FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — This week, Black Maternal Health Week is celebrating 10 years since the movement first started.<\/p>\n
The goal is to amplify the voices of African American mothers and address longstanding disparities in maternal health outcomes.<\/p>\n
Becoming a new mother can be an exciting milestone, but it can also bring uncertainty and unanswered questions.<\/p>\n
“About 98% of births take place in a hospital. The fact that 98% of births take place in a hospital, it’s common for mothers to go into labor not knowing or understanding what’s going on,” said Ta-She-Ra Manning, a Program Supervisor and Doula with the BLACK Wellness and Prosperity Center.<\/p>\n
African American mothers continue to face significant maternal health disparities.<\/p>\n
According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to white women. Medical professionals say underlying health conditions can further increase those risks.<\/p>\n
Dr. Lissa Francois, a maternal fetal medicine specialist with Kaiser Permanente in Fresno, said chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes can complicate pregnancy.<\/p>\n
“Pregnancy is what we call a stress test for the heart,” Francois said. “And if your heart is already compromised, pregnancy will just unmask or worsen those conditions.”<\/p>\n
Health experts say limited access to resources and information can also play a role in poor outcomes. The BLACK Wellness and Prosperity Center released Birthing While Black: A Hospital Guide. It’s designed to help birthing mothers better prepare for pregnancy, labor and postpartum recovery.<\/p>\n
“All pregnant women can turn to this guide. Of course, we focus on our Black mamas because they have the highest morbidity and mortality rates, but every pregnant mom can benefit from this magazine,” said Manning.<\/p>\n
The guide comes as health experts continue to highlight unequal risks facing Black women during pregnancy and childbirth.<\/p>\n
The guide was published in partnership with CRWNMAG and supported through the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award. It includes information on topics ranging from understanding birthing plans to postpartum recovery.<\/p>\n
“This beautiful guide was designed to help black moms protect their voice, understand their options and feel supported through their pregnancy journey,” Manning said.<\/p>\n
Health experts emphasize that many maternal deaths could be avoided. They note that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are considered preventable.<\/p>\n
“Recognizing the urgent maternal warning signs, providing timely treatment and delivering respectful, high-quality care can prevent many of the pregnancy-related deaths,” Francois said.<\/p>\n
People who want to reserve a copy of the guide can click here<\/a> and can pick it up between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the BLACK Wellness and Prosperity Center in Downtown Fresno.<\/p>\n For news updates, follow Ana Torrea on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n