Kortney Floyd James, PhD
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Kortney Floyd James PhD, RN

What I Do
My own struggles as a new mother and witnessing other Black women suffer with depression and anxiety after childbirth sparked my research interests.

Even though much research in the past focused on stigma as a reason Black women did not seek mental health care, my own experiences as a mother and nurse provided a different perspective.

My research will uncover what was missing from research about Black women's emotional well-being after childbirth. Factors like:
  • Insufficient insurance coverage
  • Racism
  • Cultural influences
  • Lack of mental health providers 
  • Inadequate tools used to assess perinatal mental status​

I will soon delve into global maternal health policy, specifically in the UK. Because Black mamas are more likely to die during during pregnancy, and after childbirth too (when compared to women of other races)! Unlike the US, it seems some strategies employed in the UK has resulted in an improvement in maternal health outcomes. Can't wait to learn all about it!

​Keep reading to learn more about my research, read my pubs, and see what I've been up to. 
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Want to hear about my research instead of reading it? You're in luck! In the video to the left, I talk about my dissertation study and findings! 

​After you watch, feel free to contact me with your questions or thoughts. I'd love to chat with you!

Publications

Media

Sheriese Ferguson, MPH, RDH is not only a registered dental hygienist, she's my dental hygienist. She also happens to be my best friend since 8th grade, so you know we had a great time! She took time out of her busy schedule to share some oral health tips for Black women at Black Mamas' Wellness. She addressed some common misconceptions in the Black community about pregnancy and dental health. Be sure to check out her page, Mouthful  for more oral health gems. 
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Ashley Hill Hamilton is a doula and certified lactation counselor with Birthmark Doulas in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ashley joined me via Instagram live on my page, Black Mamas' Wellness to discuss why Black mamas need doulas. Ashley also opened up to us about her own pregnancy journeys and why she chose to become a doula. ​

I had a blast talking with Keisha Reeves, a licensed perinatal mental health counselor and expert. She's also the owner and clinical director of Push Thru Mama Therapy. Go take a listen as we discuss all things related to Black maternal mental health. 

Keep an eye out for us because we will definitely collaborate in the future!
Pushthru ยท S5 Ep 62 Black Maternal Mental Health w/ Dr. Kortney F. James

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​I was invited to talk with nurse scientists Dr. Nicole Low and Dr. Stephanie Edmonds on their Woman Centered Health Podcast. We got super technical discussing my dissertation work. It's always a good time talking with nurse researchers who appreciate all the highs and lows of conducting rigorous studies. Click here to listen!

Talk about Black Girl Magic! Terrian and Yana at Melanated Conversations really know how to have a good time! We laughed, shared our frustrations with healthcare during our pregnancies, and discussed why Black women must be their own advocate. We also talked about why we Black women need to let our capes aka "Super Woman expectations" GO! 
© 2022 Dr. Kortney Floyd James, All Rights Reserved
  • Who I Am
  • what I do
  • who I do it for
  • get In touch