Information for healthcare professionals about how to support the mental health of Black families while they are on the neonatal unit.
Statistics
Black babies are more likely to be born needing neonatal care and are more likely to die on a neonatal unit, than their White counterparts, in the UK.
Preterm birth rates in England and Wales differ significantly by ethnicity. The proportion of babies born premature is:
10.2 per cent in Black Caribbean babies
8.1 per cent in Black African babies
9.1 per cent in babies from other Black backgrounds
7.6 per cent in White British babies
We also know that the neonatal death rate for White babies is 1.7 per 1,000 total births, the neonatal death rate for Black babies is 2.9 per 1,000 live births, meaning that the risk of neonatal mortality is 75% higher among babies from Black ethnic groups compared to White babies.
To make progress towards eliminating these inequalities and to ensure we can support Black parents it’s vital that we hear and understand the experiences of Black parents and their babies in neonatal care.
Bliss: In conversation with... Manuella and Kemi
Click below and listen to Manuella and Kemi talk about their experiences as Black parents on the neonatal unit in a special edit specifically for healthcare professionals.
In this episode we take an in-depth look at the reality of how having a baby on a neonatal unit can impact the mental health of the parents. This podcast is intentionally focusing on the experience of Black families in order to deepen our understanding of the inequities that they face.
Bliss' Mental Health Project
Bliss has been working to look at the impact that having a baby in neonatal care can have on their parents. Through our work around health inequalities, we know that Black families experience neonatal care differently.
We have heard that they feel isolated, that they experience prejudice and racism and that all of this can impact their time in neonatal care. Therefore, we intentionally focussed on the experiences of Black families to deepen our understanding of the inequities that they face.
Bliss held a listening event, facilitated by midwife Illiyin Morrison for five Black families with recent neonatal experience. This was a chance for us to create a safe space for Black families, to talk and be heard.
Following on from this listening event we invited two of the parents, Manuella and Kemi, to record a podcast where we were able to delve deeper into their experiences of neonatal care. They both talked openly and candidly about their realities and offered insights to improve support and care for Black families.
Find out below what our work has taught us about how neonatal care can feel for Black parents.
Their neonatal experience is different
The extent of this is often not fully recognised or understood. Mental health doesn’t look the same for everyone.
Black families can feel profound isolation
They may act strong or keep quiet, but this can be masking their need for support.
For many Black families there is a real fear of having their babies taken away
There is a real concern that showing any vulnerability will lead to negative outcomes for their babies. There may be a reluctance to appear uninformed which can prevent them from engaging with unit staff. Asking too many questions can be misinterpreted as being uneducated, aggressive or confrontational.
Gratitude for the neonatal care available can stop them from advocating for their baby
Lacking confidence to challenge decisions due to fear of recrimination.
Lack of understanding of the significance of Black families' experiences of healthcare before arriving on a neonatal unit
Previous experiences of trauma, racism and prejudice will impact how they navigate the vulnerable environment of neonatal care.
Actions for Healthcare Professionals
Based on this learning, here are some actions to consider when supporting Black families in neonatal care.
Ask
Don’t assume that parents are ok just because they don’t ask for help. They may be masking their feelings.
Check
Approach families more than once – this can build trust and offers space for them to talk when they feel comfortable and are able to do so.
Listen
Talk to parents about what matters to them and how they want to care for their baby. There might be cultural celebrations or traditions, stigmas they’re facing or concerns that they need clarifying. Facilitating these can be important to making a family feel at ease.
Consider
Understand the antenatal journey that came before a family's neonatal stay.
Celebrate
Be confident to celebrate differences in all families, no journey through neonatal care is the same.
To find out more about the podcast or the wider project please contact [email protected]
