Your Birth Story Matters.

Every Story Shapes Better Care.

Black Mamas in Cincinnati: We Want to Hear From You

Mama Certified was created by Black mamas through Queens Village, in partnership with local hospitals, to give you clear information about pregnancy and birth. Because Black mamas too often face unfair treatment and worse health outcomes, your voice is one of the most powerful tools we have to make care better.

The Birthing Experience Study is how we gather that feedback. If you recently gave birth at a Cincinnati-area hospital, tell us what your care was like. What felt right? What didn’t? What could be better? Your answers go back to hospitals through the Queens Village Hospital Advisory Boards (QVHABs), where Black mamas and hospital leaders meet to turn real experiences into real change.

Together, we’re building a region where every Black mama feels safe, informed, respected, and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

  • Identify as Black or African American
  • Are 18 or older

  • Gave birth at a participating Cincinnati hospital between November 2025 and now

As a thank-you for your time, every mama who completes the survey receives a $50 gift card.

What Black Mamas and Providers Said: 2025 Birthing Experience Report

Black mamas asked for transparency and accountability in their care. Mama Certified listened. The Birthing Experience Study, led by Dr. Dorian Odems, brought together more than 240 Black women and birthing people and 10 hospital-based providers to share what care really looks like and what needs to change.

Together, mamas and providers named three things that need to change:

Structural Change

Systems and policies that shape how care is delivered need to be redesigned with Black mamas in mind.

Provider Training

Hospital staff need training that addresses bias, builds trust, and centers respectful care.

Patient Power

Black mamas deserve a real voice in decisions about their care, before, during, and after birth.
This report is more than numbers. It is a roadmap. Queens Village Hospital Advisory Boards are using the report to build real solutions with Black mamas at the center.

Ready to explore your options?

Start with the hospital guides—free, plain-language, and built for you.