Racial and Health Equity: What One NICU Parent Leader's Experience Teaches Us.

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Health
• Health Equity
• Neonatal Care

Background:

• Preterm birth disproportionately affects Black mothers.
• Access to quality healthcare is a significant barrier for many families.
• Parental advocacy plays a crucial role in infant outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To share the lived experience of a Black mother navigating preterm birth and NICU care.
• To highlight the challenges and triumphs of parental advocacy.
• To inform NICU teams about patient perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interview with a Black NICU Parent Leader.
• Exploration of personal experiences across three pregnancies and preterm deliveries.
• Focus on healthcare access barriers and advocacy efforts.

Main Results:

• Detailed account of advocating for self and infants during preterm births.
• Identification of systemic barriers to appropriate healthcare access.
• Demonstration of resilience and effective advocacy strategies.

Conclusions:

• Parental experiences offer valuable insights for improving NICU care.
• Addressing healthcare disparities is essential for equitable perinatal outcomes.
• Disseminating these stories can enhance NICU team understanding and practice.