Joshua Liston Zawadi, a Dad Doula and a public voices fellow of the OpEd Project in partnership with the National Black Child Development Institute, argues that improving Black maternal health requires intentionally preparing and empowering Black fathers to be active advocates before, during and after birth. Drawing from his experiences as a father and “dad doula,” he highlights how sidelining fathers in maternity care weakens family outcomes and supports policies like the Dads Matter Act of 2025 that center fathers as vital members of the care team.
Tag: Black mothers
Posted inHealth
From birth plans to better outcomes: Meet the nurses who empower expecting mothers
During National Nurses Week, we spotlight Black labor and delivery nurses who advocate for patients and work to address racial disparities in maternal healthcare. Nurses like Kiera Wisen and Ashley Harris are dedicated to ensuring that Black women receive respectful, informed, and culturally competent care, empowering them with the knowledge and autonomy to make decisions about their births.
Posted inHealth
Nurturing the mind and spirit: Essential postpartum tips for Black mothers
Black mothers are encouraged to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being after giving birth by giving themselves grace, creating healthy boundaries, and planning and accepting support, in order to nurture their minds and spirits during this transformative time.
Posted inReligion
Nurturing self-care: Black mothers prioritize mental health and well-being after birth
Black mothers should prioritize self-care after birth by giving themselves grace, creating healthy boundaries, and planning and accepting support, in order to nurture their mind and spirit during this transformative time.