UC Berkeley

BACKGROUND: Traumatic childbirth experiences are common in the United States - affecting a third to a fourth of mothers - with significant negative impacts on maternal health. Yet most research on traumatic childbirth focuses on white mothers experiences. Drawing on a racially and ethnically diverse sample of mothers who experienced traumatic childbirth, this exploratory qualitative study examined Black, Latina, and Asian mothers traumatic birth experiences and the role of obstetric racism in shaping these experiences. METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2019-2020 with 30 mothers who identified as women of color (37% Black, 40% Latina, and 23% Asian) who gave birth in the US and self-identified as having experienced a traumatic childbirth. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Mothers reported obstetric racism as core to their traumatic birth experiences. This racism manifested through practitioners use of gendered and racialized stereotypes, denying and delegitimizing mothers needs. Mothers shared key consequences of the obstetric racism they experienced, including postpartum anxiety and depression, increased medical mistrust, and decreased desire for future children. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers reports suggest that obstetric racism played a role in their traumatic birth experiences. Particularly, practitioners deployment of gendered and racialized stereotypes influenced mothers treatment during birth. These findings point to opportunities to address obstetric racism during childbirth and improve patients experiences through enhancing their agency and empowerment. The findings, in addition, highlight the need for increased practitioner training in anti-racist practice and cultural humility.