Black women carry the weight of the world on OUR shoulders

Black women are often the problem-solvers, educators, nurturers, and primary sources of income in their families-- they are the key pillars of support for extended families. Balancing many roles is stressful, and Black women may also experience chronic stress from their early childhood.

Experiencing implicit bias, racism, and preventable negative birth outcomes increases the stress Black women and babies experience during pregnancy.

Negative and high-level stress can increase the chances of preterm birth – (birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy), which is the leading cause of infant mortality.

Signs of negative stress:

• You feel overwhelmed and worried rather than positive

• You feel anxious or feel bad

• You have physical symptoms that make it difficult to feel comfortable or well rested

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