Issue Brief: Black Maternal Mental Health

December 11, 2023 by Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

Chronic stress from racism, rather than race, is a risk factor for maternal mental health disorders. Chronic stress and higher levels of lifetime exposure to trauma increase adverse health and mental health outcomes for Black women, culminating in even higher levels of stress.

Discrimination, racism, and inequities in the maternity care system greatly increase the risk for maternal mental health disorders for Black women. Policy recommendations include increasing Black and BIPOC providers, utilizing non-clinical professionals such as peer support specialists and community health workers, and supporting community-based organizations.

What We’re Reading

July 29, 2021 by joy Burkhard in What We Are Reading

Here are the articles and reports that caught my eye during the month of July. Highlights include stories and research findings that show postpartum depression on the rise, especially for women of color. On a related note, there’s a new drug that could help treat perinatal depression. Additionally, healthcare and life science organizations are looking to decrease operational costs, improve health data interoperability, and enable data-driven decision-making for clinicians to improve access to quality care. Finally, more articles below explore ways researchers are using health technology and innovation to monitor depression and anxiety in hopes to improve overall healthcare.

Black Mothers Get Less Treatment For Postpartum Depression Than Other Moms

May 19, 2021 by 2020 Mom in EMERGING CONSIDERATIONS

Portia Smith’s most vivid memories of her daughter Nelly’s first year are of tears. Not the baby’s. Her own.

“I would just hold her and cry all day,” Smith recalled.

At 18, Smith was caring for two children, 4-year-old Kelaiah and newborn Nelly, with little help from her abusive partner. The circumstances were difficult, but she knew the tears were more than that.