Black Maternal Health Crisis: Why Black Fathers Must Be Part of the Solution w/ Dr. David Miller and Dr. Jeff Shears

This episode of I Am Dad Podcast tackles one of the most urgent public health issues facing Black families today: the Black maternal health crisis. Hosted by Dr. David Miller, this important conversation features Dr. Jeffrey Shears, a nationally respected researcher focused on Black fathers, family systems, and community wellbeing. Together, they examine a question too often ignored in maternal health conversations: What role can Black fathers play in helping reduce maternal stress, improve pregnancy outcomes, and support healthier families? Drawing from new research conducted through the Moynihan Institute for Fatherhood Research and Policy, Dr. Shears explains why fathers should be viewed not as risks—but as resources. The conversation explores: • The alarming disparities in Black maternal and infant mortality • Why stress is a major factor in maternal health outcomes • The overlooked role of fathers during pregnancy and childbirth • How healthcare systems often ignore or dismiss fathers • The importance of communication between mothers and fathers • Why fathers need education and support during pregnancy too • The impact of generational parenting and lived experiences • How community-based fatherhood programming can strengthen maternal health outcomes Dr. Shears also discusses why the Moynihan Institute chose to reclaim the controversial legacy of the Moynihan Report as a framework for advancing modern fatherhood research and policy conversations. This episode is both a research discussion and a call to action. Because if we are serious about saving Black mothers, we must also become serious about supporting Black fathers.

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