In 2023, March of Dimes conducted focus groups regarding the perinatal care experiences of BIPOC individuals in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV), with a focus on self-advocacy. Participants shared insights on communication challenges, knowledge gaps, barriers to advocacy, and experiences of discrimination in the healthcare system. Key themes included the importance of effective communication, patient education, cultural competency, and support networks. These findings highlighted the need for systemic improvements, such as enhanced provider training, better patient resources, and community-based initiatives to empower birthing individuals in advocating for their health and well-being throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period.

In response to the concerns raised during focus groups, the March of Dimes DMV Maternal and Infant Health Equity Coalition (MIHE) conducted a comprehensive search of evidence-based, community-driven, and online support resources tailored for patients, providers, and partners/support networks. To ensure these resources were both impactful and accessible, they were carefully reviewed by experts and individuals with lived experience.