We recognise a clear difference in outcomes for Black mothers in their perinatal experience compared to many other mothers across the UK. The stigmatisation of mental health and feelings of being judged and unheard are common barriers faced by some Black mothers during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Trying to get support does not always feel like a realistic option for mothers. One-fifth of Black mothers reported they didn’t visit healthcare professionals to talk about their low mood and depression1. In the UK, ethnic minority groups are more likely to present with mental health problems while their mental health needs are less likely to be detected. It is vital that all of us in society make sure that we support women who may be silently struggling in their perinatal experience.
The NHS has also recognised a need for more tailored support with a plan that, by 2024, 75% of women from minority ethnic communities will receive continuity of care throughout pregnancy and the post-natal period.
Overall, this will improve Black mothers’ experiences of care, and their perinatal mental health outcomes. However, this is just a starting point. It’s vital that every woman receives continuity of care through their perinatal journey, allowing for better physical and mental health outcomes for mothers and their babies. Through this equity of care, we will start to see reductions in pre-term births, hospital admissions and the need for emergency intervention during labour for Black mothers.
Since having different birth experiences, I can attest that I have experienced my fair share of the maternity system with both positive and negative experiences. I have witnessed how easy it is for women like myself to fall through the cracks if there are insufficient resources or knowledge to support them.
Black women are four times more likely to die during childbirth, and mixed-race women are three times more likely. Having experienced birth trauma during the pandemic, I almost became one of those statistics. The feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and fear that I endured were factors that could have led to worse outcomes.
I have been at the receiving end of forceful doctors and consultants, insisting I proceed with particular procedures or disregarding my experience and making
judgements about my birth choices. I believed that I was well equipped to navigate these situations, yet I still felt affected by them. I felt that there weren’t many options available to discuss my experiences and so I created my own mums community interest group and joined with others.
I believe the key factor in providing equal outcomes for Black women, is having the ability to advocate for yourself or having someone who you trust to do so on your behalf. It is paramount that women have the resources and knowledge to make informed decisions about the care we wish to receive. It is the bare minimum to expect fair, respectful treatment and to be listened to during our care.
My advice to other mothers out there is to get support. Build your village (whether that be through friends, community groups and mental health services), and know what signs of poor mental health to look out for.
Jessica’s Birth Story
From my own experience, it would have been key to have had perinatal mental health support or care without having to explicitly request help. When you are visiting your child in the neonatal unit, many times we feel alone and tearful. Doctors and nurses witness this, yet there is not a current system where mothers can be heard or advocate for themselves for other complex needs such as concerns about the health of their child. It would be beneficial to have processes in place across maternity services to support all women when they are in vulnerable situations, to prevent poor outcomes in perinatal mental health.
In partnership with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, we have commissioned the Amplifying Maternal Voices Project. This work highlights the perinatal mental health experience of women and their families from ‘seldom-heard’ communities.
In partnership with The Motherhood Group and Nottingham City Council, we lead the Young Mums Connect programme. This work focuses on the unique needs and experiences of young mothers and their babies. The programme is rolling out an evidence-based model for mothers and babies to gain mental health care through peer support and education, alongside training packages for health and social care teams across England.
These projects are funded by our Covid Response Programme. The project is informed by the Foundation’s participation in the ‘Mental Health in the Pandemic research.
You can support Black Maternal Mental Health Week both now and in the future, by advocating for any friends or loved ones that may not be receiving the support they deserve. Ask questions about your friends’ or relatives’ well-being during the perinatal period. A listening ear and the right support can make such a difference. Please share this blog via your social networks and help us to raise awareness.
If you want to take a step further in understanding how inequality is affecting
less-heard women and what you can do to break these barriers in your role as a professional, academic or service provider visit here for tickets to our Perinatal Mental Health Conference, which will take place on 1 March 2023, in London.
