When the Road Gets Rocky

We’ve all had moments where life knocks the wind out of us—and for Black women on the path to motherhood, it can feel like we’re climbing a mountain with no map.

Take Toneka, for example. In the latest episode of her story, Hope Amidst Heartbreak, she opens up about the unimaginable loss of her baby girl, born prematurely at just 28 weeks.

She was doing everything “right.” Attending checkups. Trusting her providers. Yet, she was still blindsided by complications that could have—and should have—been addressed sooner.

Unfortunately, many of us know this pain all too well. Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. And it’s not because we’re unhealthy; it’s because we’re unheard.

Your Voice Deserves to Be Loud

Watching Toneka share her story felt like watching a sister reclaim her power.

She could’ve stayed silent. But instead, she chose to speak up—not just for herself, but for all of us navigating a system that wasn’t built with our safety in mind.

Her courage reminds me of something I often tell my patients: You are not being “difficult” when you ask questions. You are being your own advocate.

Think of your pregnancy journey like driving through unfamiliar terrain. Your provider should be your co-pilot—not the one grabbing the wheel, but the one helping you navigate. If they’re not listening, it’s time to reroute.

That’s why we created Melanin Maternity—to be a trusted compass for Black mamas and mamas-to-be.

You Are Not Alone on This Journey

When Toneka says she’s sharing her story to help someone else, she’s doing what Black women have always done—turning pain into purpose, and community into healing.

If you’ve experienced loss, know this: You are not broken. You are not to blame. And you do not have to carry this alone.

We see you. We honor your story. And we are building spaces where your wellness is not an afterthought—it’s the main event.

Let’s continue to stand in the gap for each other, just like Toneka is doing. Because together, we can change the narrative around Black maternal health—one powerful story at a time.

The Village at Melanin Maternity

This is The Transformation You’ve Been Waiting For:

• You’ll go from feeling unheard and unsure to feeling informed and in control.

• You’ll go from surviving your pregnancy to thriving in your motherhood journey.

• You’ll go from navigating this experience alone to being wrapped in the support of a powerful, like-minded community.

The movement is here, and I’m inviting you in. Let’s build a future where Black mamas don’t just make it through pregnancy—they rise, they thrive, and they reclaim their birth stories.

That’s it for this week

You are worthy of a birth experience that honors your voice, your body, and your joy.

💜💜 Dr. Woodus