Advocating for your health as a black woman featuring Dr. Latoya Clark
The State of Black Maternal Health
In an era where black maternal health statistics continue to raise alarms, understanding how to advocate for ourselves in medical settings has never been more crucial. Dr. Clark, now practicing in Montgomery, Alabama, brings nearly a decade of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, making her insights particularly valuable for women navigating the healthcare system.
Paging Dr. Clark
“Toya, I would like to know if you will accept my invitation to be the May 2023 Cover? The focus is motherhood and black maternal health. You are both a mom and a doctor, so I think you would be perfect!”
This article is based on our Brick by Brick podcast episode featuring Dr. Latoya Clark. Watch the full interview on The BrownStone Experience YouTube channel.
“Sure, I would love to!” she replied.
Our day started pretty early on a cozy street in our hometown of Mobile, Alabama. We met at the makeup artist’s home and soon learned Dr. Latoya Clark’s friend lives across the street. Those are the benefits of living in a small southern city, everyone knows everyone. We’ve been classmates since we were 11, and now, bracing for the big age of 40, it is safe to say we’ve arrived as fully evolved adults.
As I prepared for her shoot, I knew I wanted to capture the essence of who Toya truly is – unapologetically herself, far from the stereotypical buttoned-up doctor. My goal has always been to highlight black women and mothers’ nuances and versatility. I envisioned her looking seductive yet classy, with subsequent looks showcasing her vibrancy and simplicity. Toya completely trusted my vision and arrived ready to slay on shoot day – the perfect energy!
Perhaps one of the most beautiful details of the journey is that we’re both doing what we love. When we were kids, she confidently declared she would be a doctor one day. The valedictorian of my high school class, Latoya Clark, affectionately known as “Toya”, is now a practicing OBGYN and a multi-faceted businesswoman. I, on the other hand, didn’t always know my professional path. While I was known for my style and fashion choices – Toya even wrote in my senior memory book, “if I could take one thing from you it would be your style” – I didn’t recognize my gift of styling as valuable at the time. Even then, she saw it and has always supported my work.
It warms my heart to share a piece of her grace, knowledge, and relentless focus with you this month. As we sat down to discuss the critical state of black maternal health, her passion for women’s healthcare was evident in every word.
The Importance of Pre-Pregnancy Care
“If you’re starting maternity care after you’re pregnant, you’re already behind the ball,” Dr. Clark emphasizes. This powerful statement underscores a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of maternal health – preconception care. For Black women, who face higher rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, getting healthy before pregnancy can significantly impact outcomes.
Dr. Clark points out that many women miss the opportunity for preconception counseling, which can help address pre-existing conditions that make pregnancies high-risk. She advocates for taking control of your health before pregnancy, including discussing preventative medicine and getting into optimal health.
Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider
When selecting an OB-GYN, especially in areas where finding a Black female physician might be challenging, Dr. Clark offers valuable guidance:
Research the physician’s training background:
- Where did they complete their residency?
- Did they train in areas with diverse patient populations?
- Do they have experience treating patients who look like you?
- How many deliveries do they perform?
- Check their track record for adverse reactions or reporting
- Look beyond social media reviews for more comprehensive information
Building a Strong Doctor-Patient Relationship
The foundation of good maternal care lies in honest, open communication. Dr. Clark emphasizes several key points:
- Be completely honest about your medical history and concerns
- Don’t hesitate to ask for follow-up appointments if you feel rushed
- Remember that most physicians have “heard it all” and maintain a non-judgmental stance
- If you don’t feel heard, seeking a second opinion is always acceptable
Hospital Care and Delivery
While the statistics about Black maternal mortality can be anxiety-inducing, Dr. Clark encourages women to approach hospital births with informed confidence rather than fear. She recommends:
- Asking questions about vital signs, medications, and baby’s heart rate
- Speaking up about unusual pain or concerns
- Requesting to speak with the charge nurse if needed
- Take advantage of hospital tours when available to familiarize yourself with the environment
Building Your Birth Support Team
When it comes to creating a birth plan and assembling a support team, Dr. Clark offers practical advice:
- Keep birth plans flexible, as natural births can be unpredictable
- Understand the different roles of support professionals:
- Doulas provide emotional support and coaching
- Midwives can perform deliveries and some medical procedures
- OB-GYNs handle surgical interventions when needed
- Research the qualifications and limitations of each team member
- Verify backup plans and hospital affiliations
Taking Control of Your Health
The key message throughout our conversation with Dr. Clark is clear: taking control of your health begins before pregnancy and continues throughout your maternal journey. This includes:
- Regular preventative care
- Open communication with healthcare providers
- Understanding your body and its unique needs
- Being prepared to advocate for yourself in medical settings
Knowledge and preparation are powerful tools for Black women navigating the healthcare system. By understanding what to look for in healthcare providers, knowing the right questions to ask, and being prepared to advocate for ourselves, we can work toward better maternal health outcomes in our community.
This article is based on our interview with Dr. Latoya Clark, OB-GYN, as part of The BrownStone Experience’s focus on motherhood and black maternal healthcare. Dr. Clark practices in Montgomery, Alabama, and has been serving patients for over nine years. I appreciate Toya for sharing her time, believing in my vision, and most of all, I am grateful to know such a brilliant and humble black woman.
Want to learn more? Watch our full Brick by Brick podcast episode with Dr. Clark on The BrownStone Experience YouTube channel, where we discuss additional topics, including sexual health, building birth teams, and the importance of preventative care.
