"They Didn't Believe Me": Exploring Perinatal Care Experiences Among Black Women Bereaved by Stillbirth

Black women and birthing people are disproportionately affected by stillbirth, experiencing rates twice as high as their Asian and white counterparts. Prior research documents the discriminatory and harmful medical encounters Black women and birthing people face while navigating pregnancy and childbirth. Despite growing interest in perinatal care experiences, there is little attention given to Black women bereaved by stillbirth. Perinatal loss introduces distinct challenges, particularly when situated within the context of anticipated and experienced obstetric racism; therefore, this study aims to describe the perinatal care experiences of Black women bereaved by stillbirth.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Black women. Each participant resided in a large metropolitan county of Northeast Ohio, was 18 years of age or older, and experienced a stillbirth. Interview transcripts were analyzed using descriptive coding and thematic analysis in Dedoose.

Five themes captured Black women's experiences of perinatal care during stillbirth: 1) inadequate care, 2) inadequate grief support, 3) being neglected and ignored, 4) being disrespected by health care providers, and 5) unempathetic health care providers. Participants reported that (mis)treatment during their loss shaped decisions about returning for postpartum care. Black women also emphasized how providers invalidated their loss and disregarded their emotional well-being.

Our findings highlight systemic deficiencies in the support and care that hospitals provide to Black women who have experienced stillbirth. Future interventions must address Black women's concerns, confront obstetric racism, and enhance services to fulfill the needs of Black women and their families.