Low-risk pregnant participants will be randomized into Melanated Group Midwifery Care or usual individualized obstetric care. In Melanated Group Midwifery Care (MGMC), Black women will receive prenatal care from a Black midwife in groups with the same 8-10 other Black women throughout pregnancy. In pregnancy and into the first year postpartum, MGMC patients will stay connected to the health system through a proactive care coordinator, who is a Black licensed nurse. For the first year after giving birth, patients in MGMC will also be supported by a trained postpartum doula.~All participants (intervention and usual care groups) will complete study measures that include validated surveys on patient trust, respect and engagement at 6 time points:~3 time points in pregnancy [baseline (<20 weeks), 26-28 weeks, and 35- 37 weeks] and~3 in the postpartum at 2-, 6-, and 12-months~Additional qualitative interviews will be done to track the care received by medically and socially complex patients, including all who experience a severe maternal morbidity.~The investigators will also document how MGMC gets embedded in practice through a qualitative process evaluation.
This study is being conducted to determine if a multi-level intervention for delivering maternity care can improve patient trust and engagement among Black birthing people.