Easing the Burden of Pregnancy for Black Women

In a September meeting with Tara to discuss her birthing plan, Imoni was adamant about certain things. Among her requests was to stave off of pain medication as much as possible.

Having learned that the rates for complications and long-term side effects (such as back pain) were higher for Black women, she had decided against having an epidural.

“We need a code word,” Tara told Imoni, in case the pain became too unbearable. They decided on the word “cookies.”