Partnering with NAEBOR Clinics for Black Obstetric Care February 28, 2025 General NAEBOR Medical 0 RESOURCES FOR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS: Partnering with NAEBOR Clinics for Black Obstetric Care Maternity care is a vital part of family medicine, and it’s especially needed for black birthing individuals. The pregnancy and birth experience are critical to family physicians' scope. Maternity care directly grows and supports pediatric care. It stands alongside our efforts to care more effectively for women, children, and families with a greater focus on health equity. NAEBOR Medical Group supports and empowers black birthing individuals with compassionate and culturally competent care, and NAEBOR has become a significant adjunct to the primary care experience. Their clinical staff members ensure every patient feels seen, heard, and respected throughout their journey. This is especially important in the Inland Empire, where there are often challenges in care for black birthing individuals, whether due to “OB-GYN deserts” because of maternity ward closures in rural areas or due to social determinants of health that impact the lives of marginalized patients. Black and African American families suffer worse health outcomes during pregnancy and infancy. Marginalized women of low socio-economic status often experience inequalities in social conditions and medical co-morbidities that lead to maternal morbidity and mortality. Structural racism and implicit bias exist in current healthcare delivery models, as well as prenatal care services, and may limit a woman’s ability to achieve optimum health. Equitable and supportive prenatal care models can reduce the burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes. With the help of pre-established community-based organizations and patient advocates, i.e., social workers and case managers play a critical role in changing healthcare systems and improving the practices of healthcare providers, specifically when it comes to serving marginalized populations. Their efforts help ensure that these communities have equitable and compassionate care. Collaboration between NAEBOR Clinics and primary care physicians is key: Holistic patient view Primary care doctors have a broader understanding of a patient's medical history, including chronic conditions that could impact pregnancy. In contrast, the maternal care clinic focuses on pregnancy-specific needs, creating a more complete picture of the patient's health. Early intervention and risk assessment Working together identifies potential pregnancy complications early, allowing for timely intervention and management strategies. Improved access to care In areas with limited access to dedicated OB-GYNs, primary care doctors can provide prenatal care and coordinate with the maternal care clinic for high-risk cases or deliveries. Continuity of care Having a single point of contact throughout pregnancy and postpartum can improve patient experience and provider communication. Mental health support Primary care doctors can work with maternal care clinic to address mental health concerns that might arise during pregnancy and postpartum, along with the underlying physical health components of care. Shared decision-making Collaboration allows for better-informed decisions regarding treatment plans, considering both the patient's overall health and pregnancy-specific needs. Clear referral guidelines Establishing clear protocols for when to refer patients to the maternal care clinic is crucial for efficient care. Communication channels Maintaining open communication between providers is essential for the smooth coordination of care. Shared medical records Access to comprehensive patient information across both practices can enhance decision-making. Collaboration is the secret to success and improved patient outcomes. Improving prenatal and perinatal outcomes and access to obstetrical care in underserved areas has been prioritized in many areas, and NAEBOR supports this effort. Given that the most significant factors for improving outcomes are early and regular prenatal care and that a lack of easy access to such care is most often the determining factor for delay or noncompliance, shared care provides a viable solution, proving to be rewarding for family physicians seeking to serve and improve the lives of their patients. CONTACT NAEBOR CLINIC TODAY: 416 W. Foothill Blvd. Rialto, CA 92222 (909) 421-0493 www.naeborclinic.com Kristina Roloff, D.O., MS, MPH, FACOG Director, NAEBOR Medical Group Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist, Valley Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Group, Inc. kristyroloff@gmail.com Kendra Flores-Carter, DSW Director, NAEBOR Medical Group kendraflorescarter@gmail.com Comments are closed.
