Black Maternal Health Week: Centering Mental Wellness and the Power of Equitable Care
Each April, Black Maternal Health Week is a moment to pause and reflect—not just on the devastating statistics that too often define Black maternal outcomes—but on our resilience, our power, and the ways we can reclaim wellness for ourselves, our families, and our communities. As a psychotherapist and a Black woman deeply invested in building safety and healing spaces, I want to talk about something that is often overlooked in these conversations: the mental health of Black mothers.
Why Equitable Care Matters for Black Mothers
Black women in the U.S. are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and while much of this conversation focuses on physical outcomes, it’s imperative that we bring mental health into the center of this dialogue.
Equitable care isn’t just about access to hospitals or prenatal vitamins—it’s about being seen, believed, and treated with respect. When Black women don’t receive equitable care, the emotional toll can be immense: anxiety, trauma, depression, and even postpartum PTSD. This isn't a theoretical issue—it’s a lived reality for too many.
Imagine carrying a child while also carrying the weight of not being heard, of needing to self-advocate in spaces where your pain is minimized. That chronic stress, often referred to as weathering, compounds over time. It’s not just affecting their bodies—it’s impacting their minds and spirits.
Barriers to Mental Health Equity for Black Mothers
So what’s standing in the way? Here are some of the biggest barriers:
Racism and bias in healthcare: Many Black mothers report not feeling listened to or taken seriously when expressing pain or mental health concerns.
Lack of culturally competent providers: Finding a therapist or provider who understands the nuances of Black motherhood—without judgment or stereotype—is still too rare.
Stigma: Within many of our communities, seeking mental health support is still seen as taboo. There's strength in our survival, yes—but we also deserve support.
Access and affordability: Many Black mothers face financial barriers or live in areas with few quality mental health providers.
Ways to Support Black Maternal Mental Health
Healing starts with care—and care is collective. Here are a few ways we can show up:
Listen and affirm: Black mothers don’t need to be fixed—they need to be heard. Validation goes a long way.
Normalize therapy and mental wellness: Let’s shift the narrative from “strong Black woman” to supported Black woman. Strength doesn’t mean going it alone.
Advocate for policy change: Support initiatives that increase Black midwives and doulas, expand postpartum Medicaid coverage, and fund culturally aligned mental health services.
Support rest and recovery: Offer practical help—childcare, meals, emotional support. Rest is revolutionary for Black mothers.
Community Resources That Uplift and Empower
Here are a few organizations and tools that support Black maternal mental health:
The Shades of Blue Project – Offers mental health support for Black and Brown women before, during, and after childbirth.
Black Mamas Matter Alliance – A powerful advocacy organization pushing for respectful, holistic, and equitable care.
Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness – A Chicago-based organization providing affordable mental wellness services specifically for Black women.
Therapy for Black Girls – A directory and podcast that helps Black women connect to culturally competent therapists.
The Loveland Foundation – Offers financial assistance for therapy sessions to Black women and girls.
As we honor Black Maternal Health Week, let’s hold space for both the grief and the possibility. Let’s be intentional about caring for the mental and emotional wellbeing of Black mothers—because they deserve to thrive, not just survive.
To every Black mother reading this: I see you. You are not alone. Your story matters. Your wellness matters, and you are worthy of care—in all its forms. With deep love and solidarity,
