Happy Black History Month ya’ll!
We like to think it’s fate that Black History Month coincides with the month of love. It’s obvious that both holidays encourage us to go that extra mile when it comes to expressing our appreciation for the people who matter and have made an impact on our lives. But the truth is, we need to make conscious efforts to express (and receive!) that love every single day.
This year’s celebration comes in the wake of an international health crisis and racial injustices that have only magnified society’s structural racism. In honor of this year’s theme The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity, we'll be highlighting stellar Black womxn who are making strides to break down systemic barriers and fight for a future where everyone, everywhere is afforded the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy. Because it all starts in the womb.
As a company that works at the intersections of sexual, reproductive, and mental health, we can't passively watch as America — the only wealthy country with a rising maternal mortality rate — slides into deeper racial disparity.
The truth is, the United States is in the midst of a Black maternal morbidity and mortality crisis. We live in a country that doesn’t prioritize educating our youth (or, who are we kidding, adults) about sex and sexuality, let alone seeing, learning, or talking about the birth process unless we go through it ourselves. And these conversations only get further suppressed when they discuss marginalized communities.
It’s estimated that 700 mothers in the United States die each year from pregnancy-related causes, and thousands more experience severe maternal morbidity ranging from lochia to postpartum depression.
Statistics are readily available confirming that pregnancy related mortality rates are up to three times higher among the Black and Indigenous community than their white counterparts. These gaps are not changing with time.
Because of our country’s historical and current racial divisions, Black people don’t have equal access to preventive care, meaning they suffer from higher rates of preventable diseases, like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. According to a National Partnership report released in 2018, Black expectant mothers are more likely to be uninsured and face the most significant financial barriers when accessing prenatal care.
READ MORE Facing Misdiagnoses: BIPOCs & Trans Folks Take Sexual Health Into Their Own Hands
We acknowledge these inequalities, but we do not accept them. Rather, we see an opportunity to learn and unlearn alongside you to collectively fight systemic racism and take meaningful action toward a more equitable future for everyone, everywhere.
More Celebration
There’s a lot to pack in the shortest month of the year! Our commitment to doing the work has to be sustainable, so we need to celebrate love in all its forms. Love for your friends, your chosen family, community, and perhaps most importantly, yourself.
You don’t have to do it all, all the time, but it does mean setting time aside for daily rituals, no matter how small. We love a long soak in a Tonic tub soak as we sip on some Tincture.
READ MORE 8 Ways to Brighten Up the Winter Blues
We’ll be sharing resources and regularly updating this page with merch drops and new resources. Happy Black History Month, today and every day.
Related Reading
The Intersection of Sexual and Mental Health
8 Ways to Brighten Up the Winter Blues
The Importance of Chosen Family
What to Expect Before & During Pregnancy & Postpartum
We're In This, Together: Celebrating Black History Month 2020
Facing Misdiagnoses: BIPOCs & Trans Folks Take Sexual Health Into Their Own Hands
Resources
Redefining Activism by Kenta Ch’umil
Race, Gender, and American Gynecology by Dr. Deirdre Cooper Owens
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy-Related Deaths in the U.S.2007–2016, CDC
Closing Gaps in Maternal Health Coverage: Assessing the Potential of a Postpartum Medicaid/CHIP Extension, The Common Wealth Fund, 2021
National Partnership Report For Women & Families, 2018
Momotaro Apotheca and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on Momotaro Apotheca is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition