April Valentine’s family says she planned for a healthy pregnancy, but she died giving birth
As a Black woman who is the same age as Valentine at the time of her death, this hit home. There was something I kept hearing from her loved ones that deeply concerned me.
Valentine did the research. She knew the odds she faced as a pregnant Black woman. She knew the benefits of having a doula, someone who could provide emotional and physical care through the pregnancy and postpartum, so she found one. In order to ensure she had a culturally responsive and compassionate experience, she chose a Black woman physician to deliver her child.
Valentine knew how to speak up for herself. She posted positive affirmations for a healthy pregnancy in her house. She had a birth plan. It seemed like Valentine did everything right.A few weeks ago, Mariana and I met Nigha Robertson, Valentine’s partner, at their house for an interview. He’s kept old videos of April, including one of their gender reveal , he’s kept old pictures and a detailed image of their ultrasound.
Nigha Robertson holds his baby Aniya in the home he shared with April Valentine, who died during childbirth."Every time I look at my daughter…it is never gonna get old,” Robertson said. “How do I explain to my daughter that the same day you gotta celebrate a birthday, you gotta celebrate the day your mama left?”
There are still so many questions about what happened to Valentine. We still do not have all the answers but are continuing to seek them out. But to know who April Valentine was, read Mariana’sabout her life, her experience as a Black woman at Centinela and what her family and friends are doing to ensure accountability. Mariana also has resources if you or someone you love has had a bad pregnancy experience and need to take action.
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