Birthing Experiences of People of Color in Colorado: A Qualitative Study

In 2021, OMNI received funding from the Telligen Community Initiative to carry out a qualitative study to better understand the experiences of people of color during the pregnancy, peripartum, and postpartum periods, as they interact with hospital systems at a particularly vulnerable time where the risk factors for pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality are relatively high.

Partnering with the Colorado Hospital Association, OMNI conducted six focus groups and two Spanish-language interviews, with a total of 24 participants sharing their experiences. Participants identified as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, were 18 years old or older, and had delivered a baby in a Colorado hospital system in the last year.

Participants were recruited through community-based outreach efforts and the Colorado Hospital Association’s network of community partners and stakeholders.

Participants shared a variety of positive experiences and opportunities for improvement related to their pregnancy, peripartum, and postpartum experiences. This study’s findings may inform improvement opportunities for Colorado hospitals and healthcare systems to address systemic barriers exacerbating risk factors for people of color.