There is much to manage, navigate and adapt to during your postpartum recovery. As a Black person, you may face unique challenges while adjusting to life postpartum that may impact your mental health. Nearly 40% of Black mothers and birthing people experience maternal mental health symptoms. Compared to white women, Black women are twice as likely to experience postpartum mental health conditions, yet they are only half as likely to obtain treatment.
Here are some things to consider and tips on getting support as you manage your mental health and wellbeing during this important time.
Unique considerations for Black parents
It’s important to recognize how the following stressors can impact your recovery and mental health:
- Not feeling seen or heard. You may encounter providers who do not take your concerns seriously, such as dismissing or minimizing your symptoms, pain or discomfort. This lack of care can potentially overlook risks affecting your postpartum recovery, mental health, and overall health.
- Health disparities. Black people suffer from higher rates of morbidity and mortality due to bias, discrimination, and racism in the healthcare system. This can lead to fear, anxiety, distrust and avoidance of the medical system.
- Managing cultural expectations around strength and resilience. Struggling to keep up with the expectations of the “strong black woman” and “black girl magic” can often contribute to anxiety and stress. The pressure to be strong and resilient can discourage some people from asking for help, including during the postpartum period.
- Navigating work matters. Worrying about facing discrimination at work for taking maternity leave or being able to pump at work can add to your stress.
- Access to care. The lack of access to a provider who can understand your cultural needs can create stress and the feeling of not receiving adequate care.
Ways to get valuable support
- Advocate for yourself. Ask questions and seek out second and third opinions, if needed, to meet your healthcare needs. Feeling validated and receiving respectful and proper care is your right.
- It truly does take a village. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your family and friends. They may be able to provide you with resources and support for you and your family. You are not alone in this journey!
- Seek culturally competent providers. These are healthcare professionals who are sensitive to and respectful of the cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds of their patients. Finding a provider who is Black, practices respectful care and helps you feel more comfortable and understood during your postpartum journey can make a big difference in your postpartum care.
- Make self-care a priority. Caring for yourself is as important as caring for everyone else. A good first step is attending your postpartum care appointments to ensure you confidently manage your postpartum recovery. During this time, your provider should address your mental health needs as well.
- Join local and/or online support groups for black parents. Sometimes, gathering and engaging with others in the same place as you can make a difference.
Understanding the signs of postpartum depression (PPD)
1 in 8 women will experience PPD, and the condition is underdiagnosed in Black women and birthing people. It’s important to be aware of the signs. Are you feeling sad, hopeless, anxious, or worried more often than not? Do you have thoughts of harming yourself or the baby? These are common PPD symptoms. Other signs of PPD include changes in eating habits, losing sleep, and having a hard time bonding with the baby. If you are experiencing these, it’s important to seek help and contact your healthcare provider right away. Read more about PPD.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Symptoms of Depression Among Women.” CDC. May 15, 2024 https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/index.html
- Black Mamas Matter Alliance. “Black Maternal Mental Health Factsheet.” BMMA. https://blackmamasmatter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Factsheet-Black-Maternal-Mental-Health.pdf
- Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. “Black Maternal Mental Health: the Data, the Barriers, and Organizations to Support.” MMHLA. February 1, 2024. https://www.mmhla.org/articles/black-maternal-mental-health-the-data-the-barriers-and-organizations-to-support
