Serena Williams' Near Death Experience Highlights How Hospitals Sometimes Fail Black Mothers
I grew up on a rural peninsula that consisted of two counties and was serviced by one hospital. Because of its location, it wasn't exactly a magnet for top medical experts or fancy equipment. And it definitely wasn't a facility recognized for the latest medical advancements.
Instead, it built a reputation for misdiagnoses or completely missed diagnoses altogether, which became a running joke that our little hospital was only suitable for childbirth because that seemed to be a more "routine" medical procedure.
Only, it's anything but routine; it can often be rather fatal. Especially for our demographic.
Surprisingly, childbirth claims the lives of black women 3 to 4 times more than white women, regardless of socioeconomic or education status.
I learned that tidbit of information after I read about Serena Williams' life-threatening medical ordeal that happened the day after she gave birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia, by emergency C-section.
Serena told Vogue magazine that she suddenly felt short of breath and automatically assumed she was suffering from blood clots again. (The Grand Slam goddess has experienced a pulmonary embolism in the past.) Between gasps, she told a nurse she needed a CT scan with contrast and a heparin drip, the drug used to thin a patient's blood.
But the doctor chose to perform an ultrasound of her legs instead. However, Serena persisted, arguing that the ultrasound wouldn't show anything, which it didn't. The CT scan ultimately revealed what Serena suspected all along: several small blood clots in her lungs.
"I was like, listen to Dr. Williams!" Serena recalled.
I can only imagine how that conversation would've gone at my hometown hospital, where the average resident may already be consumed by chronic stress resulting from minimal job opportunities and money, fractured relationships, pre-existing illnesses, or lack of transportation to appointments, not to mention the what-the-hell-is-really-going-to-happen-during-labor-and-delivery thoughts. They may not be on point with regular doctor visits or aware of certain diseases that could be adversely affecting their health like diabetes and high blood pressure. They aren't always as vocal, either, because they don't want to come across as a difficult or know-it-all (or even a know-nothing-at-all!) patient so they're often sent home without further tests and proper treatment.
Also, it isn't unusual for medical staff to brush off a patient's complaints because perhaps the nurse thinks the patient is overreacting, self-diagnosing herself using WebMd – because who hasn't used the site to determine she definitely has walking pneumonia when, really, she has acid reflux – or confusing a side effect with a symptom. Serena's nurse initially brushed off her concerns thinking that she was confused by her pain medications. She was actually very aware and ultimately saved her own life.
I asked two medical professionals how we can be taken seriously as effective advocates of our health, especially those of us who have fewer resources than Serena and feel we often have little recourse.
"Don't allow [doctors] to just dismiss your concerns without them being looked into first," says Dr. Chad Patterson, a naturopathic physician. We don't have to quietly accept a vague response or the lack of one. If we have questions, don't be afraid to ask.
Dr. Patterson also advises that we educate ourselves on childbirth complications such as blood clots, hemorrhages, infections, pregnancy-induced hypertension – even gestational diabetes, which one of my friends developed during both of her pregnancies – or other difficulties stemming from an already-diagnosed disease.
"Stress increases everything," says registered nurse Kentoya Dickerson,* who also recommends doing some research to educate ourselves on possible diagnoses and expectations, which could help to alleviate the additional anxiety stemming from fear of the unknown. But she strongly suggests taking care of ourselves not only before, but also after, childbirth.
"It is important for all women to get proper prenatal care and follow up with the [medical doctor] after delivery," she says, especially when, as black women, we're already high risk for heart disease and hypertension.
Kentoya, who has a history of hypertension herself, had her own post-pregnancy emergency similar to Serena's nightmare. Kentoya is also prone to blood clots so she was prescribed an anticoagulant but she didn't notice something was seriously wrong until a week later after she was settling in at home:
"I experienced postpartum preeclampsia, which is very rare. I was discharged from the hospital and everything was fine. Almost a week later I noticed I was still very swollen. I couldn't fit my shoes. I was out of breath just trying to talk. I called my doctor and I was called in for an appointment. I was sent straight to the hospital and admitted. I was told my labs were off and if I didn't come in when I did, I was on the verge of having a seizure."
She attributes her own survival to knowing her body.
"It's very important for everyone to know their body and to report all changes to their physician," Kentoya says. "It took me knowing my body to know something wasn't right. Most [people] never even knew postpartum preeclampsia existed. I sure didn't. The treatment for preeclampsia is having the baby. Mine occurred a week after [my baby] was born."
And of course, there's the concern with covering copays and deductibles or finding ourselves pregnant while we're uninsured. But we shouldn't take shortcuts if we don't have health coverage. "I think there are free clinics that help with prenatal care," Kentoya says, "Not to mention everyone who is pregnant and low-income can get Medicaid."
As long as #45 doesn't mess with Medicaid, that is. But generally speaking, pregnant women can't be denied coverage.
Getting proper care before and after delivery and speaking up about our health concerns are definitely key pieces of advice to decreasing our chances of becoming a statistic. But more important, is knowing our bodies so that we can immediately recognize when something is wrong and easily articulate that. "Patients are the experts on themselves," Dr. Patterson reminds us.
And we're always entitled to second and third opinions, as Kentoya adds, because being both diligent and vigilant when it comes to our health, regardless of our available resources, can greatly improve our likelihood of being here for our babies.
Editor's Note: *Some names were changed for anonymity.
Featured image via Serena Williams/Instagram
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I write about lifestyle and women's health and wellness. When I'm not in front of a computer screen crafting stories, I'm in a kitchen crafting cocktails. Follow me on the 'gram @teronda.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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It’s almost that time when the girlies are gonna be hopping in the chair to get the most popular style of the warmer seasons: goddess braids. Goddess braids are not just a hairstyle; they're a statement of elegance, power, and divine beauty. Whether you've recently adorned yourself with these stunning braids or are considering them, one thing remains certain: maintaining them is key to preserving their splendor. In this guide, we'll delve into the art of maintaining goddess braids, ensuring they remain flawless for longer periods.
Let’s start with some pro tips from Breanna Knights, a Brooklyn-based stylist with over a decade of experience in the beauty and fashion industry, specializing in goddess braids. She takes pride in maintaining the beauty and longevity of her clients' goddess braids, focusing on ensuring their scalp and curls remain healthy and hydrated.
Knights’ expertise extends to understanding the tension level, hydration needs, and proper cleansing techniques for goddess braids.
Hydration Is Key:
Moisture is essential for maintaining the integrity of your goddess braids. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or moisturizing spray to hydrate your scalp and braids. Pay attention to the ends of the braids, as they tend to be the driest part. Avoid heavy products that can weigh down the braids and cause buildup.
“To maintain neatness and longevity for goddess braid styles, I recommend treating the goddess hair just as you would your natural curls," Knights tells us. "This consists of putting up your hair at night in a bonnet. I also encourage using mousse or a bottle of water mixed with conditioner to make the curls bounce back. These two options depend on if the curls are a synthetic blend, or if it’s 100% human hair."
When it comes to keeping the goddess curls refreshed and hydrated, Knights’ favorite mousse brands include:
Bumble and bumble's Bb Curl Mousse
Bumble and bumble
Bumble and bumble's Bb Curl Mousse is a lightweight mousse that enhances curls with a blend of oils and butters, providing long-lasting volume, and bounce without stiffness.
The Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil
Amazon
The Vigorol Mousse Olive Oil is a fave amongst the girlies. Reviewers say, “Product works well taming frizzy curls as well smoothing natural hair, human hair, and synthetic crochet or individual braided hair. Adds shine without looking or feeling greasy.”
Knights also recommends using Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment mixed with water in a spray bottle. “These products are sure to bring curls back to life," she adds.
If you’re looking for particular techniques or tricks to alleviate tension or discomfort often associated with wearing goddess braids, Knights shares that knotless goddess braids are usually done with less tension at the scalp, rather than traditional braids. “I highly suggest gauging tightness throughout your braiding session with your stylist. Should your braids end up too tight, one of my favorite go-to's is the Bumble and bumble’s Hairdresser's Invisible Oil. It provides a cool sensation on the scalp, without over saturating the scalp with oil,” Knights says.
The stylist also suggests a spray bottle with water to relieve tension. Additionally, less styling in the first few days of installing the braids to avoid scalp irritation.
Gentle Cleansing:
One topic that can be confusing when committing to goddess braids is the washing process. Should I wash my braids? How often should I wash them? We had all the questions, and Knights came with the tea. “Everyone’s wash [day] routine is different. To each client’s discernment, by weeks 3-4, if your scalp is itchy or shows signs of dandruff, it would be safe to wash your braids.
"I highly recommend paying more attention to the scalp rather than the braids itself. Keeping the braids up in a bun while saturating the scalp will keep the curls from matting and tangling during the wash process. After washing the scalp I recommend reapplying mousse and tying the hair down with a scarf to help tame any frizz that may occur after washing.”
Protect Your Crown:
One of the biggest keys to the longevity of goddess braids is having a braid bonnet and shower cap to ensure that the braids are dry. Invest in a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to protect your goddess braids while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases can cause friction, leading to frizz and flyaways. Additionally, tying your braids with a silk scarf can help preserve their shape and prevent them from unraveling.
“Combing through the loose curls with your fingers and having a routine to ensure that the hair isn't matting or entangling into one another can help with longevity as well," Knights shares. "The same way you’d care for your curls after a successful wash day would also promote the longevity for any 'goddess' style!”
Courtesy
Regular Touch-ups:
As your natural hair grows, your goddess braids may begin to loosen or develop new growth around the edges. Schedule regular touch-up appointments with your hairstylist to re-braid the edges and ensure a seamless look. Avoid leaving braids in for too long, as this can cause tension on the scalp and lead to breakage.
Minimize Manipulation:
While it's tempting to constantly touch and style your goddess braids, excessive manipulation can lead to frizz and premature loosening. Limit the use of styling tools and refrain from pulling or tugging on the braids. Embrace the natural beauty of your braids and allow them to flourish with minimal interference.
Nourish from Within:
Maintaining healthy hair starts from within. Ensure you're consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydration to promote hair growth and vitality. Incorporate foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and plenty of water into your daily routine for optimal hair health.
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Featured image courtesy