Perinatal care results in worse health outcomes for Black women than white women across the U.S., but HealthPartners is working to ensure equitable care in its birth center experiences. In partnership with a consulting agency, HealthPartners documented pregnancy to postpartum experiences of Black mothers and used their learnings to develop new programming.  

Community Circles virtual group classes are driven by participating members and are focused on shared community and experiences. Expecting Together classes are guided by OB-GYN physicians and focus on medical care through each stage of pregnancy.  

These classes have resulted in feedback from participants including that the “social support compliments clinical care” and the “circle space reduces feelings of isolation.”