By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
This National Nurses Week, the AFRO recognizes the vital contributions of Black labor and delivery nurses who bridge the gap in advocacy for their patients.
Across labor and delivery rooms nationwide, Black nurses are playing a critical role in addressing racial disparities in maternal health care, advocating for patients, and pushing for systemic change.
As a perinatal nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Kiera Wisen wears many hats. She works across labor and delivery, postpartum and nursery care—providing her with a broad view of the birthing experience. What drives her most is ensuring that her patients, especially Black women, are heard and respected.
“It means everything to be able to advocate for people who look like me,” Wisen said. “I want my patients to have full autonomy over their care from the moment they walk through the door.”
That sense of autonomy often starts with education. Wisen emphasizes the importance of birth plans, patient preferences, and informed decision-making—areas many Black patients may not realize they have control over.
Ashley Harris, a labor and delivery nurse, echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of ensuring patients understand the process throughout their entire experience.
“We step in to slow things down, to make sure all the questions are asked and that consents are signed freely and fully,” Harris said. “Unfortunately, not all patients are treated equally in healthcare.”
Representation in the healthcare field is vital because it brings perspective to patient care. When Black patients see someone who shares their experiences, they’re more likely to open up and feel safe.
“When Black patients see a Black nurse, they often feel more comfortable and heard because they know we understand them on a different level,” Harris said. “Sometimes providers think Black women are stronger and can tolerate more pain, but it’s our job as nurses to advocate. If the pain medication isn’t working, we push for more options– we speak up.”
Before advocating for a patient’s wishes, nurses must ensure the patient understands their options so they can truly own their birthing experience.
“I always tell them, ‘This is your birth—I just show up,’” Wisen said. “A lot of people don’t know they can make a birth plan or have a say in how their labor goes. Learn as much as you can before coming to the hospital. Find videos, look up resources, and educate yourself because, at appointments, you’re told so much that you only remember a small part of it.”
Wisen hopes to launch community-based prenatal education classes focused on labor preparation, lactation support, and postpartum care.
“My next goal is to start teaching classes so people feel prepared and confident before they even step into the hospital,” Wisen said. “Everyone deserves access to knowledge that can help them have a safer, more empowered birth experience.”
Harris believes increasing the number of Black nurses in specialties like labor and delivery is crucial to improving outcomes and experiences for patients. Although the field remains predominantly white, she encourages new nurses not to limit themselves.
“If labor and delivery is your passion, go for it,” Harris said. “We need more Black nurses in all specialties to better support our communities.”