How do I enroll in the MGMC project?

If you are newly pregnant, Black, and receiving prenatal care at UI Health, reach out to our team at mgmc@uic.edu to connect with a research coordinator and discuss the study.

Once enrolled, you will be randomized into either usual care or MGMC. The model may become available for general enrollment after we complete the research study.

What happens if I’m randomized into usual care?

Participants in usual care will continue their prenatal care as standardly expected with their chosen provider and care team. They will complete periodic surveys and still be compensated for their time. Participants receiving UI Health’s usual care are very important to learning how to best provide Black pregnant parents with the best care.

UI Health has some of Chicago’s top physicians and providers specializing in women’s health. With a growing map of locations, UI Health offers comprehensive care including the largest and most diverse midwifery practice in Illinois, access to neonatal specialists and a Level III nursery.

How long does the study take?

If enrolled in the study, you will be assigned to one of two types of maternity care: melanated group midwifery care or usual, individual care. Regardless of the type of care (usual or MGMC), your participation will last approximately 16 to 19 months: from your first prenatal visit through 12 months after you have your baby.

Regardless of the type of prenatal care you are randomly assigned to, all participants will be asked to complete six surveys: three during pregnancy and three in the first 12 months after birth. Each survey takes about 30-45 mins to complete.

Both the usual care and MGMC care will get the same standard of prenatal care.

However, if assigned to MGMC, you’ll be asked to attend your prenatal care visits with a small group of other pregnant people and will receive up to 70 hours of postpartum doula support.

What is group prenatal care?

Group prenatal care is an evidence-based model in which pregnant people attend 2-hour prenatal care visits in small groups. Their prenatal care provider, nurse navigator, and social worker will be at each of these visits. You still get a one-on-one check-in with your provider, but you receive your health education in a group with other pregnant people with similar due dates to yours.

What is a nurse navigator?

Nurse navigators are registered nurses who work with their patients through the pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum. They will help to assess patients’ medical and social needs, provide perinatal, mental, social, and general reproductive health education, and link patients to resources and wrap-around services, if needed.

What is a postpartum doula?

Postpartum doulas provide birthing persons and their families with comprehensive postpartum doula care that includes information and support on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing, and coping skills for new families.