Freedom at The Mat | A Women's Wellness Sanctuary

A Black Maternal Health Survival Story: Moriah Ballard on Surviving Preeclampsia & Child Loss

47 min · 8 de may de 2026
Portada del episodio A Black Maternal Health Survival Story: Moriah Ballard on Surviving Preeclampsia & Child Loss

Descripción

In this Well Chat, Freedom at The Mat Foun derOlivia F. Scott, , sits down with Moriah Ballard for a deeply moving and necessary conversation about Black maternal health, preeclampsia, child loss, medical trauma, and healing. In 2019, Moriah went into the hospital in Houston, Texas with severe preeclampsia trusting that she and her unborn son, Denim, were in good hands. What followed was a traumatic birth story that changed her life forever. In this episode, Moriah shares what she experienced before entering the hospital, how her symptoms were dismissed, the moment she learned her baby no longer had a heartbeat, and what recovery looked like after losing vision, undergoing surgery, and discovering that an epidural needle had remained in her back. She also speaks honestly about grief, faith, relationships, healing, and what she wants other Black mothers and families to know about self-advocacy in pregnancy and childbirth. This conversation is offered with care and intention. Our goal is to honor Denim’s memory, protect Moriah’s dignity, and give other women, families, providers, and policymakers information, language, and courage to help make birth safer for Black women. #womenswellness #pregnancy #blackwomenswellness #womenshealth Content note: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy complications, child loss, medical trauma, and grief. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Well Chat 01:47 Moriah on how she’s feeling today 02:06 Who Moriah is as a woman and Denim’s mom 03:49 Pregnancy, early symptoms, and warning signs 05:12 Learning about preeclampsia 07:17 Hospital expectations vs. reality 08:02 Pain, the call light, and being dismissed 10:36 The moment the heartbeat was gone 17:13 The response after the loss 23:52 Surgery, recovery, and medical complications 26:26 Grief, relationships, and trust in healthcare 31:01 Reconnecting with body, mind, and spirit 33:02 Faith, purpose, and healing 35:28 Advice for Black mothers and families 37:16 Warning signs not to ignore 39:02 How to advocate with providers 42:03 What Moriah would say to another grieving mother 44:51 What doctors, nurses, and hospital leaders need to change 47:49 Where to follow Moriah

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