Maternity Care by Black Midwives for Black Women to Improve Trust and Support During and After Pregnancy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating if a group-based maternity care approach can improve trust and engagement among Black pregnant individuals. This study compares Melanated Group Midwifery Care MGMC, a culturally focused group prenatal care program led by Black midwives and supported by Black care coordinators and postpartum doulas, with usual individualized obstetric care. The trial aims to address structural racism in maternity care and enhance patient experiences for Black birthing people. Participants will be randomly assigned to either MGMC or usual care. In MGMC, groups of 8-12 Black pregnant women meet regularly with the same Black midwife and care coordinator for prenatal and one postnatal visit. A care coordinator supports patients proactively throughout pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. Postpartum doulas provide support through home visits and ongoing contact for the first year after birth. The usual care group receives standard individual prenatal visits with midwives or obstetricians without guaranteed continuity or racial concordance. All participants will complete surveys measuring patient trust, respect, engagement, and mental wellbeing at six time points three during pregnancy and three up to 12 months postpartum. Additional interviews will explore experiences of medically and socially complex patients. Researchers will monitor how MGMC integrates into practice and assess patient engagement and satisfaction outcomes. The study will continue until February 2027, involving ongoing follow-up and data collection throughout pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Melanated Group Midwifery Care (MGMC)