BIPOC maternal health.
Supporting BIPOC families for healthier pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences.
he National Birth Coalition advances equitable maternal care for BIPOC families through culturally responsive education, community-based doula support, advocacy, and trusted resources that promote healthier outcomes for mothers and babies.
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WHY IT MATTERS
Every Mother Deserves Equitable Care
The National Birth Coalition is committed to reducing maternal health disparities affecting BIPOC families across North Carolina. Through community-based doula support, education, advocacy, and collaboration with maternity care providers, we help families navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care with greater confidence and support. Our work centers the voices and experiences of families while advancing a more equitable maternity care system for mothers and babies.
26.7
The National Birth Coalition advances equitable maternal care by supporting BIPOC families with trusted resources, education, and community-based support.
84%
We work to address maternal health disparities by connecting families with culturally responsive education, advocacy, and compassionate doula care.
53%
The National Birth Coalition empowers BIPOC mothers with knowledge, support, and resources throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
OUR vision
A future where every mother and baby receives equitable, respectful, and culturally responsive care.
The National Birth Coalition envisions a more equitable maternity care system where BIPOC families are heard, supported, empowered, and given every opportunity to achieve healthy outcomes.
Maternal Health
Supporting healthier pregnancies, safer births, respectful care, and stronger maternal health outcomes.
Infant Health
Encouraging healthy development, strong beginnings, and systems that support infants and new families.
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Families & Communities
Strengthening the relationships, resources, and communities that help families thrive throughout their journey.
WHEN RISK HAPPENS
Risk doesn't end at delivery.
The leading medical causes of pregnancy-related death shift by stage — which is why care needs to follow the full journey, not just the birth itself.
01
During
pregnancy
Heart disease and stroke are the leading overall cause of pregnancy-related death, often going unrecognized until they become emergencies.
Cardiovascular conditions lead
~22% of deaths
02
At
delivery
Hemorrhage and amniotic fluid embolism cause the most deaths during and immediately after delivery — emergencies where minutes matter.
Severe bleeding & obstetric emergencies
~22% of deaths
03
Postpartum
(1 wk – 1 yr)
Mental health conditions and cardiomyopathy are leading causes in the year after birth — the period families are least likely to still be monitored by a provider.
Mental health & weakened heart muscle
~22% of deaths
KNOW THE SIGNS
What warning signs look like.
The CDC's Hear Her campaign highlights symptoms that can seem minor but may signal a serious complication — during pregnancy or up to a year after.
Severe headache
Especially one that won't go away or doesn't respond to usual relief.
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Sudden swelling
In the face, hands, or legs — beyond typical pregnancy changes.
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Chest pain or dizziness
Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a racing heartbeat should never be brushed off.
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Overwhelming exhaustion
Or persistent sadness, anxiety, or thoughts of harming yourself — mental health symptoms count too.
GO DEEPER
Related pages.
Maternal health connects directly to these parts of our work.
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