The U.S. is facing a maternal health crisis. While many may assume that childbirth in the country is safe, the reality paints a much darker picture. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations. A key contributor to this crisis is postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a potentially deadly condition that remains one of the leading causes of maternal death. But PPH is more than just a statistic—it’s a pressing issue that disproportionately affects Black, Hispanic, and other women of color.

According to Dr. Kameelah Phillips, a board-certified OB-GYN and Organon Health Partner, postpartum hemorrhage is characterized by abnormal bleeding after childbirth. While bleeding is normal in the immediate aftermath of delivery, in cases of postpartum hemorrhage, the bleeding continues excessively and could lead to severe complications, even death, if not properly treated. Dr. Phillips points out that PPH can happen unexpectedly and requires immediate action to manage.

But the challenges extend beyond the condition itself. The healthcare system, particularly in rural or underserved areas, often leaves women with limited access to life-saving care. The risk increases for women of color, who face systemic barriers that make timely intervention less accessible.

@itsnaomimarie

im glad that i can talk about it more it definitely was a scary situation. ????#childbirth #childbirthtrauma #postpartumhemorrhage #postpartumhemorraghesurvivor #postpartum

♬ original sound – Naomi Marie

The Hidden Toll: How Postpartum Hemorrhage Affects Women of Color

Racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health have long been documented. Black and Hispanic women, in particular, experience higher rates of postpartum hemorrhage and other pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, women who have experienced PPH during one pregnancy are more likely to face the same complications in future pregnancies, especially within certain ethnic groups.

Dr. Phillips explains that these disparities aren’t just about biology; they stem from a combination of historical, social, and systemic factors. “The reality is that Black and Hispanic women often don’t have the same access to care and support during pregnancy, particularly in rural areas,” Dr. Phillips says. She notes that these women face a unique set of challenges—from lack of transportation to healthcare facilities to mistrust of the medical system.

This mistrust isn’t unwarranted. Minority women in the U.S. have faced centuries of mistreatment in the healthcare system, and those historical wounds continue to affect the quality of care they receive today. For example, in many rural areas, obstetric units are closing, leaving women to travel long distances to access care. This delay can make all the difference when it comes to treating severe conditions like postpartum hemorrhage.

@colormecourtney

❤️‍???? Our return the hospital: days after delivering we had go to the emergency room & were readmitted with postpartum preeclampsia It is a rare yet serious condition that occurs when you have high blood pressure and excess protein after childbirth often resulting in seizures, stroke, kidney damage, aneurysms, organ damage or more. it’s more common in women of color. I’ve never had high blood pressure before & wasn’t diagnosed with preeclampsiaI during my pregnancy. before coming to the ER I didn’t have the typical Postpartum preeclampsiaI symptoms either – just discomfort in my upper back that I wrote off as post birth pain. Once admitted we found it was actually pulmonary edema (excess fluid in your lungs) & I started to develop other common symptoms (head ache, high blood pressure, shortness of breath). I didn’t want to go to the ER but Paris insisted. Many people who get Postpartum preeclampsia dismiss their symptoms as I did & that can lead to disastrous or fatal results. I’m very thankful for him, my mom & the health professionals at the labor & delivery unit who saved me. I didn’t want to share this. I’m still emotional & have trauma about it so it would be easier to leave it offline. I only decided to post incase it helps someone not feel alone or pushes someone to seek medical attention. please remember I’m not a medical professional, this is not a medical source & to please do your own research. I am so happy to be home safe now with Paris & our son, there were moments where I feared I wouldn’t be again ❤️ xo

♬ original sound – Abby

A Beacon of Hope for Maternal Health

In response to the growing need for effective treatments, new technologies are stepping in to address postpartum complications. One such innovation is the JADA® System, a breakthrough device designed to stop excessive bleeding caused by postpartum hemorrhage.

Dr. Phillips advocates for the widespread adoption of the JADA® System, which can quickly and effectively control abnormal bleeding, providing a much-needed solution for hospitals with limited resources. She emphasizes that, unlike traditional methods of managing bleeding, the JADA® system can be administered rapidly and effectively—minimizing the risk of further complications.

According to Dr. Phillips, the JADA® System can be a game-changer in maternal care, especially in hospitals where time and resources are scarce. “The faster we can stop bleeding, the better the chances for the mother’s recovery,” Dr. Phillips says. “This is especially critical in rural hospitals, where doctors may not have the luxury of time or advanced facilities to intervene.”

@themodernmidwife

Replying to @Nurse Kara ???? Has anyone had this used on them? Did it work? #postpartumhemorrhage #jada #womenshealth #maternalhealth #acnm #nursemidwife #studentmidwife #midwifery

♬ original sound – Caitlyn | The Labor Gown Lady

How Hospitals Are Tackling Postpartum Disparities in Minority Communities

The issue of maternal health is not just one of technology, though. To make real progress, healthcare institutions must address the racial disparities that have plagued maternal care for decades. Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital, for example, has implemented an innovative initiative aimed at reducing maternal health disparities among its Hispanic patients.

The program includes the use of bilingual services, cultural competency training for healthcare providers, and post-discharge follow-up calls to ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need. According to reports from the hospital, these measures have led to improved patient outcomes and greater trust in the healthcare system.

For Dr. Phillips, community-centered approaches like those implemented at Chester County Hospital are vital. “Building trust is essential,” she explains. “When we listen to our patients, especially those from marginalized communities, we can deliver better care that actually addresses their needs.”

The Road Ahead: Closing the Gap in Maternal Health

Despite the advances in treatment and care, the maternal health crisis persists—particularly for women of color. But the path forward is clear: healthcare systems must focus on equity, providing women of all races with access to the same high-quality care. Solutions like the JADA® System, combined with cultural competency and community-centered care models, can play a significant role in improving maternal outcomes.

To make lasting changes, we need more healthcare providers to adopt these technologies and practices. As Dr. Phillips puts it, “Maternal health isn’t just a medical issue—it’s a social justice issue. We have a responsibility to ensure that all women, regardless of their race or where they live, have access to the best care possible.”

In the fight to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity, addressing racial disparities is key. By combining innovation with advocacy and trust-building, we can help ensure that the next generation of mothers does not face the same risks and challenges that women today still grapple with.

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