Black All Year: Shattering Taboos and Nurturing Healing in Black Baby Loss
In a society where discussions about pregnancy and childbirth are often surrounded by joy and celebration, it's essential to acknowledge the painful reality of baby loss and the unique experiences faced by Black individuals and communities. The podcast episode "Black All Year: Black Baby Loss" dives deep into this often neglected and stigmatized topic, bringing forth personal stories, insights, and a platform for healing and support. Hosted by Steph Edusei, Black All Year is a podcast dedicated to celebrating Black excellence and fostering important conversations. This particular episode sheds light on the experiences of Black parents who have endured the devastating loss of a child, creating a space for empathy, understanding, and healing.
Navigating the Taboo:
In many cultures, baby loss is still regarded as a taboo subject, surrounded by silence and shame. This silence can be even more pronounced within the Black community, where cultural norms and societal pressures often discourage open discussions about grief and loss. However, the "Black All Year: Black Baby Loss" episode challenges these taboos head-on, recognising the importance of breaking the silence and creating a supportive environment for those who have experienced this heartbreaking journey.
Personal Narratives:
One of the most powerful aspects of this episode is the inclusion of personal narrative from Alicia Burnett, a midwife and Black parent, who has suffered the loss of a child. Through her candid and heartfelt account, she courageously shares her pain, grief, and the complexities she faced in navigating a society that often fails to acknowledge her unique experiences. These serve as a reminder that Black individuals and communities are not exempt from the devastating effects of baby loss and deserve space for their stories to be heard.
Addressing Racial Disparities:
The podcast episode delves into the intersection of race and baby loss, shedding light on the racial disparities that exist within healthcare systems. Black women are known to face higher rates of maternal mortality and experience a lack of adequate support and care during pregnancy and childbirth. This systemic issue disproportionately affects Black parents dealing with baby loss, exacerbating their grief and adding additional layers of trauma to an already devastating experience. By highlighting these disparities, the episode brings attention to the urgent need for changes in healthcare practices, addressing of prejudices and support for marginalised communities.
Support and Healing:
"Black All Year: Black Baby Loss" goes beyond just raising awareness and talks about the creation of Black Baby Loss Awareness Week that will provide resources and avenues for support and healing. The awareness week will feature interviews with professionals, including therapists and grief counsellors, who will offer valuable insights and advice for individuals and families navigating the grieving process. By highlighting this, the podcast and Black Baby Loss Awareness Week aim to empower Black parents to seek the support they need and deserve, dismantling the notion that grief should be endured silently.
Conclusion:
The podcast episode "Black All Year: Black Baby Loss" takes a compassionate and inclusive approach to a subject that is often pushed into the shadows. By providing a platform for Black parents to share their stories, addressing racial disparities within healthcare systems, and offering resources for support and healing, the episode brings a much-needed spotlight to an overlooked and deeply important topic. Through open and empathetic conversations like these, we can hope to foster a society that acknowledges, supports, and uplifts the experiences of all individuals affected by baby loss, regardless of their race or background.
Black Baby Loss Awareness Week on Instagram @midwife_alicia @blackbabylossawareness
Steph Edusei
Speaker, leader, coach
Steph Edusei has been Chief Executive of St. Oswald’s Hospice since May 2020 and previously served as a Non-Executive Director at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She is also a board member of the North East England Chamber of Commerce, actively contributing to their Race, Equality and Discrimination Commission and a member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) women’s committee.
Her career in healthcare started at the Freeman Hospital, later advancing through the NHS graduate management training scheme. Her ascent continued as she secured multiple management roles within local NHS organisations, encompassing commissioning bodies, Newcastle Hospitals, and the North East Ambulance Service and was instrumental in founding the Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group. Steph then shifted her focus to lead Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead.
As an integral part of her local community, Steph has been a leader with Girlguiding UK for over 30 years and holds the position of Chair at Eliot Smith Dance Company. Previously, she served as the co-Chair of The Angelou Centre, a black-led women’s charity based in Newcastle which offers training, counselling, and refuge support.
Steph has a passion for involving the public and patients in healthcare and is a strong advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion. She champions good mental health — especially in the workplace — and speaks publicly on compassionate leadership, racism, and gender discrimination. Steph also offers leadership coaching and mentoring to support…
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