We had the good fortune of connecting with Ijeoma Okwandu, MD and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ijeoma, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The Birth Squad was born in response to the black maternal health crisis in the United States. Annually 700-900 maternal deaths occur in the U.S., with an additional 50,000 potentially preventable near-death cases. Our country is one of the few countries in the world where the rate of maternal mortality is now worse than it was 25 years ago, and the trends are even worse for Black women in the U.S. The media has started to shine a light on the fact that Black women disproportionately experience adverse outcomes during labor and delivery. It is a dialogue that has been reinforced because of notable women of color sharing their narratives. But this issue goes far beyond media coverage and personal narratives; the data speaks for itself.

In 2018, the U.S. maternal mortality rate was approximately 17 per 100,000 live births, however, it was more than double for black women that same year. Unfortunately, the issue is only getting worse. Between 2019 and 2020, the rate of maternal death for black women increased nearly 26% from the year prior. Armed with this knowledge as well as the harrowing statistics on maternal morbidity and mortality in the Black community, we created The Birth Squad.

The Birth Squad was founded by me- Dr. Ijeoma Okwandu and my partner, Dr. Kimeshia Thomas. We are two obstetricians and gynecologists, who also happen to be best friends who met in college. The Birth Squad is an organization that strives to provide culturally competent health information to help women have equitable pregnancy and birth experiences.

A core component of The Birth Squad is our podcast where we interview real women and medical specialists to provide reproductive health education. We believe that by using the power of storytelling and our medical expertise to provide context to those stories, we can empower women to have the birth experiences that they not only want but that they deserve.

What should our readers know about your business?
As first-generation Africans, my co-founder and I experienced firsthand the healthcare disparities affecting our family and community, alongside the glaring underrepresentation of Black medical professionals. The stark reality of adverse Black maternal outcomes, with Black women being three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women, underscored the urgent need for equitable care and a more diverse maternal care workforce, prompting the inception of The Birth Squad. Our mission is clear: to confront health inequities in maternal healthcare through storytelling, offering education, advocacy, and a sense of community.

Through our podcast, The Birth Squad, we interview real women—our “Badass Birth Warriors”—to share their personal experiences, leveraging our expertise as obstetricians to provide clarity, education, and dispel misinformation. We aim to empower birthing individuals to navigate their birth experiences safely and confidently. Despite the challenges and occasional bouts of imposter syndrome, we remain steadfast in our commitment to amplifying voices and addressing the overlooked concerns of Black women during childbirth. While the struggle to raise awareness and prioritize these issues in society persists, we take pride in our journey from introversion to championing an essential mission, utilizing our platform to provide a voice for marginalized communities and foster a supportive environment where questions are welcomed, and information is readily available.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re looking for a perfect day in Atlanta, start with a stroll through Piedmont Park, where you can enjoy easy walking paths and soak in the beautiful scenery while observing the diverse mix of people that make Atlanta vibrant. Follow the path leading to Ponce City Market, a hub of boutique shops, eclectic vendors, and a plethora of delicious food options to satisfy any craving. Nearby, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the captivating exhibits at the High Museum, where there’s always something new and exciting to see. For a unique experience, be sure to catch First Fridays, an absolute must for art enthusiasts, where you can enjoy live music, drinks, and connect with fellow art lovers. For a memorable nightcap, I recommend The James’s Room, a beautiful speakeasy known for its exceptional drinks and intimate ambiance. When it comes to dining, indulge in the delicious shareable dishes and enchanting atmosphere at Rumis Kitchen for Mediterranean cuisine, or head to Ike’s Kitchen for authentic Nigerian flavors. For a fusion experience like no other, APT4B offers African-inspired cuisine and the best beats from talented DJs. Atlanta truly has something for everyone, and these spots are sure to make your visit unforgettable.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to acknowledge and express my deepest gratitude to my podcast co-host and co-creator, Dr. Kimeshia Thomas. Not only is she a brilliant OB-GYN, but she is also a dear friend and ally. Our journey from college roommates studying pre-medicine to navigating the challenges of medical school and beyond has been nothing short of monumental. As black women pursuing careers in medicine, we are acutely aware of the unique obstacles and barriers we face in a field that is still largely underrepresented by people who look like us. Yet, through it all, having Kimeshia by my side has made the journey infinitely more manageable. Her unwavering support, camaraderie, and shared commitment to our goals have been a constant source of inspiration and strength.

It is with pride and honor that I continue to work alongside Kimeshia, particularly as we channel our passion and expertise into addressing the maternal health crisis among black women. This issue is deeply personal to both of us, given our shared experiences and the stark realities faced by black mothers across America. Together, we are determined to make a meaningful impact and strive towards creating a more equitable and just healthcare system where black women can give birth safely and with dignity. While the road ahead may be challenging, I am confident that with Kimeshia’s expertise, dedication, and unwavering partnership, we can effect real change and pave the way for a brighter future for generations of black women to come.

Website: www.thebirthsquad.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebirthsquad/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijeomaokwandu/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_TheBirthSquad

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBirthSquad

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.