Q&A with Davion Mauldin, Coordinator of AAIMM Fatherhood Programs and father of DeAsia, age 16.

AAIMM: Tell us about your experience as a father and your journey with Black maternal health.

DAVION:  My journey was one of tremendous family support. We were 19 years old and were fortunate enough to have guidance from the women in our families. My personal journey was very nerve-wracking and anxiety-filled, not knowing how to help, how to support, or how to prepare. I was still in school and feeling overwhelmed and excited at the same time. I never doubted myself as a person, but the thought of caring for another person was scary without any male input or help.

AAIMM: How should fathers support Black maternal health?

DAVION: The role of fathers is very impactful for the entire family. I also see the need for guidance, help, and education. I hear the desire from fathers wanting to support their partners, and I hear the fear of possibly failing. I hear the request for help and for services. It all comes down to new fathers wanting to be great in their role, and it takes a community to help prepare fathers and/or empower them to realize they are more prepared than they think.

AAIMM: As a Black father, what challenges did you face when navigating the healthcare system during your partner's pregnancy and childbirth experience?

DAVION: My challenges came from not understanding the impact I had during pregnancy. I did not know I could speak up to support her. I did not know I should be a part of the process in the healthcare system. I did not know how to advocate. My lack of understanding caused me to be more withdrawn in these settings when I should have been assertive. When I was not directly acknowledged, it did not feel wrong or uncomfortable, it felt like that’s how it was supposed to be.

AAIMM:  Did you witness or experience any instances of racism or bias while supporting your partner? How did it impact your experience as a father?

DAVION: I experienced bias after my daughter was born and I would take her to medical appointments by myself – microaggressions about why I was with her and not her mom, and comments about if I knew how to care for a little girl.

AAIMM: What were some of the emotional or mental health challenges you faced as a father during the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period?

DAVION: I experienced a lot of anxiety constantly thinking about if I was ready to be a father, if I could raise a child to be a productive person, if I could handle the financial responsibility, or if I could protect her from the world.

AAIMM: What kind of support did you find most helpful, either from your community, family, or healthcare providers, during the pregnancy and birth of your child?

DAVION: Help came from the women in our family encouraging me to be present and not to overthink parenting. Our family would remind us of all the younger cousins we helped take care of. The family was always reminding us they were there to help, and they kept their word. They helped then, and they continue to help.

AAIMM: In your opinion, what are the key ways fathers can better support their partners in the journey of Black maternal health?

DAVION: I would communicate with your partner about everything you want to help with and everything you need help with. Do not hold in all the emotions you are feeling. People with similar experiences can help ease your mind about where you are. Utilize all the support systems around you family, friends, community, religious circles, coworkers, and others, there is so much information around you if you tap into it. Embrace every moment. Do not take the small things for granted. Every moment matters.

AAIMM: How can fathers be more actively involved in advocating for better healthcare for Black mothers and birthing persons?

DAVION: Be present for everything you can be. Pay attention to every conversation that takes place concerning your child. The more you learn from doulas, midwives, doctors, and family, the more tools you have to use. Consistently inquire about how your partner is feeling and what is needed to be supportive. Join the AAIMM Expecting Fathers Group! 

AAIMM: What actionable steps do you believe organizations and individuals can take to help dismantle racial disparities in maternal health, particularly for Black fathers and families?

DAVION:  Acknowledge Black fathers' roles in perinatal care and decision-making. Too often, they’re excluded from maternal health narratives. Provide culturally responsive, family-centered care that involves both parents and respects the structure of the specific Black family you are serving. Offer father-specific support services parenting classes, mental health support, and doula-led education for partners, and keep those resources up to date in your offices. Train providers in anti-racist, anti-bias, and trauma-informed care that recognizes systemic bias, historical trauma, and patient autonomy. Medical offices should partner with community-based, Black-led birth workers to address gaps in care and expertise. Hold institutions accountable through audits and policy reforms when disparities are found. Higher qualified Black men in your respective fields. Refer fathers to the AAIMM Expecting Fathers Group!

AAIMM: How does the Expecting Fathers Group and other AAIMM programs help fathers become more informed and empowered in their roles in Black maternal health?

DAVION: The Expecting Fathers Group (EFG) is specifically created to empower Black fathers by combining information about pregnancy with specific details about where fathers fit into each step of the process from the prenatal period, to labor and delivery, to infant care. EFG provides space to not only learn but truly express where you are without judgement. EFG provides insight that can be used during all of your years of parenting, not just during pregnancy.

AAIMM: What do you hope to see in the future for Black fathers in maternal health, and what can others do to support this vision?

DAVION: I hope to see more easily accessible programs geared toward Black fathers with monetary support to publicize these programs. 

AAIMM: Are there any resources, advice, or initiatives you’d recommend to fathers who want to be more involved in advocating for Black maternal health?

DAVION: Get involved with AAIMM groups, events and programs. The AAIMM collective has so many programs that help families along their journey. The things you will learn and experience are far more valuable than you would expect.