The Importance of Maternal Mental Health for BIPOC Moms
May is Maternal Mental Health Month, and it’s important for all moms to make more time for their mental health and wellness during the month of May and all year-round. However, studies indicate that women of color may be at especially high risk for stress and anxiety related to childbirth. Additionally, women of color are at higher risk for physical and medical complications related to childbirth, which can further increase their already high levels of stress and anxiety. Let’s not forget that childbirth is only one way to become a mother. Adoption and fostering can also trigger changes in new mothers, and they often feel even more alone since there tend to know fewer people who share their experiences. In this blog, we’ll talk a bit about how importance it is for moms to make time to care for all aspects of their health and wellbeing, so they can be the best and most satisfied versions of themselves as well as being the great moms I know they already are.
Maternal Mental Health Month
So, what are we really talking about when we talk about maternal or perinatal mental health? You may have heard of postpartum depression or the “baby blues.” In the past, physicians and therapists noticed that the changes mothers experienced before, during and after giving birth could impact their mental health, leading to sadness, crying, mood swings, fatigue and exhaustion, and inability to sleep soundly. They referred to these common changes as the baby blue or postpartum depression. Today, we understand that in addition to these symptoms of postpartum depression, new mothers are also at higher risk for other mental health concerns, including postpartum anxiety and psychosis. Understanding and recognizing the warning signs of perinatal mental health concerns and seeking support right away is essential to keep new moms and babies safe and healthy.
In addition to these experiences of new mothers who have just given birth, mothers who have adopted, fostered, and even those who become stepparents may also struggle. It can be more difficult to bond and form attachments with the new child, and they can experience the same increased levels of stress and anxiety related to caring for their child. Additionally, new parents who adopt or foster may find themselves feeling very isolated since they are less likely to have people in their lives who have gone through the same or similar experiences.
How Race, Ethnicity & Cultural Stigma Impact Maternal Mental Health
Women of color often struggle within the American healthcare system. Systemic racism can leave them without an adequate level of care. Their concerns may not be taken as seriously, and they can end up experiencing severe health issues before, during and after birth, including significantly higher numbers of pre-term and low birth weight births. In fact, researchers with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that women of color are 50% more likely than caucasian women to experience premature delivery (birth at or before 37 weeks). This increased risk for early births also increases health risks for both mother and child. Preterm births are the leading underlying causes of infant mortality, and the CDC determined that these deaths related to premature birth are highest among people of color, specifically black women, native Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
While increased stress and anxiety during pregnancy certain plays a role, there is a clear connection between race and increased risk for serious health concerns before, during, and after birth for both mother and child. For this reason, it can be beneficial for women of color to have advocates with them throughout the birthing process. For many women of color, working with a midwife or doula can be a good option. Even if you choose to have a traditional hospital birth, the midwife or doula understands the processes and can more quickly realize if something is not right and advocate for you. Having someone in the room who knows the policies and procedures well can be extremely beneficial to ensure your voice is heard and your needs are adequately met.
Tips to Support Maternal Mental Health & Wellness
What steps can you take to support your own or a loved one’s mental and emotional health before during and after childbirth or adoption? Keep the following in mind:
Take care of yourself – when we say self-care, we’re not talking about a moisturizing face mask and a three-hour soak in the tub (unless you feel like it because you earned it – go for it). Instead, self-care is just the basic stuff your body needs to be healthy. Try to get enough sleep. Eat a nutrient-rich diet and stay hydrated. Get some exercise. Shower.
Find comfort in the statistics – numerous women are going through or have been through the very same thing. You are not alone. You are not broken. You didn’t do anything wrong to deserve feeling the way you’re feeling. Most importantly, you are a good mother.
Be honest – talk to a professional about what you’re going through. Tell your OB/GYN. Make sure that your loved ones know what you’re experiencing, so they can offer you support throughout this process.
Move beyond shame – you have nothing to be embarrassed about. That sense of shame you’re feeling is actually a common symptom of depression and anxiety, and it can stop you from being open and honest with your loved ones about what you’re experiencing.
Just get through today – what you’re experiencing will end, even though it doesn’t feel like it. These changes in your emotional and physical health are temporary. Trust that they will pass and find little ways to look forward to a happier, healthier future.
Find a support network – consider attending in-person or online support groups for new moms. It can help to remind you that your experience is shared by numerous other mothers and validate your feelings and experiences.
When New & Expectant Mothers Should Talk to a Professional
There is never any shame in visiting with a therapist. I know culturally many women from diverse backgrounds can feel pressure to “do it all” without help from anyone, especially therapists. If a mother isn’t able to manage things on her own, it feels like a failure. At the end of the day, there is no shame in asking for help and talking to a professional about what you’re experiencing as a new or expectant mother. If you notice any warning signs of perinatal mental health concerns, let’s talk about it. I’m Ashley Pichardo, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I work with new and expectant mothers to understand and manage the impact and changes that come along with pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. To learn more, take a few moments to complete my scheduling request form. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
