Brown Mama Circle: Kristina

Theres a Brown Girl in the ring...

When I thought of doing The Brown Mama circle, I knew I wanted to amplify the voices of Black and Brown women. I also knew that as a midwife, black woman; and in fact a human being, I would more than likely hear things that would make me feel uncomfortable, challenge me and invoke feelings of empathy because care and experiences were not always positive.

On this instalment of the Brown Mama Circle, Kristina speaks about so many elements of her experience that are unfortunately all too common for a lot of women, but further to that highlights how and why Black and Brown women and babies are more likely to die, have poor outcomes, and/or have a negative experience.

Some of the themes Kristina describes includes pregnancy loss; fear and anxiety; preferences and choices not being respected; poor communication; lack of empathy; feeling unable to question elements of care; feelings of lack of control over their pregnancy and birth; not being listened to; not being believed; failure to signpost to emotional support and debriefing services and so much more that we could glean from her story.

Put yourself in her shoes... Imagine that was you, your wife, your friend, your daughter... What does hearing her story make you feel?? Now ask yourself... How can I make sure this doesn't happen to me, my loved one or someone in my care?