Five Questions Pregnant Black Moms Should Ask Their Doctors Before Giving Birth
While becoming a mom is one of the most exciting milestones in life; there are severe risks Black mothers face while pregnant that cannot be ignored. Commonly, these pregnancy-related complications include hypertension, preeclampsia, and hemorrhage. Despite the promise of doctors being trained in implicit bias, Black women have significantly poorer birthing outcomes than other women giving birth each year, according to the CDC.
Outside of the healthcare field, a phenomenon called “weathering” is affecting Black mothers of every socioeconomic level.
Coined by Dr. Arline T. Geronimus in 1992, weathering describes the devastating effects of systemic oppression—including racism and classism—on the body. The never-ending demands of having to work twice as hard while navigating overt and covert racism erodes the body’s stress signals, putting Black women at a higher risk for maternal mortality.
Are these statistics alarming? Yes. But the good news is there’s much we can do to safeguard our health while pregnant. Organizations such as Health4Equity, a Centre of Excellence at global advertising agency VML that is funded by the WPP Racial Equity Programme, work to raise awareness about racial bias in the healthcare field and equip Black women with the knowledge to self-advocate.
If you’re an expecting parent, it’s essential to be armed with the right questions before each doctor visit to ensure you have a plan to mitigate risks as much as possible. Here are five questions pregnant Black moms can ask their doctors to help plan for a safe and stress-free birth.
1."What is my chosen hospital's track record in terms of maternal outcomes for Black women?"
Poet Yvette Perry, a collaborator with Health4Equity’s new digital zine RxUCKUS, acknowledges that “A common theme expressed during my listening sessions with the women we engaged for this project was the experience of not being adequately listened to by healthcare providers.” Sharday Pierre, a New York City-based mother of one who had to navigate pre-existing conditions through her pregnancy, told xoNecole exclusively, “The same way we take time to find a partner, we need to invest that time in finding a capable physician or birthing center.” Pierre, whose obstetrician had been her gynecologist for years, shared that she chose him because he is also Black, and she felt more heard by him than the other practitioners she’d seen prior. Trusting him for delivery made sense. Pierre advises, “Ask questions, listen to your body, and trust your instincts.”
The fact is Black women are three times more likely to die during childbirth than our white counterparts. Your hospital’s track record matters. Knowing this will give you insight into the quality of care the hospital provides, allowing you to assess the risks and benefits of giving birth at that particular facility. This transparency can help with your decision-making process and put your mind at ease.
2."What is the hospital/birthing center’s policy on doula care?"
A doula is trained to provide emotional, informational, and physical support to a birthing mom and their partner throughout the pregnancy process. A doula’s role is usually focused on aiding and advocating for the mother and her family during pregnancy and childbirth, which works in tandem with the clinical care you might receive. Hospital and birthing center policies vary, so it’s important to ask your birthing center or hospital about their policy on allowing doula care. Many often do, and offer supportive procedures. Brooklyn native Ariel Delande told xoNecole that she sought the help of a small-practice birthing center when giving birth to her son nearly two years ago. The center’s policy was that their network of 8-10 midwives all needed to be familiar with her birthing plan if her midwife was unavailable when Delande needed them.
If you plan on having a doula, it’s essential to discuss your birthing plan with your physician well in advance of your due date. If the hospital does have restrictions, try negotiating with your healthcare team. Open communication makes for a positive experience.
3."How will I know if I'm experiencing complications or issues during my pregnancy, and when should I seek immediate medical attention?"
Some aspects of pregnancy issues are generally considered normal among women, including weight gain, nausea, hormonal changes that affect your skin and hair, and mild contractions called Braxton Hicks contractions. But ultimately, it's important that expecting moms trust what they know about their bodies. As a result, they should feel comfortable alerting their doctors of symptoms that seem concerning. If you’re experiencing painful complications or issues that don’t feel what you consider normal during your pregnancy, consult your doctor immediately. For Delande, carpal tunnel was an unexpected issue. “My hand would just fall asleep. It was the most uncomfortable experience of my life,” explains Delande.
“My doctor expressed that this is a normal symptom [and explained to me that it happens when] the majority of the nutrients you take go to the baby. That was the first sign that motherhood is sacrifice.” Each pregnancy is unique; however, an attentive physician should adequately communicate what you can expect and what symptoms, if any, are of concern.
4."What kind of additional support and health education services can you connect me to?"
Trained healthcare professionals should be culturally competent and equipped to serve the needs and concerns of pregnant Black mothers, and there are ways you can ensure your birthing needs will be met. Ask the hospital if they offer prenatal classes covering labor and delivery or pain management options. Ask them if they offer nutritional counseling or breastfeeding education on the benefits and proper latch techniques. Postpartum care is another invaluable resource to help navigate life after delivery. Ensure that your doctor will give you equitable access to their services.
Seek services outside of the hospital. By researching and tapping into community resources, you can gain insight into effective interventions your doctor may have not mentioned. RxUCKUS, created by Health4Equity, is a great place to start. Through a collection of creative pieces and articles, like the feature focused on Dr. Arline Geronimus’s research on the effects of “weathering” on Black mothers brought on by racism and stress, Black women can identify and discover tools to counter these effects.
5."What are some ways I can reduce my stress levels throughout my pregnancy?"
Dr. Geronimus’ research suggests that weathering causes comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Stress can exacerbate complications during pregnancy, so it's essential to connect with your doctor about how best to minimize stress during your pregnancy. For Delande, getting proper sleep was paramount. She used a body pillow to support her back in her third trimester, which helped keep her comfortable. RxUCKUS Zine also provides tools for resilience such as helping you to discover healing through the arts, teaching you to create new neurons to combat weathering through meditation, and exercising the power of positive affirmations.
Staying informed, whether through asking medical professionals specific questions or seeking out resources such as RxUCKUS, is vital to not stressing yourself or your developing baby.
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Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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It’s officially Miss Keri, Baby season again—and if you ask us, it’s been a long time coming. After 15 years away from the music scene, Keri Hilson has returned not only with a brand-new album, but also a captivating new role in Lifetime’s Fame—the latest installment in The Temptations film franchise.
Between the album We Need to Talk: Love and her leading role in Fame, this isn’t just a comeback—it’s a rebirth. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter turned actress is letting us into her world like never before, unpacking themes of vulnerability, healing, and inner strength with grace, grit, and raw artistry.
Now streaming on Lifetime, Fame follows two superstar sisters—played by Keri and singer/actress Keshia Chanté—as they navigate the cost of stardom, sibling rivalry, and the dark side of desire. The film also stars Romeo Miller, Ecstasia Sanders, Nathan Witte, and Sophie Carriere, and is executive produced by Derrick Williams and Adriane Hopper Williams of the Seven Deadly Sins franchise.
As for the music? We Need to Talk: Love is a three-part album (Love, Drama, Redemption) that tells the story of a woman who’s been through it—and has risen from the ashes. “It was time to speak for myself,” Keri says.
We sat down with Keri to talk about her return to music, her passion for acting, the emotional depth of Fame, and how she’s learning to care for herself amidst the chaos.
From R&B Queen to Drama Star: Keri Gets Into Character
“Even though she’s famous—as am I—it was really her humanity that I wanted to portray.”
Keri plays Cherish, one half of a superstar sibling duo who must confront their fractured relationship in the wake of a traumatic robbery. For Keri, the role was more than a character—it was a psychological study.
“I enjoy departures from reality. That’s why I love acting,” she shares. “Psychology is one of my favorite things in life. I became a writer because I’m an observer of human nature, emotion, and behavior. I think I did a good job showing her humanity.”
The Fame Isn’t Always Worth the Price
“Keep the main thing the main thing.”
Keri doesn’t sugarcoat the industry. When asked about what Fame reveals about the dark side of celebrity culture, her answer is clear:
“It’s a cautionary tale. It reminds you to keep your family close and not allow anything to come between them—especially in pursuit of success. Keep the main thing the main thing. For me, that’s family, love, spirituality, and values.”
Three Chapters, One Story: Love. Drama. Redemption.
“I’ve shed the fear. It was time to tell my own story.”
Released April 18th, We Need to Talk: Love is Keri’s first album in 15 years—and a deeply personal one at that. The three-part project (Love, Drama, Redemption) represents a timeline of healing and growth.
“I’m finally in a place where I’m able and willing to open up more,” she says. “For a while, I became really guarded—shell-shocked, even—after making mistakes in the public eye. Whether it’s all your fault or not, the scrutiny takes its toll. But now, I’ve shed that fear. It’s time to tell my story.”
Cooking, Walks, and Recalibrating in the Chaos
“I’m not doing the best job—but I’m doing what I can.”
Between eight-hour rehearsals, press runs, and music releases, Hilson admits she hasn’t quite figured out the balance yet—but she’s trying. For her, the key is carving out small rituals of normalcy.
“I enjoy cooking. That’s my sanctity,” she says. “I’ll go home, take my makeup off, put on my rehearsal clothes, and cook a meal. I take walks. I run. These little things help me feel like myself again.”
Art Imitates Life (and Album Tracklists)
“Cherish goes from Love… to Drama… to Redemption.”
Asked which album chapter her Fame character would fall into, Keri doesn’t hesitate. “She fits into all three,” she says. “You see her go from love, to drama, to redemption. That arc mirrors the journey of so many women who’ve had to navigate pain and find their way back to themselves.”
No Pressure, Just Art: Keri Wants You to Feel Something
“Just enjoy the art. That’s it.”
After all the time, patience, and healing, Keri isn’t asking for much. She just wants fans to press play—and feel something.
“I just want people to enjoy what they’re seeing and hearing. Enjoy me on screen. Enjoy me through their ears. People have waited, and I feel blessed by that. That helps me keep it all pure and simple.”
As Keri Hilson steps boldly back into the spotlight, it’s clear this era is all about alignment, artistry, and authenticity. With Fame airing on Lifetime and the first chapter of We Need to Talk: Love setting the tone, we’re more than excited to see what’s next.
As she continues to unfold the album’s next two chapters—Drama and Redemption—one thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a reintroduction. And we’ll be watching, listening, and cheering her on every step of the way.
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