The events aim to shed a light on inequalities related to Black maternal and infant health.
Amanda Rostic is the Senior Project Specialist for Corewell Health’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion team. She said that while breastfeeding is really important for mothers in general, it’s important to zero in on Black mothers.
“There’s this misconception that Black mothers don’t breastfeed and historically, we were barred from breastfeeding our own children so the fact that not only do we breastfeed," she said
"We’re good at breastfeeding, it’s really important to bring that back to the forefront for people that Black mothers do breastfeed and but that they may need support because of historical context and social determinants of health.”
Rostic said for Black women in Michigan, the maternal mortality rate is three times higher than for white women, making it critical that Black women receive quality care. She adds this includes looking at all social determinants of health.
"This starts with something as simple as a conversation, and at the end of the day when it comes to saving lives it really as simple as listening to our patients," Rostic said.
Event info from Corewell Health:
Community Grand Rounds: Black Maternal and Infant Health SummitDate: Thursday, Aug. 24
Time: 2-4:30 pm
Location: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, Grand Upton Hall or virtual
Register for in-person: https://lp.assets.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/BMIHSummitInPersonRegistration
Register for virtual: https://spectrumhealth-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n3zFJuk6RJiLyg3i-2Yh-Q#/registration
Capturing Liquid Gold
Date: Aug. 25
Time: 5 pm
Location: Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
Register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JMDXSW7
Virtual Meet Baltimore’s Birth Artist: Lauren TurnerDate: Aug. 25
Time: 11 am
Location: Virtual
Register: https://spectrumhealth-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f3OrtbUFTHu6TFOUUyaPAA#/registration
Launching “Yes! We Do” Billboard Blitz
The “Yes! We Do.” Billboard Blitz is an awareness campaign held during Black Breastfeeding Week, August 25-31.
Virtual Breastfeeding: A Candid Cross Community Panel Discussion
Date: Aug. 28
Time: 12 pm
Location: Virtual
Register: https://spectrumhealth-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Dtd7crS1T-WppJ69iZpQHw#/registration
For more information, visit here.
