The first few months of life are a critical period of growth, development, and bonding for newborns and their families. However, for Black babies and their families, this period can be fraught with unique challenges and disparities. Systemic racism, socioeconomic factors, and inadequate access to healthcare can all impact the health and well-being of Black babies. Postnatal support for Black babies and their families address these disparities.
The Alarming Reality:
Black infants are disproportionately affected by poor birth outcomes, including higher rates of:
Infant mortality (2.3 times higher than white infants)
Low birth weight (1.5 times higher than white infants)
Premature birth (1.5 times higher than white infants)
These disparities are not solely the result of individual choices or behaviors, but rather are influenced by systemic factors such as:
Limited access to prenatal and postnatal care
Racial bias in healthcare provider decision-making
Socioeconomic stressors, including poverty and housing insecurity
The Importance of Postnatal Support:
Postnatal support is critical for ensuring the health and well-being of newborns and their families. This support can include:
Home visiting programs, which provide regular check-ins and support for new parents
Breastfeeding support and education
Access to mental health services, including counseling and therapy
Connection to community resources, such as food banks and parenting support groups
For Black families, postnatal support can be particularly vital in addressing the unique challenges they face. By providing targeted support and resources, we can help mitigate the effects of systemic racism and promote better health outcomes for Black babies.
Addressing Disparities:
To address the disparities in postnatal support for Black babies and their families, we must take a multifaceted approach. This includes:
Increasing funding for programs that provide targeted support to Black families, such as home visiting programs and breastfeeding support services
Providing cultural competency training for healthcare providers, to address implicit bias and ensure that care is tailored to the unique needs of Black families
Promoting community-based initiatives, such as peer support groups and parenting classes, to provide connection and support for Black families
Conclusion:
The first few months of life are a critical period of growth and development for newborns and their families. For Black babies and their families, this period can be marked by unique challenges and disparities. By providing targeted postnatal support and addressing systemic disparities, we can promote better health outcomes for Black babies and support the well-being of their families. It’s time for us to cradle life and ensure that all families have the support they need to thrive.
I read a few articles and had spellcheck jazz it up.
The point of this painting for me is that I want to see the next generations enjoy my art of themselves. Something has to give.
I was planning on making something this week and this face stuck with me.
The thing is at first it was really flattering. This algorithm finds you so interesting that it would like to help you manage your career to be better and more profitable then you realize they’re just an answer to everyone.. The bitterness has sat in. 😂👎🏾
I just really love Miles Davis. Somewhere in my 20s I discovered jazz albums and they have stuck with me the rest of my life.. Miles is one of the first albums I ever heard.
I hope the week has been nice to you. It has been OK for me, but it is only gonna get better from this day forward.
Lastly, I just want everyone to know it’s OK to be sad right now or angry, but don’t stay with that feeling for too long. We are creative. We are amazing and we are intelligent, so we’re gonna figure out a way to do some thing interesting something smart And something incredible.
I believe in you because you believe in me and so we’re both real. 
How goes it? I’m ok. Just doing as I do. I went on this adventure with Alec and her mom back to DC. It’s only like 20 minutes from where we are, but I haven’t seen that part of DC probably in about a year. It just changed so much that had I not known where I was I wouldn’t be able to recognize where I was. But so is life..
I really like that print I made I think it’ll be nice to have it shows and also to put online cause I need to get better at doing my online store. Plus, I know everybody really likes cassette tapes so I think it’ll be fun.
I am thinking about doing another live painting show this Thursday night if you want to join me you’re welcome to.
Hope this week has been kind. we all gotta get through this together. Best way I know is to make and consume art.
My big plans for the year is to do more shows and maybe but out a new art book. I feel like I’m not sure what direction I want to go with it. It’ll come to me.
Mostly I’m consuming books and music. What are you reading / listening to.
I / we will find our way through this time and we will be ok.
I’ve got a new art vlog out today. Hope you all enjoy it. I’ve been working on this commission pretty steadily for about a month now and I feel really good about it. I honestly do. I think a lot of great art takes time and you have to be kind of willing to figure out how much and what type of time that needs.
I am enjoying all the snow. It’s like a forced moment of relaxation.