Your OB-GYN is your partner in some of the most intimate moments of your life. But for Black women, finding the right one can feel like a minefield.
The right provider can mean the difference between having your symptoms dismissed for years and getting diagnosed quickly. It can mean a birth experience where you feel supported versus one where you feel traumatized.
GREEN FLAGS
Signs You've Found a Good One
✓ Listens without interrupting
✓ Asks about your concerns and takes notes
✓ Explains things clearly without condescension
✓ Validates your experiences and symptoms
✓ Willing to order tests or referrals when you ask
RED FLAGS
Consider Looking Elsewhere If They...
Dismiss or minimize your symptoms. Make you feel rushed. Get defensive when you ask questions. Make assumptions about your lifestyle or pain tolerance. Have a pattern of negative reviews from other Black patients.
|
Where to Find Good Providers Ask other Black women for recommendations. Use directories like Irth (an app for reviewing birth experiences), Black Mamas Matter Alliance, and Healthinhercolor.com. Consider midwives for low-risk pregnancies — they often spend more time with patients. If your current provider isn't meeting your needs, you can leave. You don't owe them an explanation. |
You deserve a partner in your health who sees you, believes you, and fights for you.
