Maternal Health Matters: Supporting Black Maternal & Infant Health at Sabathani

Maternal health disparities deeply impact Black women and their babies. Sabathani Community Center’s new program, Maternal Health Matters, aims to change that narrative by offering personalized support to Black women during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. The program officially launches activities in late January, but inquiries are open now for one-on-one support. 

We recently sat down with Naomi Abraham, Sabathani’s Community Health Navigator focusing on maternal health, to discuss the program and its mission. During our conversation, Naomi shared a poignant story that underscores the urgent need for maternal health support in the Black community. 

A Community Member’s Story

Lisa, a 27-year-old first-time mother, went to a local hospital for prenatal care in 2021. Instead of feeling supported, Lisa experienced judgment and pressure. 

“When you’re a Black woman, unmarried, in your 20s, and seen as having multiple sexual partners, they often push abortion,” Naomi explained. 

Lisa decided to continue her pregnancy but faced a number of challenges. She had little health literacy, condescending doctors, and no support group to turn to. During her labor, the environment was chaotic and overwhelming, with medical professionals arguing over whether to perform a c-section. 

“They didn’t explain anything,” Lisa said, recounting how she was given an epidural without understanding its effects and later experienced a panic attack. Her 22-hour labor ended with a vacuum-assisted delivery. “It wasn’t a joyous experience, but I did have a healthy baby girl.” 

After delivery, Lisa struggled with postpartum depression, feeling emotionally overwhelmed and unsupported. She reflected on what could have made her journey easier: “Community support and more understanding of what I was going through. I wish I had someone to guide me.” 

Naomi’s Passion for Maternal Health

Naomi Abraham’s journey to becoming a Community Health Navigator at Sabathani Community Center is deeply rooted in her personal experiences with the healthcare system.

Growing up in Apple Valley as a first-generation Eritrean American, she witnessed firsthand the disparities faced by Black women in accessing quality care, even in seemingly privileged areas. Her own negative interactions with the healthcare system, including judgmental and dismissive treatment, ignited her determination to make a change. These experiences solidified her resolve to pursue a career in healthcare, where she could provide the respect and support that everyone deserves. 

Naomi’s academic path reflects her passion for improving health equity. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Minnesota State University, Mankato, followed by a Master of Science in Medical Physiology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.  

With a solid foundation in science and healthcare, Naomi sought to work directly with underserved communities to enhance health literacy and provide compassionate support. After gaining clinical experience, she was drawn to Sabathani Community Center for its commitment to addressing systemic inequities.  

“The importance of feeling safe and supported during pregnancy cannot be overstated,” Naomi shared. “At Sabathani, I want to be the person I wish Lisa had—someone to handle the stress so mothers can focus on being stress-free.” 

What Maternal Health Matters Offers

The Maternal Health Matters program provides a safe and supportive environment for Black mothers. While it doesn’t offer medical treatment, it focuses on education and resources to help women advocate for themselves during doctor visits and navigate the perinatal period with confidence. 

Key Program Offerings Include: 

• Case Management: Personalized risk assessments and regular check-ins with Naomi, tailored to each mother’s unique needs. 
• Yoga Classes: To promote relaxation, mindfulness, and physical well-being. 
• Mommies and Mocktails: A social hour with nonalcoholic drinks to encourage connection and health-focused discussions. 
• Adopt-A-Grandma: Veteran mothers mentor younger moms, sharing stories and offering wisdom. 
• Serenity Sessions: Wellness classes and discussions to address emotional health. 
• Baby Showers & Birthday Celebrations: Quarterly events to celebrate milestones and provide essential baby supplies. 

Naomi emphasized the program’s holistic approach: “We meet moms where they are, whether they come to Sabathani or I visit them. It’s about building trust and filling in the gaps so they feel supported every step of the way.” 

The Maternal Health Matters program officially launches in late January, but you can secure your spot now for case management. Fill out the inquiry form today to be among the 30 mothers who will receive personalized support.