Dr. Morgan Richardson Cayama, public health researcher, doula, and member of Team EBB, joins Dr. Rebecca Dekker to explore the critical issue of mistreatment in maternity care. Drawing from her doctoral research—including interviews with Black women in Florida and data from the Giving Voice to Mothers study—Dr. Morgan shares what respectful maternity care really looks like, and how the lack of it can negatively impact birth outcomes and future healthcare decisions. She also opens up about her own preterm hospital birth, offering insight into how even the most informed parents can feel disempowered by coercive hospital systems. Together, they break down the systemic roots of obstetric violence and offer community-driven recommendations for change.

 

Content Note: Discussion of obstetric mistreatment, medical trauma, discrimination in maternity care, and stillbirth.

 

(01:52) How a Global Health Class Sparked a Career in Public Health

(05:34) From Dissertation to Delivery: Dr. Morgan’s Birth Story

(13:14) Reflecting on the Power of Language and Provider Ultimatums

(16:57) What Mistreatment in Maternity Care Looks Like in the U.S.

(21:25) Florida’s Unique Birth Landscape

(23:27) Researching the Lived Experiences of Black Birthing Women

(25:30) What Respectful Care Really Means to Patients

(32:46) Participant Recommendations for Healthcare Providers and Parents

(37:18) How a Single Birth Interaction Can Shape Lifelong Views on Healthcare

(39:16) Centering the Voices of Birthing People to Create Change

 

Resources

Read the Giving Voice to Mothers study: birthplacelab.org

Listen to EBB 338 – Respectful Maternity Care with Dr. Jessica Brumley