In recognition of Prematurity Awareness Day, "Wake Up With Dee Morning Show" Host Dr. Dee Hawkins Haigler hosted a deeply personal and timely conversation about the ongoing maternal health crisis in the United States, particularly its impact on Black women, and the resilience of families navigating premature birth.
“Premature birth is a major global health issue affecting an estimated 15 million babies worldwide each year,” Dr. Hannah Haigler said, noting it remains the leading cause of infant mortality and disability.
Dr. Haigler turned the conversation toward the realities facing women in the U.S., calling it “one of the most dangerous places in the world to give birth.” She highlighted stark disparities, including the fact that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, regardless of income or education.
To illustrate these systemic issues, Dr. Haigler shared her own experience from 1999, when she was pregnant with her daughter, Hannah. Despite telling her providers that something felt wrong during a routine appointment, her concerns were initially dismissed. Only after insisting on further examination did clinicians discover she was already four centimeters dilated.
“If I had not fought and said I'm not leaving and something's wrong, they would have sent me home,” she recalled. That decision likely saved her daughter’s life.
Hannah was born weighing one pound, three ounces and spent 98 days in the hospital. Doctors warned the family that she may not survive, or might face significant developmental challenges. She underwent multiple procedures, including open-heart surgery at age eight.
But as listeners heard, the story did not end there.
Now a college graduate completing her master’s degree, Hannah joined the conversation to reflect on her journey. She credited her parents for refusing to limit her potential. “I thank y’all for… not treating me like I couldn’t do anything in terms of my development,” she said.
Her father, David Haigler, pointed to both faith and family support as key to her progress. He emphasized that premature birth does not dictate a child’s future. “Just because your child is born premature doesn't mean that they won't fully develop and not be functional,” he said.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.