On March 3, the Latina Leadership Podcast held a conference called “Mind, Body and Latina Soul.” This event aimed to give Latinas in Houston a complete view of their health through a cultural lens.
One standout panel was “Mamá’s Health is the Responsibility of Everyone.” Moderated by Houston Landing, it featured leaders like Marlen Trujillo, CEO of the Spring Branch Community Center, Samantha Anchia from March of Dimes, and Monica Guillen from the Houston Area Women’s Center. The discussion touched on pressing issues like maternal health, mental wellness, and the disparities low-income families face in accessing health care.
The health of mothers and their babies often connects to family income and background. Sadly, maternal mortality rates have increased in recent years. According to the CDC, the rate reached 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021, a jump from 20.1 per 100,000 in 2019. For Hispanic or Latina women, the rate soared from 11.8 in 2018 to 28 per 100,000 in 2021.
Texas struggles with high rates of pre-term births. In the 2024 March of Dimes Report, the state received a D grade for pre-term births and is classified “very high” for risk factors like poor access to prenatal care and environmental hazards.
Insights from the Panelists:
Q: What are key disparities affecting Latina mothers today?
Anchia: Immigration fears have grown under the new administration. Many Latinas hesitate to seek prenatal care due to fear of deportation, which poses a serious risk.
Guillen: This fear extends to preventative health care, increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Trujillo: We’ve had situations where mothers chose not to go to the hospital for care. For instance, a baby was delivered in our clinic’s parking lot. While both mom and baby were fine, the situation shows the risks that can arise from fear.
Q: What social and economic factors lead to these disparities?
Anchia: Many Latina mothers juggle demanding jobs and caregiving responsibilities, often earning low wages. This can lead to a lack of focus on their own health, risking conditions like preeclampsia and diabetes.
Guillen: Socioeconomic status, lack of insurance, and domestic violence all play significant roles in accessing health care and support.
Q: How can we support Latina maternal health?
Anchia: Awareness is key. We need to educate mothers about their rights and encourage them to seek prenatal care without fear.
Trujillo: Organizations can assist undocumented women by helping them access programs like CHIP Perinatal, which provides prenatal care.
Guillen: Normalizing conversations about maternal health and advocating for policy changes, like Medicaid expansion, is essential. We need to create safe spaces for women to discuss their health without stigma.
Discussing mental health presents its own challenges in Latina communities. Conversations about postpartum depression and anxiety are often avoided, leading to further struggles for new mothers. Breaking this silence is crucial. By talking openly, we can support each other and reduce stigma.
Trujillo noted the importance of understanding community needs. Initiatives like prenatal classes and baby showers can help mothers connect and share their experiences. These efforts ensure women feel supported and valued in their health journeys.
As discussions around maternal health continue, there’s a growing need to bring light to these issues. For Latinas, a holistic approach that emphasizes cultural understanding, support systems, and reduced stigma can pave the way for healthier futures.
Check out this related article: Transforming Lives: Discover the New Mental Health Support Program for Agricultural Workers in Torrington
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