This data book presents experiences feeling heard and listened to by providers during delivery in California during 2021-2022.
Key findings
Too many people giving birth in California report negative experiences of maternity care during delivery.
Black and Latine individuals were more likely to have negative maternity care experiences than individuals of other race and ethnic groups. One in five (19.0%) Black birthing people rarely or never felt listened to by providers during delivery, as did one in eight (11.9%) Latine birthing people. These findings align with previous research which found that Black birthing people’s relationships with health care providers in the perinatal period can be a source of stress and conflict.
People under age 25 and those with Medi-Cal also were more likely to have negative maternity care experiences, compared with older individuals and those with private insurance, respectively.
Negative experiences during delivery are associated with worse postpartum outcomes. People who rarely or never felt heard and listened to by providers were more likely to have postpartum anxiety or depressive symptoms and were less likely to have a postpartum visit than those who always felt heard and listened to.
Calls to action
Listen to Black and all other birthing people during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Support clear communication and individual autonomy that allows for shared decision-making.
Provide high-quality maternity care that is free of judgment, racism, and stigma.
Improve data collection on patient maternity care experiences.
Implement anti-racism trainings to promote equity in care.
Invest in career pathways and employment strategies to support the hiring and retention of providers of color.