The Rooted Mama

Inside Tennessee’s maternal health crisis

Okay friends, I need to talk to you about something heavy. And I promise I’m going to make this as digestible as possible because honestly? The statistics are overwhelming, the medical jargon is confusing, and if you’re anything like me, reading government reports makes your eyes glaze over.

But this matters. Like, really matters. Especially if you live in Tennessee.

So grab your chamomile tea, and let me break down what’s happening with maternal deaths in our state. Because the latest report just dropped, and we need to talk about it.

First, The Really Bad News: We’re #1 (And Not in a Good Way)

Tennessee officially has the worst maternal mortality rate in the entire country.

Let that sink in for a second.

We’re not talking “kinda high” or “needs improvement.” We’re talking dead last. 50th out of 50 states. The bottom of the barrel.

Our rate is 42.1 deaths per 100,000 births. That’s almost DOUBLE the national average of 23.5. And if you’re on TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid program), you’re three times more likely to die during or after pregnancy than someone with private insurance.

Let me say that again: Three. Times. More. Likely.

If that doesn’t make you furious, I don’t know what will.

Now Here Are the 3 Things You Actually Need to Know:

1. Mental Health & Substance Use Are Killing Mothers…And It’s Preventable

Here’s the part that absolutely wrecks me: Mental health conditions (including substance use disorder) are now the leading cause of maternal death in Tennessee, accounting for 28% of pregnancy-related deaths.

We’re talking about moms dying from suicide and overdose; most of them within the first year of their baby’s life.

And here’s the kicker: 76% of these deaths are preventable.

PREVENTABLE.

That means we know how to stop this. We have the tools. We have the research. Doulas, postpartum therapy, peer support groups, substance use treatment; these things WORK. But mothers either don’t know they exist, can’t afford them, or feel too ashamed to ask for help.

I was one of those mothers. Severe postpartum depression nearly broke me after my second baby. The only difference between me and the moms we’ve lost? I had access to therapy and a village who stepped in. I got “lucky”.

But luck shouldn’t be what determines whether a mother survives.

2. If You’re Black, Poor, or Live in Rural Tennessee, Your Risk Just Tripled

This is where it gets even more heartbreaking.

The maternal mortality crisis isn’t affecting everyone equally. Black women in Tennessee are twice as likely to die from pregnancy complications as white women. And if you’re on TennCare, which means you’re living in poverty, your risk of dying is three times higher than someone with private insurance.

Let me be blunt: This is about money, access, and implicit bias.

It’s about mothers who don’t have a car to get to appointments. Mothers who work jobs without paid leave. Mothers who live an hour from the nearest hospital. Mothers who are dismissed by medical professionals when they say something feels wrong.

Rural Tennessee is especially brutal. Hospitals are closing their maternity wards. OB/GYNs are few and far between. And when complications arise, there’s no time to drive 45 minutes to the nearest facility.

This isn’t just statistics. These are real women. Real families. Real babies growing up without their mothers.

3. Tennessee Is Making Some Progress—But It’s Not Nearly Enough

Okay, deep breath. Because it’s not all doom and gloom (though honestly, it’s mostly doom and gloom).

The report showed a 26% decline in pregnancy-associated deaths and a 15% decrease in pregnancy-related deaths from 2021 to 2022. So things are technically improving.

Tennessee has also done a couple of good things:

• Extended Medicaid coverage for mothers to one full year postpartum (instead of just 60 days)
• Created a Maternal Mortality Review Committee that actually investigates why mothers are dying and what we can do to stop it
• Created a Maternal Health Task Force to systematically address the findings from this report

But here’s where I want to scream: We know what would help, and lawmakers keep saying no.

Doulas. Paid family leave. Funding for postpartum mental health programs. These aren’t radical ideas—they’re evidence-based solutions that other states have implemented successfully.

Tennessee legislators have repeatedly rejected state funding for TennCare doula services, even though we know doulas improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Even though it would literally save lives.

Why? I honestly don’t know. But what I do know is that mothers are dying while politicians debate whether they’re worth the investment.

So… What Now?

Look, I get it. This is heavy. You might be reading this thinking, “Okay Destynie, you’ve thoroughly depressed me. What am I supposed to do with this information?”

Here’s the thing: Awareness is the first step.

You can’t advocate for change if you don’t know what’s broken. You can’t support struggling mothers if you don’t understand the system is failing them. And you sure as hell can’t protect yourself if you don’t know the risks.

So here’s what I’m asking you to do:

If you’re pregnant or planning to be:

• Know the warning signs of postpartum depression and anxiety (I’ll link resources below)
• Find out what maternal health resources exist in your area NOW—don’t wait until you’re drowning
• Ask about doula services, postpartum therapy, peer support groups
• If something feels wrong, SPEAK UP. And if a doctor dismisses you, find another one.

If you’re not pregnant but you care about mothers:

• Share this post. Talk about it. Make some noise.
• Support organizations working to improve maternal health in Tennessee
• Call your state representatives and ask why they keep rejecting doula funding
• Show up for the mothers in your life: heck on them, offer help, listen without judgment

If you’re a Tennessee mother who’s struggling right now:

• You are not alone. You are not broken. And you are not a bad mom.
• There ARE resources out there (even if they’re harder to find than they should be)
• Reach out. Please. To me, to a friend, to a therapist, to a crisis line. Just don’t suffer in silence.

I started The Rooted Mama because I almost became one of these statistics. And now I’m working to make sure other mothers don’t have to fight as hard as I did just to survive motherhood.

Because here’s the truth: We shouldn’t have to be warriors just to become mothers.

We deserve support. We deserve resources. We deserve a system that values our lives as much as it values our babies.

Resources:

• Maternal Mortality Review
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
• Postpartum Support International: postpartum.net
• Tennessee Crisis Line: Dial 988
• Find Tennessee doulas:
• Helping Mamas Knoxville

Want to stay updated on maternal health in Tennessee? Follow along here and join our community of mothers who refuse to stay quiet about what’s really going on.