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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.