage their hypertension and diabetes, be married and more likely to have an untreated STD that placed them at a higher mortality rate. Fix what you can fix first before you try to fix others

[@youmadhuh6375]

That's what happened to me. My whole pregnancy no problems, I didn't even have morning sickness.. but my water broke 2 months early.. I had to have an emergency c-section. The minute I woke up from the anesthesia, I felt wrong.. I was suddenly nauseous, my heart was beating so fast it felt like it was about to burst. 3 days in the hospital and nothing has changed. It just got worse. My heart rate was dangerously low, my blood pressure dangerously high, I was still nauseous and I hadn't eaten since the night before my water broke fully and i went into labor. So I hadn't eaten for 3 days straight. i told the nurse something didn't feel right. I didn't feel right. They kept telling me I had just had surgery, so it's just my body getting used to the baby not being there anymore. I didn't believe her. They sent me home. When I got home, I wasn't any better. In fact it got much much worse. Now I had a fever of 101 that would only go down if I take an aspirin but it would be right back an hour or so late. I couldn't get out of bed, I still hadn't eaten anything since the night before I gave birth. When I did try to eat or drink anything. I'd promptly threw it up. Finally one day I was about to take a shower and I felt my incision.... it had burst. I was rushed back to the emergency room. Turns out I had got an infection from their operating room. All those things I was feeling was my body filling up with toxic bile. I knew something was wrong. I've had my body for 30yrs. Nobody can tell me what I'm feeling or what I'm suppose to feel. These Dr's think because they went to school, they know our bodies more than we do. I knew something was wrong. I didn't feel right. I kept telling the Dr's, the nurses, anyone that would listen. I don't feel right. I was so angry. I was in the hospital for a month. They couldn't figure out how I got the infection? when my water broke early, I was in the hospital for 9 days while they pumped me full of water and antibiotics, making sure i didnt go into labor. Although my water broke, my sac did not. I was only 29 weeks so they wanted her to stay in there for a little longer. So we couldn't understand where I got this infection from. Finally it was revealed the infection came from their operating room. This was also my first child. The experience traumatized me and my husband. He didnt even want a second child. I was petrified something like this would happen again. It was hell. My first child birth was hell. Not because of her but because of the hospital. Know your bodies. These Dr's don't listen to us. They see us as morons who are trying to tell them how to do their jobs. I could've died had I not been paying attention to my body and knew what it was suppose to feel like.

[@Carpathianpixie]

Someone said to always make them write down when they refuse to do tests or procedures or ignore your complaints. That way, if something happens, it'll be written in your medical chart that they didn't do what they were supposed to do. Apparently, asking for them to write it down will usually make them more inclined to at least listen to your concerns.

[@andreac.5596]

I am so sorry you had to go through that. And I glad you listened to yourself and was persistent in getting someone to try listen to you. It's so sad that as black women we're not taken seriously all the time. I just had my baby boy, who is my first baby, in January of this year and I was worried at first how I would be treated by the doctors and nurses. Luckily they treated me well and listened to my concerns. It's sad how we have to think this way and be fearful for our lives during pregnancy and childbirth, but this is how we have to think unfortunately. Glad they finally listened to you, but it should have never taken that long to treat you.

[@maxinefowler1186]

I m sorry but was this done on purpose, dirty equipment? I m no a trusting perr

[@nophiliamurphy8749]

Amen! So thankful you made it through. You're so right, there is way too often racism in the medical field. This is why it is much more beneficial to rear our children to be doctors, nurses and attorneys rather than ball players and rappers. We must begin to look at the needs of the black community and educate our children to fill those needs.

[@ebh8729]

@@nophiliamurphy8749 I absolutely love your answer! So so true! Until we recognize the main priorities of care needs of our community and put that first, we'll continue to unfortunately get these same careless results. Let's push and advocate for more representation where our needs are needed to be met the most.

[@honeyhued2985]

My sister experienced this as well. If it wasn’t for my uncle who is a Doctor specializing in Internal Medicine looking at her X-ray and finding a blockage in her abdomen she could have died!!!! She is still having complications 19 years later!!! SIMPLY BELIEVE HER!!!!!!

[@SherriLyle80s]

Omg! Crazy they never caught that!

[@Toni_D71]

I almost died having my baby because they gave me a med to induce my labor. I kept telling them something wasn’t right. I ended up going in emergency surgery. So me and my baby could both be saved. Me and my baby almost died, but thank God we pulled through. My daughter has Cerebral Palsy and to this day I tried suing and the lawyers wouldn’t take my case. She is 19 years old now. This definitely hits home.

[@Toni_D71]

@Nancy Samuelson thank u! I tried 5 different lawyers and they wrote in her records they got her out within thirty minutes, which was a lie..it was hard to prove. They got her out within an hour..this happened 2002, today they probably couldn’t get away with it. They gave me a med called cervidil ( I think that’s how it’s spelled) it ripped my uterus which caused my baby to be stuck, which made her go into fetal distress, and oxygen went to her brain. So I got a c section and a hysterectomy on the same day..imagine waking up and they telling you, oh yea we had to give you a hysterectomy..I was 31. My daughter is like this for the rest of her life. She was a normal baby when I was carrying her. I don’t think I can do anything now, she’s 19.

[@Toni_D71]

@Nancy Samuelson aww thank you soooo much ❤️ yes I remembered when Judge Hatchett’s daughter in law passed. It made me think of me and my daughter. That really broke my heart and I didn’t know her, but it just do something to me when I hear about mothers who go through a lot having babies. I guess because I experienced it. You are so right, we have to stay prayed up. Here I was thinking I was gonna have my baby and I will be home in a couple of days with my baby, it was the total opposite. My baby stayed in NICU for a month. But I thank God and his Angels for saving us. I named my daughter Angel also ❤️

[@calajami]

Believe her. Right to the point. Her daughter will be so proud of her mom and Shalon will be remembered well. Her mom and friend are inspiring!

[@Nelly1013]

I went to the hospital to give birth to my only son I had prayed so hard to God for at 41 weeks. I was in intense labor and the Dr on call dismissed me rudely and told me to go home. I told him he would physically have to push me out of the hospital. How do I go home post dated at 41 wks? The pain was so intense unlike regular labor and I begged to be checked. Next thing I was knocked out and intubated because my uterus had ruptured! If I had gone home my baby and I would not have made it. We always have to fight for health equity. It's so unfortunate!

[@justananimegirl2780]

There needs to be more sensitivity training among medical professionals. Every mother of every race has a right to give birth safely.

[@m3ntyb]

too bad training can’t override internal prejudice. they’ll know what to do but their prejudiced instincts will often override.

[@nifapz9596]

What a great grandmother...May her daughter RIP.

[@kkhawk53]

The sad thing is… that some physicians think they know everything, they do not! I have worked with doctors for years, and being humble and listening to a patient is sometimes being their senses!

[@Eiramilah]

I take doctors less seriously now. The medical industry has changed a lot and I lost a lot of trust in them.

[@ChocoBabiChan]

I am so sick of hearing stories about black people being dismissed and disregarded in the health care system. a change is needed. ASAP.

[@chanelrabon5110]

My friend died 4 years ago while giving birth it was something that definitely could’ve been prevented they didn’t give her the treatment or the attention she needed since she was in remission from breast cancer it still sad but in the end we have her beautiful son thank you for sharing this 🙌🏾💜💜

[@rf4341]

Doctors act like we don’t feel pain. We don’t have shortness of breath. Not only in the delivery room but in any situation. Sad part sometimes it’s black doctors as well. RIP

[@_prettybrownbrown7729]

That’s why I’m going to make sure my doctor is a black woman not a black man .

[@Hiddenplace414]

Unfortunately my doctor was a black woman who had a God complex. I wouldn't stop bleeding after I gave birth the doctors treated me terribly. They packed me up full of guaze to stop the bleeding but the woman didn't take it all out and I had to end going to the er for surgery. The situation was traumatic to say the least

[@rf4341]

@@Hiddenplace414I had a black female doctor and I have to say she was one of the best doctors I ever had. I can tell you I’ve had 2 amazing doctors. The other doctor was a white male. That was years ago. What they dolling out now are egotistical racist, sexist, heartless……. beast.

[@watchinvidzwatchinvidz7691]

I was 7 mos. pregnant when my amniotic fluid started leaking the doctors did tests but didn't believe me bc I was young at the time. My mother even tried to convince them bc she knew it was true too. They sent me home & my water totally broke within a couple of days from them sending me home. My son was born premature 6 weeks bc they didn't believe me. The doctor said it was dangerous bc when they sent me home... I could have gotten really sick & died & my son too, if any bad bacteria had gotten into the womb. They apologized & said my son's foot must have stop the leak & saved us both from the bacteria that could have possibly got him sick & I. they said it could've easily happened while taking a bath or any other water I would be submerged in that had bacteria in it like a pool or lake etc. Good thing I don't take baths I shower & I didnt like going in dirty pools or lakes, just my instincts working for me & I listen to them. But to convince doctors is a whole other thing.

[@lexi8317]

This also happened to me. They sent me home and I leaked for days until I went into full blown labor. Thank goodness my baby nor I got an infection.

[@apara2005]

I'm so glad you both (and your babies) are ok!!!!! What a SCARY story!

[@Exoticlightskinn]

How did they not see it even after tests??

[@monalisaflower6339]

@@Exoticlightskinn This was my question as well. There are Ph tests to determine if you are leaking fluids...I just had one done myself. At any rate, we know our bodies best but we also have to advocate for our well-being even if that means going over someone's head!

[@Exoticlightskinn]

@@monalisaflower6339 I just can’t see someone telling me nothing is wrong with me if I feel something is. Some years ago I had a lump in my boob that I just randomly felt. I lig. Then exactly a week later a girl who I used to work with on fb found out she had breast cancer and we were close in age. I freaked out went to a place that handles things like that and they told me I would need a note from my gyno giving the ok to do a sonogram on my boob. They couldn’t do a mammogram because I was under the age so they had to do a sono. The nurse, was white, and older, but encouraged me to get it checked but she also said black women have the highest enlarged lymph nodes around menstrual time but said I should get it checked anyway. She said and I quote “it’s very hard to get a note from a gyno I hadn’t seen the gyno in over a year” this was before I found out about how doctors not all don’t believe their patients. Man I went in the gyno guns a blazing!!! They were looking at me like I was crazy, but she gave me the note and I realized I overreacted, but I was going off by what the nurse said. That day as well I didn’t know what to do so I was literally running all over town. I was fatigued and afraid. Come to find out it was a lymph node women typically get around menstrual time like the nurse said. But unfortunately the girl who I used to work with passed away in 2019 from breast cancer. She was 28, and I was 23 or 24. She had 4 kids and a husband.

[@fartunmuse330]

I as black woman have had the same experience when my midwife ignored me on November of last year thankfully my baby didn’t die this experience scared me into not having more babies and we need to stand up for other black mothers cause if we don’t stand up for ourselves no one will stand up for us. The biggest problems are when you are treated like less than a human and that is not okay in the slightest.

[@purelight4394]

We lost a beautiful soul due to medical bias. It is very important to get an advocate in the medical field. Always ask for a Hospital Supervisor or Administrator when no one is listening to you.

[@dinavienna]

Honestly get an attorney.. negotiate a fee. Someone who isn’t super famous shouldn’t cost more than a couple of hundred dollars to come with you to the hospital and put some pressure. I used to litigate medical liability (m hospital / doctor/ liability insurance side). I bet you any attorney, brillant or not, stirs the pot, they ll be checking your loved one thoroughly. It shouldn’t be like that - but when it S potential life or death invesr that money !

[@thelonemaiden]

@@dinavienna hi. i thumbed you up. this is the only thing in life espec. if w/o a posse - to have an attorney in one's back pocket at all times [sadness/sorrowful emoticons ]

[@dinavienna]

@@thelonemaiden i know ! I m not saying it for business - I’m not in the profession anymore. I m not saying people should be throwing money at attorneys for relatively less important legal interests , like insurance rent employment stuff. Many things can be solved without spending money on counsel. But people ought to really bring some muscle when they re feeling somethings wrong and they re not getting medical attention!! Negotiating a fee for a single intervention at the location in person and maybe a written statement would be a good idea. It shouldn’t be very expensive if they don’t have to review lots of documents. Bring them along as your Rottweiler (and I m saying that in a positive way - you demand lawful treatment in line with professional diligence rules And if you need a guardian dog that S you demanding your rights be honoured !) Sad it would have to be like that but when doctors aren’t listening don’t wait patiently guys ! I feel „normal“ People aren’t aware of this option - but you don’t need a celeb attorney bring your „normal“ attorney from across the street. They ll do the job just fine !

[@debradennis3379]

DON'T GO into the hospital wearing nail polish, the early signs of oxygen loss shows in the nail beds by changing color, be able to keep an eye on yourself, you could just be cold but it could just as well be oxygen loss.

[@Ummkelechi]

Wow good advice! Thank you!!

[@theoldschooldiva374]

Thank you!

[@dianeambrose683]

So sorry for all grieving the loss of a bright young mother.

[@abby-yc9rh]

i feel for her friends and family. hoping that people will hear about this, will be educated, and make a difference. rest in peace 🤍

[@terynb4407]

Just want to point out that they aren't saying maternal death rates after child birth isn't a thing among all races. However they are pointing out that black women have the highest death rate after child birth and its not just a small difference but a big difference compared to other women of different races.

[@Kimmieziven]

I never knew that, thx for explaining

[@roniquegold2124]

Thanks for sharing. Yet, what are some of the medical problems black women are having after childbirth?

[@terynb4407]

@@roniquegold2124 its not necessarily them having some unknown problem it's more along the lines that when they let someone know that something isn't right they are often ignored and brushed off and told its normal or something. While with other races they'll look into more often than not compared to black women

[@daniella8400]

@@roniquegold2124 blood clots which causes heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, aneurysm. Having a child is very dangerous for any woman. We are not having babies at a higher rate so our mortality rate should not be as high as is. A lot plays into this though. Being rushed at a hospital and overworked medical staff, that alone is recipe for a bad birthing experience.

[@deva190]

@@terynb4407 this is not limited to maternity patients. This also occurs with respect to other medical conditions, too. Often black people are brushed aside and not taken seriously about medical conditions in general. Moms are no different.

[@andreamontgomery8019]

As a new mother. I literally raised her alone postpartum. No family. I realized that some doctors and medical people prey on single mothers. They think we are strong so to speak. I had a all black nursing staff and they were thee most coldest, disconnected, meanest, nonchalant and it added more to my depression. All of them were trying to get rid of me and my daughter because Thanksgiving was coming up. I’m still going to write the labor and dilivery board a long letter of disgust. The white nurses that were on first shift were amazing as all get out. Comforting and caring. Black women need to emotionally heal from their traumas and stop going into the medical field for the money. Yeah, I said it.

[@Ikajo]

You just had bad luck. You can't apply your experience on every black woman out there and call it facts. In addition to that, it is fairly obvious your attitude towards the black nurses were pretty bad. No wonder they didn't like you.

[@andreamontgomery8019]

@@Ikajo I don’t believe in luck. On another note. As a black woman I can a test to numerous of black women that are un healed and broken. Making six figures but are emotionally stunted like a toddler. We’re not going to sit here and act like white doctors and white nurses don’t care about, black women before postpartum and after postpartum. This video is to sham white health care providers. Not today. Unfortunately this woman passed and left behind a beautiful child due to negligence.

[@Ikajo]

@@andreamontgomery8019 Uh... luck is a thing. You can't control everything. And as a black woman in the USA, surely you are aware of the racism and the history of black people being mistreated by healthcare workers? I'm neither black nor American, but even I'm aware that racism is a huge systemic issue in the USA. Exceptions are just that, exceptions.

[@threecturner354]

You said it correctly

[@threecturner354]

I went visit my friend and the black African nurse was being so rude until she noticed me there

[@imtherealtammygonna6216]

My friend literally had to beg the nurse to go get the doctor because she could literally feel her baby about to come out. The nurse left out and never came back. My friend literally tell them multiple times that she thinks her baby is about to come out I need someone in here. Still no one. At that point my friend said she just said fuck it and just started pushing then all the dam nurses and doctors finally want to come in and look saying oh yeah your ready. Like NO SHIT. my friend almost had her baby by herself. They show no true concern for black women. It’s sad.

[@erinnorwood6124]

:(

[@ericaa8701]

Same thing happened to me. They did not listen after explaining multiple times something is not right and that the baby is trying to come out. I ended up having to have an emergency c-section because my baby was trying to come out breech. Smh

[@amethyst24kt71]

I believe we all have been treated unfair by the Healthcare industry in America we all need to band together and start a class action lawsuit and sue them for all the pain and suffering we have to go through because they're not taught in medical school how to treat native people

[@ShadesofSage]

@Leicy Johonn It means the baby is coming out feet first.

[@DustyBanditRepellant]

@@amethyst24kt71 This should be part of the reparations they refuse to even think about giving black people. I can't wait for the creator to destroy these people.

[@5DNRG]

This should not even happen!! WTH is going on with healthcare??

[@AnnamarieSaunders2956]

I almost died during pregnancy and after pregnancy and even until now I still suffer from the medical neglect that I endure because my OBGYN didn’t care to ensure I was doing okay. It took my sister who visited me from a third world country to diagnose me upon entering my home. The doctor’s practitioner was upset to know that I was using the medical terms to present my health complications I was going through that they should have care enough to know.

[@kpepperl319]

This is so tragic in a nation who claims to be so advanced in medicine. I'm so sorry this happened to this warrior. I researched this issue when I was working on my BSN... It's so upsetting that doctors do not believe especially women of color that this is happening. While I'm not a black or brown woman, as an Asian American, I had a terrible experience where the residents did not properly inform me about a procedure they were doing to induce my delivery... When I asked how painful it will be, they down played it and did not offer to give me an epidural before the procedure... It was the most painful thing I have ever felt in my life... It was worse than giving birth. I felt like they figured I wouldn't complain because I am Asian, so they just let me be in pain for 4hrs. I was also belittled by one of the nurses, basically saying I was being overly dramatic. I cried for weeks afterwards because of the experience.

[@purelight4394]

I am so sorry. God will repay them for their wickedness.

[@ayuanabradford3206]

I’m sorry you went through this. This is why everyone needs a doctor in the family. I’m in a interracial relationship and my husband dad is a doctor and also my husband is also trying to be in medicine and when i give birth I’m going out of the country to give birth because i feel like I’ll be safer

[@terynb4407]

Sounds about right. People overestimate races pain tolerance and never take you seriously as an individual but rather base you off of other patients of similar "backgrounds" as you and make a generalization

[@marydahm6851]

I am so sorry you had to go through this. It is totally inexcusable. I’ve been a nurse for 24 years and to have a nurse tell you that you were “being dramatic” is unconscionable.

[@terakata2428]

I'm so sorry you were treated so u kind and hope your heart ❤ is healing g for you and your family.

[@mrsshelton226]

This is so heartbreaking! I too was ignored about complications after giving birth to my daughter. I was released and had to go back the next day to the emergency room. Black women are not taken seriously when we have a complaint. We know our bodies. "#BelieveHer 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@heathermetz3974]

3:01 “It doesn’t have to be this way!” So sorry for your loss.

[@justtia1031]

It’s crazy how doctors really don’t believe us

[@kellynorvell5714]

True....but if we tell them we have a drug addiction problem, they will believe that before they believe any of our other health problems/concerns.

[@essencemylyfe]

I'm so sorry that she will not be here with her beautiful baby 😢 but We must ensure that she did not die in vain I recently joined a task force here in Minnesota to advocate for ending the overwhelming number of Black Mothers & Babies dying before during and after birth. This is so tragic. We MUST keep fighting for change on behalf of Shalon and the many other mothers and babies. Our Lives really do matter! Rest Peacefully Momma 💜 #BelieveHER

[@nophiliamurphy8749]

Perhaps we need to stop putting the lives of our young mothers and babies in the hands of racist caregivers!

[@kissit012]

These numbers and issues against black women are drastically lower among black female practitioners. Change your doctors and caregivers when you can. Travel if you have to. Do not make excuses or be lazy when you and your family are concerned.

[@Hiddenplace414]

I don't think that's always true. My doc who delivered my baby was a black woman and was a nightmare. She damn near tried to kill me. My cousin too but she's not black. There's some terrible hospitals out there and they don't seem to care about anybody some of them

[@milagroscucuta]

I’ve had this happen to me twice, no one believed me and said it was in my head when I said something was and something didn’t feel right. Thanks to God I’m still here but it’s a traumatizing experience. I’m sorry for the families loss ♥️

[@debradennis3379]

Don't go into the hospital wearing nail polish, oxygen loss shows first in the nail beds.

[@amethyst24kt71]

I had this happen to me when I went to the er to have a c-srctiontion ,they had me sitting in the waiting room mind you when I had arrived my water already broke and the mucus had already came out I told them all these things they didn't listen they so by the time they came my child had meconium syndrome

[@amethyst24kt71]

She had even died they didn't even tell me that but they bought her back to life ,I didn't even know that until I got home and read the paperwork the way I was treated was unfair and I felt they didn't take my concerns serious

[@debradennis3379]

@Oreo Damsel Were you wearing nail color or fake nails? Fake nails can interfere with those finger monitors.

[@amethyst24kt71]

@Leicy Johonn yeah they didn't even tell me she died I had to read my discharge papers

[@grateful9672]

I had a stroke a few days after leaving the hospital. I am so thankful to be alive, with my blood pressure being so high, Dr's still sent me home. God had other plans.

[@nitab5039]

This was my biggest concern when I gave birth to my first child in August of 2020 right in the middle of the pandemic. I was so scared but thankfully I had an amazing doctor and medical staff. This story is heartbreaking. That beautiful baby deserved to have her mom. Prayers for the mother and family 🙏🏾

[@datpsychobytch]

Absolutely devastating how she’ll now have to grow up without her mother 🥺I’m glad she has her grandmother around to keep her moms memory alive 🙏🏼

[@gnvw]

Terribly sorry for this family + friend's loss...Incredible disappointing when women (or anyone for that matter) that know their own body and know that something's not right, but for medical professionals to invalid or ignore those gut feelings..RIP, but her story is going to be heard and will make a difference!!

[@sadiecali7522]

I delivered my daughter under the care of the most beautiful team of black women all from the islands in Sumter sc....I was high risk and we came out with flying colors thanks to those ladies and god....I wish every mom could have that standard of care

[@_prettybrownbrown7729]

Two of my cousins has stillborn babies . This really hurts and makes me afraid to go into pregnancy . You never know what they will do to you and not care for you properly .

[@ms.a806]

Don’t be afraid, trust God.

[@queent3343]

And yet you might have a great experience. No pregnancy or doctor is the same. Educate yourself. You shouldn't give up being a mom if that's what you really want.

[@nophiliamurphy8749]

That's exactly what they want black women to do, be afraid to have children. What better way to control the population of black Americans. Our community needs more black midwives obstetricians, gynecologists, and nurses. Because we need more black babies.

[@thecommunity1102]

Same. As a black woman there are just too many things working against us. I can't believe so many women(especially black women) have children. The state of our community makes it so that the men aren't the best nurtures and providers, (not all but waaay too many), then on top of having low partner support there's low community/familial support for too many of us and then on top of THAT medical staff are racist as fuck and will treat you poorly if you're black/minimize or ignore your pain (or add to your pain) and if you're seen by someone from your community the treatment isn't much better. It seriously blows my mind at just how many black women go through with pregnancy. Especially when they havent even secured 1/3 of those major support systems mentioned earlier.

[@warmcozy]

Research has shown black mothers experience a statistically significantly higher rate of maternal mortality rates as related to childbirth. Research has also shown that healthcare practitioners frequently dismiss complaints from black women more so than any other ethnic group.

[@bwb3881]

k.

[@LuvNickynGina4ever]

That's so insane, that i had to look up what equitable right meant, because to me, my understanding is childbirth is all the same around the world... how wrong am i 🙈

[@warmcozy]

@Cho Biden “Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variation in quality healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias. Social determinants of health prevent many people from racial and ethnic minority groups from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health.” A basic look into the research indicates obesity is NOT the leading cause of the black maternal mortality rate. Have a nice day.

[@ShayMarie.00]

@Cho Biden Look up the research. Why do poor white women have better health outcomes then wealthy black women? Why does the mortality rate fall when black mothers have black doctors?

[@irinapeters6740]

@Cho Biden Plus diabetes and hypertension

[@annek1226]

My love and support to you on the loss of your daughter! We are not supposed to bury our children! I lost my daughter and it’s a wound that never heals. They are so special! We miss them.💔

[@lynnmahan154]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[@flightlessfairy2281]

🙏🏼💜🙏🏼

[@tammywilliams2389]

I had my twins in September of 2021 after a month stay in the hospital because I had pre-eclampsia. I had my girls on Thursday and was discharged the Sunday. By Monday night I was admitted again. My blood pressure was sky high and I had fluid on my heart and lungs. I was kept until the end if the week. But come to find out I should of never left the hospital the day they discharged me. My blood pressure was still pretty high when they discharged me. Because of that near death experience for me I have decided I'm done having children. ( plus, I have twins so I'm definitely done 🤣🤣) I pray not another child has to end up motherless because of this system.. because I could of left my girls here, motherless.

[@kathleenking47]

Is this from clinics? I've seen even white women having these problems. Her baby was turning blue..her mom was even there... He has complications, even today😔

[@tammywilliams2389]

@@kathleenking47 I actually had a pretty awesome Dr. When I was discharged it wasn't my Dr's weekend to be on call so it was another Dr who discharged me. So, I don't think if it my Dr who knew my history she would of discharged me... idk I honestly don't know because she also told him to discharge me. So, who knows.

[@nakedmaneatinginadumpster6242]

That sounds traumatic, I’m sorry that happened.

[@silentnight9655]

Exceptionally sad and worrying. Reminds me of when Nicole Thea and her baby both died here in the UK. R.I.P.

[@jmurry6695]

God bless this. Save the mommies and babies. Save them both.

[@meeka2702]

I use to work on Labor and Delivery...I have said several times that doctors are not God, but they are expected to help, assist and heal. I saw so many times how certain women of color were looked over and the concern for their care was not as important. I saw how nurses would be strong and go up against the doctors n etc. I say stay strong and stick to your gut and your truths. I always tell people that never forget if u are in a hospital setting and you do not agree with what a doctor or nurse is telling u, you have the right to request someone in their place. I saw with my own eyes one day how a senior nurse saved the life of a patient because she saw n knew something about that patient that she had experienced years ago and got that person in surgery immediately and saved that person's life...Just know that we have good doctors and good nurses and vice versa, but not one is always the same, but pray about everything DO NOT BE AFRAID

[@temakelly1188]

I had one child at 23 now I’m 45 never risking my life on pregnancy again. That’s too much. Period pain is enough. Men have your own babies.

[@staymadloser7754]

You’re a little too old now to be trying to get pregnant again so yeah it would be smart to never do that again ma’am

[@sonyab2u974]

Lol😂😂

[@rosegarcia5069]

When she left the hospital she was fine..perhaps they need to keep them hospitalized for a week....we had a friend die along with her baby during delivery because the Dr would not listen to her when she complained about a terrible headache she was having.

[@leihope9472]

It's black maternal mortality, not black maternal morality. Anyway, I'm glad that the media is shedding light on this crucial topic. Thank you for sharing this incredibly eye-opening and inspiring story.

[@jackassforever3872]

And let’s go brandon

[@tiredoftheworld4834]

@@jackassforever3872 who cares about politics during a video like this?

[@j_9386]

Believe HER!! Black women feel pain too. We’re not superheroes.

[@robincoar9824]

All women of all races feel pain. White women have stories to share too.

[@j_9386]

@@robincoar9824 Bless your heart! Reading is fundamental dear. I didn’t say “only”, I said “too” which doesn’t exclude anyone.

[@nanithemami4230]

@@j_9386 it’s Robin Coar mindset right there, that keeps us as black women unheard

[@Affluent-Ghetto-Blackman]

@@robincoar9824 Next time it would be more productive for you to simply say you don’t care or just keep scrolling.

[@j_9386]

@@nanithemami4230 you’re absolutely right!

[@gigglezillakids7379]

This is real. Tugs on my heart strings. I'm glad to see her family & friends doing the work even after she passed.

[@dearcole123]

That woman was inspiring. Glad there are / were people like her.

[@fbbWaddell]

Yes, I point it out to my doctor's nurse every time I feel dismissed or ignored. I want them to be aware that they are doing it and aware that I know they are doing it.

[@AC-qi9wo]

Why is it so damn hard for her Dr. Not to check her out I'm so sorry for your lost but when you don't feel right , the Dr. shouldn't brush it off.

[@brandyfadina704]

I'm in tears right now in regards to this, thank you Mama for loving your daughter so much that you are now helping to make sure that this doesn't happen to another woman.

[@bl-s3627]

I had my second child last August via cesarean. Eight days later, I felt tingling in my lips and a bad headache. I was visited by my Doula for a postpartum checkin. She encouraged me to check my blood pressure. I’d had a Doula because I was hoping to VBAC/TOLAC. My bp was sky high! I talked to my cousin who’s a midwife who said take meds and call the doctor. I called are an hour to try to give the meds a chance to work-they didn’t work. I talk to the nurse assigned to speak to me. She says take more meds and go to sleep and recheck in the morning. I told me cousin, she encouraged me to ignore the nurse and go straight to the ER of labor and delivery. I did and I’m here because I listened to my cousin not the nurse! I had to be hospitalized and on it fluids for postpartum preeclampsia. It we so frightening!

[@hS-nt6pr]

So important to push back to your doctors and team when you feel something isn’t right. Doctors (and all medical workers) are not perfect and can only try their best! They can and will make mistakes or overlook things. So so so important to speak up and make sure you are being listened to.

[@mobutter2879]

It also helps if your Doctor actually cares! I hemorrhaged with my daughter. I’m here to this day, because Dr. Chan cared!

[@Tasheka55]

@@mobutter2879 THIS!

[@thelifeofamomofyoungmanand6439]

I feel bad for this family and that beautiful woman was strong and fought hard as she could. My deepest condolences to the family and for that baby ❤️ my love her bless heart to only see her mom four days is really sad. 😢

[@shalawnadams3519]

What a beautiful person and a beautiful name, my daughter amost died going through childbirth as well. Praying for your family 💞

[@leanita7549]

This is important work and an important story. Thank you for sharing. We all need to be aware.

[@Cantetinza17]

I joined a birthing clinic that focused on women of color because I have seen TOO MANY of my friends not get the care they needed or the proper response while they were having their children.

[@Exoticlightskinn]

What’s the name? Where is it?

[@erinnorwood6124]

Can you share some of the issues they faced? I'm a nursing student. And I've been wondering about this issue.

[@Cantetinza17]

@@erinnorwood6124 one of my friends got the Epidural, the first one didn't work, so we called the guy back. He told my friend that he did it right she must have moved there was nothing else that he could do. Her son started coming out forehead first so they had to perform an Ephesiatomy and I believed they used general medication. She said that she felt the cut. Another friend after she has her daughter she filled out the meal card and they only served her breakfast they didn't serve her lunch or dinner. We asked every meal time for her tray they wouldn't take any action. I finally got loud and disrespectful before someone gave me the number to the cafeteria they sent cold tomato soup and a cold quesadillia. My other friend was already in active labor with her son. She said no Petosin. They gave it to her anyways she said the birth was so traumatizing. With her second son she did a home birth with a Midwest and Doula and she said it was like night and day. Another friend was yelled at by a nurse when she asked for more ice chips and water and the Filipino lady in the next bed didn't have to ask for anything. The nurse was Filipina too, so she made sure to take care of her. The list goes on, but those are the ones that make me so mad.

[@Cantetinza17]

@@Exoticlightskinn The birthing Center? Its San Diego Birthing Center.

[@Carpathianpixie]

@@erinnorwood6124 Read "Medical Apartheid" and you'll understand the history and culture of neglect and bias of the medical field.

[@bently629]

I’m a registered nurse and still don’t get heard when I bring up a concern. Health care needs to do better. Yes doctors/nurses know anatomy but people know their own anatomy/bodies and know when something just isn’t right

[@melissawittman]

I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words.

[@Godcreatedmj1]

💐🕊Great narration and comments! Thanks for sharing with the community 🙏

[@kimstewart3084]

My daughter passed away giving birth as well. Feb 2,2017. I pray for every family affected by this.

[@sonyab2u974]

🙏🏽💕

[@ShadesofSage]

Wow. This story really hits home for me. I gave birth to my first child, a daughter, also in January 2017 and had to have an emergency C-section. This could’ve been me. I just had my 4th and I’ve since become a doula. This is why my channel and what I do is so important, ESPECIALLY for Black mothers. We need this extra support and we need to see ourselves represented. Thank you for sharing ❤️!

[@lhamilton6041]

I just subscribed to your channel.

[@sanyundekou9332]

Me and this young lady share the same name. God rest her spirit and cover and bless her family.

[@SimplySittinginGODSPOWER]

This is heartbreaking. I’m so sorry this happened to her. 🤍

[@gabrielleaugustin1019]

Thank you for bringing attention to this incredibly serious issue. Understand that the black maternal death rate is more than 3 times HIGHER than any other race, even when you look at black women of high socioeconomic status. There is a huge issue of medical racism within our healthcare system and it’s affecting innocent women and children. Pregnancy and child birth is difficult enough, no one should fear death during this process just because of their race.

[@kialuvsyoo]

@Sara Mill they're talking about the people providing "care", not the diseases.

[@datekaname2246]

@Sara Mill even with that taken into consideration, there's no explanation as to why the death toll is that high in comparison to others. Stfu and do actual research moron.

[@hempchile8612]

rest in peace to the daughter bless the family

[@Contessa6363]

Thank you for sharing her story. RIP ❤️❤️❤️

[@desireehansen6901]

I wrote a paper about her!! Omg I hope they find justice for her! God bless this family 💕

[@remizart]

Hugs and prayers for the family, friends, and that new munchkin! It’s a beautiful thing when someone can turn tragedy into purpose. I’ve been there and I know that even when you can’t see the reason WHY…. HE knows the plan. The sun is always shining above the clouds.

[@marih3286]

This is so sad, but so true. I had an undiagnosed condition for 2 years. After I changed doctors a routine test was ordered (colonoscopy), so my condition was properly diagnosed and resolved. This M.D. couldnt understand why that test wasnt ordered earlier. Time, quality of life, employer and insurance carriers money wasted.

[@PlantLady9098]

This is so heartbreaking.

[@tonyafox6176]

Bless you all. Take comfort in knowing she is a warrior with God touching the lives of many.

[@spoton8660]

So sorry to hear about Shalon's unfortunate passing. Not sure how the doctors are not legally and criminally being held responsible. Medical Apartheid is real and practiced unfortunately by so many in the healthcare field. Hold them responsible.

[@HuffrsZoe]

God bless her!

[@calicocritterscrafts886]

We are literally discussing this in my nursing school in my OB class. The health care disparities and biases are REAL

[@heathercummings1026]

This hits Home so much . As a black mom & sister this conversation and concern is often the fear in the medical community. I lost my sister to tumors because no one felt her pain mattered

[@cj4127]

This is a very touching story. I am curious of the exact cause of her death AND exactly how it was related to her giving birth. That's hugely important information to mothers-to-be everywhere. Nevertheless, I believe any attention related to maternal health is good attention and I'm praying for her beautiful daughter she left behind and those who will care for her.

[@tammielewis5837]

But in saying that...I'm so sorry for the loss of a beautiful life!

[@carakoontz7991]

Three years ago,I had a son I named him Micah. I stopped breathing,on the table. The doctor thought he lost us both, I was recesitated and they saved me. I always wondered what my place is on earth when God took my last son I went CRAZY I never thought I would ever get over it. I'm not saying I'm over it,but every day teaches me to be a little bit stronger. But it's hard... He would a been 3 there's not a day that goes by that he's not though of. EVERYDAY! R.I.P. baby Micah.... Until we meet again.

[@lorettadavis6944]

This is so very sad. My God always protect and bless her little angel.

[@MicroTex23]

May her beautiful soul rest in peace and it pains me that a little child lost her mom because of medical negligence. Maternal deaths of women is criminal in my book and the mere fact that it is so high in black women pains me to say the medical system doesn't value the concerns/pains of black women. RIP

[@bartender4877]

I hade the same issue, I hade pulmonary embolisms threw out both my lungs 🫁 they were totally full with them. I hade a third csection and the operation caused it. I was released from the hospital on day two. After three weeks at home the doctor visited me at home and I complained about not getting enough aire when breathing. Hade to take contrast fluid in my vain and the X-ray showed the lungs were full with bloodclothes, This is not only an American problem. I’m Dutch from the Netherlands but I’m a black woman. Doctors don’t take us seriously everywhere in the world

[@ayuanabradford3206]

Unless you have a doctor in the family

[@fvfr6294]

JESUS CHRIST I'M GLAD YOU MADE IT!!

[@bartender4877]

@@ayuanabradford3206 a doctor or not. I’m a nurse myself and work in a elderly facility so yeah.. there are even directions the staff gets:”Patient such and such is black they can take a little more pain than a white person”. When you go for training abroad I know it was said to students. This goes to show that the general idea is black people can endure more pain. This was in Suriname in the hospital where they also said it. In the medical field there are a few people not taking seriously those are “ black people, black woman, elderly, AND other medical personnel” the staff often finds its very aggravating if another colleague like family of a patient who happened to have a MD tells them how and what needs to be done. So i understand your point it’s just in this case not the best thing to even say to personnel treating you.. nobody likes a now it all

[@ayuanabradford3206]

@@bartender4877 Well my fiance parents are doctors and my fiance is soon to been so i have no problems

[@bartender4877]

@@ayuanabradford3206 good for you

[@mswinner2473]

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of this beautiful soul. So sorry for your loss. May she RIP

[@1stlast]

😢this was so sad and unfair for her not to fully experience motherhood. I am so sorry for your loss and her life will not be in vain. Beautiful person. Every Life has purpose, never give up.

[@polishus8022]

Heartbreaking 😞

[@ndeysagniagrace3526]

May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace. May the almighty God grant her paradise. Ameen Ameen Ameen 🤲🏼❤️

[@annsuddith5022]

So sorry for your loss.

[@lorettamarshall7577]

I am sorry for your loss.

[@yesimalik03]

As a maternal community health worker, this is very much needed. We need health equality to be able to provide the adequate care so Moms and babies can be healthy and live their best lives. Systemic racism has to come to an end. We need to advocate, to stop maternal and infant mortality.

[@patriciahercules6852]

These doctors and nurses are racist and will never care for black people.Time to separate and build our own .

[@aldyja]

This is beyond heartbreaking, it’s infuriating because this most likely could have been prevented by some medical professional listening to this mother’s health concerns. Health equity in this country should be a priority. My prayers go out to this family. 💔🙏🏾

[@Evettecord]

We need to encourage our kids to go into medicine, stem and finance like the other communities do

[@PhantomWanderer]

Stuff like this always make me upset and had me so scared when I was pregnant. I thank God there were no complications

[@tiffanyvan18]

The fact this even has to be made is what's even more heartbreaking 😔😔😔😔😔