The purpose of this study is to document and better understand the experiences, barriers, and solutions identified by Black mothers and birthing people in relation to maternal health care. Insights from this workshop may be used to inform service design, influence policy, and contribute to academic publications focused on health equity.

The workshop will explore five periods related to the early parenthood journey for black mothers, birthing people and their families.  These stages include: before pregnancy (pre-conception), pregnancy, birth, after birth (post-partum), and early specialist care (neo natal). 

• Pre pregnancy or pre-conception stage includes all the planning and health care when you’re thinking about having a baby and getting your body and health ready for a future pregnancy. Health care accessed during this time might include: general checkups with a GP, reproductive health care, nutrition guidance, chronic condition management, mental health support, or genetic counselling (if needed).   

• Pregnancy spans the time period from when you become pregnant until you give birth.  Health care services during this time include prenatal visits, birth planning, blood test and ultrasounds, specialist care (e.g. for gestational diabetes, multiple babies), mental health care, physiotherapy, and prenatal classes to prepare for birth and baby care 

• Birth refers to the stage when your body goes into labour and you give birth to your baby.  Health care accessed during this time might include home birth support, hospital or birth center care, pain management, emergency care, emotional support, and (immediate) post birth checks. 

• After birth (post-partum) covers the time from immediately post-birth through the next six to 12 weeks.  It is the period when your body heals and adjust to life with a new baby. Types of health care you might access during this time include: postnatal check-ups, breastfeeding or lactation support, pelvic floor physiotherapy, mental health care, parent support groups, or visiting nurses.  

• Early specialist care covers all newborn or neonatal care required if a baby was born early or has special health needs.  Types of health care you might access during this time include: neonatal intensive care unit, specialist newborn care, parental support in the NICU, follow up appointment after your baby returns home, and family mental health support. 

In the first instance, the workshop outputs will inform the commissioning of a £600,000 pot to fund work across South East London addressing the inequalities experienced by Black women and birthing people.

Everything that is shared during the day will feed into a community-led report and be shared with organisers and system leaders to inform possible changes to health care services for black mothers and birthing people.   

Participation involves engaging in structured workshop activities, including small group discussions, creative reflection, and feedback exercises. These contributions will be documented using anonymous note-taking. You will be asked to review and approve any direct quotes attributed to you prior to publication.

The workshop will not be recorded but detailed notes will be taken. Your name and other identifying details will not be shared in resulting reports or publications. However, we may wish to quote you anonymously.    

Respectful, empowering photos will be taken during the event, with a focus on the expert panellists.  Photos may also be taken of groups of participants.  No photos would be taken of individuals in distress or discomfort.  You can choose whether or not you would like to appear in photos.  You can refuse to have your photo taken and still participate in the workshop.  You can agree to photography now and change you mind later.  We will give you a coloured tag in your participant pack to indicate your photo preference, and you can change your mind at any time or multiple times throughout the workshop. 

Participation is entirely voluntary. You may choose not to take part or to withdraw at any point without giving a reason, and without any consequences to you. If you withdraw, we will ask if you want us to delete any data or contributions you have made.

All information collected will be kept confidential. Any data used in reports, presentations, or publications will be anonymised. We will store data securely and in line with GDPR and UK data protection laws. Only the research team will have access to identifiable information. The anonymised data may be published in peer-reviewed journals or used for public advocacy and systems change.