"If we were treated the same as any other race"

Healthwatch Oxfordshire supported Black Women in Maternity to support a participatory action research project on Black women's maternity care. They reached 52 Black women via a survey.

The report finds that Black women’s experiences of maternity care are mixed, with many reporting positive care but a significant number describing poor or unequal treatment. While most respondents rated their care during pregnancy and childbirth as good or very good, experiences were notably worse after birth, with higher levels of dissatisfaction in postnatal care. 

Although many women said they received adequate pain relief and were able to build relationships with midwives, fewer felt that healthcare professionals listened to them or took their concerns seriously. Some participants reported feeling that they were treated differently because of their race or were unsure whether this had influenced their care. 

A major theme in the report is that some Black women felt ignored, dismissed, or not believed by healthcare professionals, particularly regarding pain or complications. In some cases, this lack of responsiveness contributed to distressing or unsafe situations during labour and after birth. 

The report also highlights concerns about staff attitudes, including rushed care, lack of compassion, and occasional experiences of stereotyping or insensitive comments. Communication was another key issue, as while information was often provided, it was not always clear, helpful, or tailored to women’s needs. 

Positive aspects of care included supportive and attentive staff, good communication in some cases, and safe deliveries. Women also emphasised the importance of family, community, and peer support in helping them cope with pregnancy and early parenthood. 

The report notes that experiences appear to have worsened over time, with older participants generally recalling more consistent and compassionate care than younger women who gave birth more recently.

Based on these findings, the report recommends action to address racial inequalities in maternity care, including anti-racism training for healthcare staff, improved continuity and person-centred care, better communication, and more culturally appropriate support. It also calls for greater community-based support, including peer groups and education for Black mothers. 

Overall, the report concludes that inequalities and inconsistent care persist for Black women in maternity services in Oxfordshire, and that meaningful changes are needed to ensure safe, respectful, and equitable care for all.