Reclaiming Narratives of Empowerment around Black Maternal Health: A Strengths-Based, Community-Informed Focus Group Study

Abstract Background: Research on Black maternal populations often focus on deficits that can reinforce biases against Black individuals and communities. To counteract this, the research landscape must shift towards a strengths-based approach, focusing on the protective assets of Black individuals and communities. To inform the design of a future clinical trial focused on reducing Black maternal health disparities, this study engaged the local Black community using a strengths-based approach to explore the assets of Black maternal populations. Methods: Guided by the Theory of Maternal Adaptive Capacity, we conducted three purposive focus group sessions with Black adult community members. The focus groups were semi-structured to cover specific topics, including (1) strengths of the local community, (2) strengths specific to pregnant community members, (3) how the strengths of the community members can support pregnant individuals, and (4) how the strengths of pregnant community members can facilitate a healthy pregnancy. Focus group interviews were analyzed by using thematic content analysis. Results: Three focus group sessions were conducted with sixteen female individuals identifying as Black or African American. Central themes include (1) The power of pregnancy and motherhood in Black women; (2) Challenging negative perceptions and media representation of Black mothers; (3) Recognizing history and reclaiming cultural traditions surrounding birth; and (4) Community as the foundation to Black motherhood. Conclusion: Black community members identified powerful themes on Black maternal health through a strengths-based lens. These focus groups fostered important relationships with the Black community, elucidated possible solutions to improving Black women’s health and wellness, and offered direction on our research design and intervention.