In Indianapolis, JaKobi Burton actively supported his pregnant partner Crystal Wilmot-Burton by attending prenatal appointments and joining the Dads to Doulas program, which trains Black fathers to provide physical, mental, and spiritual support before and after childbirth.

The couple’s story demonstrates how paternal involvement can improve birth outcomes, with the father’s participation in classes and birth planning contributing to a healthy delivery for their daughter Phoenix.

Racism, disparities, and limited access to prenatal care fuel Black maternal health inequities, and doctors often underrepresent Black fathers and patients in medical settings.

Experts say barriers persist, including underrepresentation of Black OB-GYNs and racism in medical settings, and hospitals are urged to actively encourage and value father participation at all stages of care.

Black women are underrepresented among OB-GYNs, with only 7.5% of practicing OB-GYNs being Black women and 2.3% Black men, which contributes to less culturally sensitive care.

Wilmot-Burton notes her husband’s engagement reduced stress and encourages other Black women to involve their partners in prenatal education and appointments.

Evidence from case examples shows that proactive involvement—attending classes, asking questions, and participating in birth planning—can lead to better delivery outcomes and supportive caregiving.

AP News profiles Burton as a father who trained as a doula through Dads to Doulas, highlighting his role in supporting his wife and newborn.

Contextual details tie the Indianapolis family’s experience to broader data, noting 2023 mortality rates for Black women (about 50.3 per 100,000) versus White women (about 14.5 per 100,000) to frame the urgency."

There is a growing shift among Black men toward openly discussing pregnancy fears and insecurities and taking a more active role in prenatal care and birth planning, aided by community programs.

Experts emphasize paternal involvement as a key factor in improving birth outcomes, with initiatives like the National Healthy Start Association providing resources to empower fathers in clinical settings.

Burton’s advocacy and preparation—attending classes and preparing questions—helped ensure the birth plan was followed and contributed to a healthy birth for Phoenix.