Black Maternal Mental Health Matters
Hi, and welcome back, readers. We appreciate you being here. Motherhood can oftentimes be painted as our life's most beautiful and lovely journeys, but for many black mothers, it can become one of the most isolating and overlooked times of their lives. Behind their walls of strength, resilience, and unwavering love is the reality of motherhood that is not talked about enough. This heavy mental and emotional load that many birthing people carry in silence. We created this safe space for honesty, for awareness, and for this week, a reminder that black mothers deserve care, support, and to be seen, not only as strong but also as human.
What is Black Maternal Mental Health?
Black Maternal Mental Health helps bring light to the social, emotional, and psychological health of black mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. According to the BMMA (Black Mamas Matter Alliance), “PMADs (Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) are one of the leading complications of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 pregnant and postpartum women in the United States”. Conditions like OCD, PTSD, psychosis, depression, and anxiety disorders. Sadly, it is very common for women to suffer from PMAD’s; one in five women experiences mental health conditions during pregnancy or postpartum.
The reality for black mothers
Black women experience a higher risk of PMAD’s than white women and are significantly less likely to receive the treatment and care they need. According to the BMMA, “Mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality.” This isn’t just about feelings, it’s about survival. Let’s get this straight, this is not because black mothers are “Weaker” or “Less capable”. It’s because several of them are having to navigate pregnancy and postpartum without the support they need, without being fully heard and understood, and most importantly, without access to care that sees them for who they truly are.
Why do so many go without support?
To really understand why so many black mothers go without support, you have to look deeper than just the surface. Many black women are raised with the expectation of being strong, of carrying everything without asking for help. All you need is yourself, and sometimes they are shamed when they do ask for help. It’s often referred to as the “Superwoman” expectation; the feeling of being vulnerable is seen as weakness instead of a basic human need.
There is also a strong stigma around mental health in many communities, making it difficult to speak up about feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm. Due to that stigma, many were not taught about mental health and conditions, which leaves them completely unknown to what they are experiencing. Leaving them thinking that what they feel is normal, therefore, they don’t need to seek support, and even if they did, they would be seen as weak. This can make it difficult to recognize symptoms and determine when something may be wrong.
Systemic Barriers
There are so many different barriers that black women face. One being the healthcare system, it’s no secret that the healthcare system was not made to benefit several different types of people, especially people of color. Black women are often dismissed when it came to their symptoms, being misunderstood, or even being misdiagnosed. There’s a deep-rooted distrust of the healthcare system due to these past experiences of bias, discrimination, racism, and repeated dismissal. Leaving them feeling like they don’t have a choice, they must bear it on their own.
Having access to the healthcare system to begin with can also lead to someone not seeking the needed care. Many people are unable to afford healthcare; it’s become a luxury of a sort when it should be accessible to all. According to the BMMA, “In 2024, Black adults were uninsured at more than three times the rate of their White counterparts.” Not having insurance can be so expensive that several people would rather not be seen, but it’s necessary to be seen if you are experiencing symptoms that aren’t normal.
Now, there are government-funded programs to help when you do need them, like WIC and Medicaid. According to the BMMA, “Medicaid is the largest single source of healthcare coverage, paying for 42% of all births in the U.S., including over 60% of births to Black mothers. Moreover, Medicaid is the primary payer for mental health services.” Unfortunately, due to the Big Beautiful Bill Act cut funding for Medicaid was cut by 1 trillion dollars over the next decade. Leaving people uninsured with no other option for healthcare coverage. All of these factors create a reality where black mothers are more likely to struggle and less likely to be supported through it.
Support and healing
Healing doesn’t have to happen alone. These challenges don’t exist in isolation; they are a part of a larger systemic issue. Including racism in healthcare, lack of representation among providers, and social determinants like income, environment, and access to healthcare/resources. This is something we overcome as a whole.
Support can look like:
Talking to a therapist/mental health professional
Leaning on community, friends, family, and support groups
Working with doulas/providers who understand your lived experience
Creating a safe space for rest, honesty, and self-compassion
If you are a black mother navigating pregnancy or postpartum and you are struggling mentally or emotionally, please know you are not alone. You are not weak. You are not failing. You don’t have to carry this alone. There are resources, there is support, and there is space for you to be cared for, too. Your mental health matters just as much as the life you nurture and care for so beautifully!
Thank you so much for joining us this week. We will see you next week! We will make sure to leave some support hotlines. And of course, don’t be afraid to reach out to us directly if you need support!
Postpartum Support International
(PSI) support hotline: 1-800-944-4773
National Maternal Mental Health
Hotline (HRSA): 1-833-943-5746
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988