Angelique shares experiences of motherhood and support from BIH program in Long Beach
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The Black Infant Health Program (BIH) meeting held on May 26, 2025, in Long Beach, California, featured a heartfelt testimony from Angelique Spraggins, a 20-week pregnant woman sharing her experiences and insights about the program. The meeting aimed to highlight the importance of community support for Black mothers during pregnancy and postpartum.
Spraggins began by expressing her excitement about her first pregnancy and her desire to create a loving environment for her child. She recounted how she discovered the BIH program while conversing with a mother in a thrift store, who recommended the program as a valuable resource for her journey.
Throughout her testimony, Spraggins addressed the unique challenges faced by Black women in pregnancy, including complications and the impact of absent partners. She shared her personal experience of her child's father leaving shortly after they had planned for the pregnancy, which left her feeling surprised and alone. However, she emphasized that the BIH program provided her with a sense of sisterhood and community, alleviating her feelings of isolation.
Spraggins highlighted the program's role in educating her about the specific issues Black women encounter during pregnancy. She appreciated the support from other women in similar situations, which helped her feel less vulnerable and more empowered. The program also offered resources, such as information on obtaining a doula, which she found crucial for navigating her pregnancy alone.
She described her previous experience with an OB-GYN who did not treat her fairly, prompting her to seek a new provider. This experience underscored the importance of being an advocate for oneself during pregnancy, especially when facing systemic biases.
The meeting also featured discussions about the benefits of the BIH program, including access to resources like breastfeeding classes and mental health support. Spraggins noted the welcoming atmosphere at a recent resource fair, where she connected with various health services and community members.
In conclusion, the BIH program was portrayed as a vital support system for Black mothers, fostering connections and providing essential resources. Spraggins' testimony underscored the program's impact on her life, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences in overcoming the challenges of pregnancy. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue supporting Black mothers and addressing the disparities they face in maternal health.
Spraggins began by expressing her excitement about her first pregnancy and her desire to create a loving environment for her child. She recounted how she discovered the BIH program while conversing with a mother in a thrift store, who recommended the program as a valuable resource for her journey.
Throughout her testimony, Spraggins addressed the unique challenges faced by Black women in pregnancy, including complications and the impact of absent partners. She shared her personal experience of her child's father leaving shortly after they had planned for the pregnancy, which left her feeling surprised and alone. However, she emphasized that the BIH program provided her with a sense of sisterhood and community, alleviating her feelings of isolation.
Spraggins highlighted the program's role in educating her about the specific issues Black women encounter during pregnancy. She appreciated the support from other women in similar situations, which helped her feel less vulnerable and more empowered. The program also offered resources, such as information on obtaining a doula, which she found crucial for navigating her pregnancy alone.
She described her previous experience with an OB-GYN who did not treat her fairly, prompting her to seek a new provider. This experience underscored the importance of being an advocate for oneself during pregnancy, especially when facing systemic biases.
The meeting also featured discussions about the benefits of the BIH program, including access to resources like breastfeeding classes and mental health support. Spraggins noted the welcoming atmosphere at a recent resource fair, where she connected with various health services and community members.
In conclusion, the BIH program was portrayed as a vital support system for Black mothers, fostering connections and providing essential resources. Spraggins' testimony underscored the program's impact on her life, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences in overcoming the challenges of pregnancy. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue supporting Black mothers and addressing the disparities they face in maternal health.
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