Let's Talk Self Care September
PODCAST {REWIND}
In September we aim to raise awareness on many issues that affect our community directly such as alopecia, pulmonary fibrosis, sexual health, and Alzheimer’s. While that’s alot to tackle in one month, I want to share an episode I had with Dr. Latoya Clark. We spoke specifically about black women’s sexual and vaginal health.
Latoya Clark Hughes, known professionally as Dr. Clark, brings a wealth of experience to her practice. A graduate of Xavier University, an HBCU, and the University of South Alabama for medical school, Dr. Clark completed her residency at LSU in New Orleans. With nine years of post-residency experience, she specializes in general practice OB-GYN care, including deliveries, surgeries, and addiction treatment.
The Importance of Preconception Care
Dr. Clark emphasizes the critical nature of preconception care, particularly for African American women. "If you're starting maternity care after you're pregnant, you're already behind the ball," she notes. This aligns with research from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which found that preconception counseling can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes, especially for women with chronic health conditions.
African American women face higher rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, which can complicate pregnancies. The Office of Minority Health reports that African American women have the highest obesity rates compared to other groups in the U.S. Dr. Clark stresses the importance of addressing these issues before conception to minimize risks during pregnancy.
Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider
When selecting a healthcare provider, Dr. Clark advises looking at where the physician was trained and the demographics of their patient base. "If you've taken care of African American women through training, you'll be more aware of the things that African American women are more prone to," she explains. This insight is supported by research published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, suggesting that racial concordance between patient and provider can lead to improved communication and patient satisfaction.
Advocating for Yourself During Pregnancy
Dr. Clark encourages patients to be honest and open with their healthcare providers. "The doctor-patient relationship is going to go both ways," she says.
When it comes to the hospital experience, Dr. Clark reassures patients that most medical professionals are there to provide good care. However, she encourages women to ask questions about their care, such as "What was my blood pressure?" or "How does my baby's heart rate tracing look?"
Holistic Approach to Women's Health
Dr. Clark takes a holistic view of women's health, particularly regarding vaginal health. "The vagina is self-cleansing," she explains, cautioning against overuse of feminine hygiene products. This advice aligns with guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on maintaining vaginal health.
She also discusses the role of birth teams, including doulas and midwives. While supportive of these additional resources, Dr. Clark advises women to thoroughly research the background and capabilities of any professionals they're considering adding to their birth team.
The Impact of Social Media on Maternal Health Information
Dr. Clark cautions against blindly following trends seen on social media platforms. She uses the example of "Lotus births" to illustrate how social media can sometimes promote practices without fully explaining potential risks or benefits. This highlights the importance of consulting with healthcare providers and seeking information from reputable medical sources.
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, conversations like these are crucial. They empower women with knowledge and encourage healthcare providers to address the specific needs of African American patients.
I appreciate Dr. Clark for providing a roadmap for women and mothers to navigate their health journey.
Listen to this episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
All the best,
Feleccia