From preconception through pregnancy and into postpartum, Black birthing people often face unnecessary challenges and barriers when navigating the healthcare system. Because of this reality, self-advocacy isn’t optional for us; it’s essential. It means asking questions, naming concerns, and insisting on care that honors our humanity. It means refusing to shrink ourselves to make others feel comfortable.

And let us be clear: we are not asking for too much!

Storytelling has always been a powerful tool for change. Within Black maternal health, personal narratives are more than stories — they are acts of advocacy. Centering lived experience alongside data is essential in maternal health advocacy, as these narratives illuminate realities that numbers alone cannot capture.