Birth Sisters of Charlottesville July 19, 2024

While all women face challenges in childbirth, we know that these risks are especially severe for Black mothers. Maternal mortality is three to four times higher for Black women than it is for white women, and Black women are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital is proud to be one of just 26 hospitals across the nation recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “high-performing” for achieving excellent outcomes for cesarean section and unexpected newborn complications among Black patients.

To help ensure all mothers and families have access to the care they deserve, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital partners with Birth Sisters of Charlottesville, a doula collective that provides free and reduced-rate services for women in Charlottesville and the surrounding area. 

Sentara provides grant funding, office space and referrals to help Birth Sisters provide support through the pregnancy journey and into motherhood for women of color.