After giving birth, it’s normal for your hormones, body, and emotions to change. You may feel overwhelmed trying to balance taking care of your baby while still managing your other responsibilities. Pregnancy and giving birth are life-changing events, so it makes sense that you would experience a period of adjustment.
Sometimes, though, that feeling of overwhelm doesn’t go away. You might start to pull back from things or feel less and less like yourself.
You may have heard of postpartum depression—that’s one way these feelings can show up, and it’s more common than people think. And while all mothers deserve support, Black women face some of the most severe consequences when they don’t get it. According to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance,
“Research shows that Black women experience higher rates of maternal mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, but are less likely to receive treatment or a diagnosis compared to white women.”
Black Moms and Postpartum Mental Health
Dr. Chyna Hill, a Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, shared how her own postpartum experience inspired her to start the Black Girls Mental Health Collective. Her postpartum period came with professional pressure and personal challenges that weighed on her as a new mom.
She realized that if she was struggling as a mental health professional, what could that mean for other Black women who didn’t have the training that she had? “When I named what I was going through, I still didn’t feel understood,” Dr. Hill said. “That’s when I realized how easy it is for our mental health to go unnoticed.”
Her story reflects something many Black mothers experience: the sense that there’s no room to struggle, or that they have to figure it all out on their own. But mental health support should be part of every postpartum plan, just like checkups and feeding schedules.
How to Know When You Need Support
Pay attention to how you feel, and if you notice any of these signs, get help:
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or disconnected
- Feeling like your family would be better off without you
- Thoughts of harming yourself
Support for Black Moms
Support can be emotional, physical, or structural. Some ways Black moms are finding the care they need include:
- Talking with a culturally-affirming therapist
- Joining a support group for Black mothers
- Asking loved ones to help with daily tasks or childcare
If you are the partner of a Black mom, be observant. Check in, even if she says she’s fine. Step in to help without being asked. Feed the baby, make sure mom eats, and give her space to rest. Remind her that she doesn’t have to carry everything alone, and that her well-being matters just as much as the baby’s.
Resources
These organizations prioritize Black moms’ postpartum mental health, and offer support and resources for when you need it most:
Black Girls Mental Health Collective
Black Mamas Matter Alliance
Therapy for Black Girls
