LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The nine-month journey from pregnancy to birth is not easy. That's why a Louisville organization is drawing attention to amplify the experiences of Black mothers, especially during pregnancy.

What You Need To Know

  • A Louisville organization is drawing attention to amplify the experiences of Black mothers, especially during pregnancy

  • It coincides with Black Maternal Health Awareness Week, a week-long campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance

  • Organizers held a community baby shower in Louisville for 30 expecting mothers

  • Black Maternal Health Awareness Week continues through Wednesday

It coincides with Black Maternal Health Awareness Week, a week-long campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance.

"I'm nervous about it because again, time was different then than what it is now," Keenocia Smith said.

This is the second time in life Smith will give birth. She’s seven months pregnant.

"I was 18 with the first one, and now I'm 34, so more mature, more experienced, lived life a little," she said. "So I feel like I can do better."

Not only is her body different from the first time, but she also feels wiser, she said. 

"I didn't breastfeed with my first one, and I do plan on this time," Smith said. "Having those vendors available is very helpful because again, if a mother has never experienced or had that support and then coming to a community baby shower where they can get all the answers, that's special."

She was one of the 30 expecting mothers who took part in the community baby shower in Louisville.

"If we're able to bring awareness and let them know that things are accessible for them to not have that traumatic experience, we really try to make that a thing so that they know," said Kazia Bryant, organizer and executive director of Mama to Mama. "Black women are treated very badly sometimes in the hospital setting."

Her goal is advocacy, which leads to awareness and change.

"They don't have anyone to share their feelings with, their concerns with," Bryant said. "It's just them and the doctor, so they have to put all of their trust essentially into a stranger that nine times out of 10, does not look like them and doesn't relate to them."

"Being able to offer that additional support, whether we’re their only support or whether we are their support on top of family, is really important." 

It's support Smith said she's looking forward to while she prepares for her little one’s arrival in two months.

"I just finished his room, so I'm very, very excited," she said.

Black Maternal Health Awareness Week continues through Wednesday.

Related Stories