Making Black Mothers and Birthing People Visible

As a mixed-race woman who has given birth to two children, this week’s blog post is a personal one…

Pregnancy and new motherhood can be some of the most joyful, yet vulnerable times in a woman’s life. But for Black mothers, these experiences are too often shadowed by systemic inequality, discrimination, and neglect. Black Maternal Mental Health Week exists to amplify their voices, shine a light on the disparities they face, and demand action. Making Black mothers visible is not just about statistics, it is about dignity, justice, and saving lives.

In this blog, we’ll explore the reality of maternal health inequalities, how this can impact Black women and birthing people across pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period, and what steps are needed towards equity and support.

The Reality of Maternal Health Inequalities

In the UK:

• Black women are 2.3 times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white women; mental health related issues (suicide and substance abuse) are now the leading causes in that period (MBRRACE, 2025)

• Roughly 1 in 5 Black mothers report not seeking professional help when they experience low mood or depression during pregnancy or after birth

• Black mothers are more than twice as likely to be hospitalised with perinatal mental illness than white mothers.

These shocking statistics have been consistent for years. It is not explained by genetics or individual behaviour but by systemic racism, implicit bias in healthcare, and social determinants such as income, housing, and access to resources.

Black mothers report being dismissed when they raise concerns, their pain minimised, or their symptoms misinterpreted. These experiences erode trust in the healthcare system and increase stress during a time when emotional support is crucial.

Campaigns like Five X More have played a vital role in raising awareness of these statistics and pushing for accountability in maternity care.

Pregnancy: Navigating Joy and Fear

For many Black women, pregnancy carries a complex mix of excitement and anxiety. While preparing to welcome a baby, they may also carry the weight of frightening statistics and lived experiences of poor treatment.

Common fears include:

• Will my symptoms be taken seriously?

• Will I and my baby survive childbirth?

• Will I be respected and heard?

This heightened anxiety during pregnancy can contribute to perinatal mental health difficulties, including depression and antenatal anxiety. The stress of feeling unsafe in healthcare settings is itself a risk factor for both physical and mental health outcomes.

The Birth Experience: Where Trauma Can Begin

Birth can be empowering, but it can also be traumatic, especially when women feel powerless. Black mothers are more likely to report negative interactions with maternity staff, delayed interventions, or being excluded from decisions about their own care.

Research highlights that:

• Black women are more likely to undergo emergency interventions

• They are more likely to feel coerced into medical decisions

• Many report experiences of obstetric violence, where consent is not fully respected.

Birthrights, a UK charity focused on protecting human rights in maternity care, has highlighted how racism and bias play a role in these outcomes. They advocate for dignity, respect, and informed consent for all birthing people.

The Postnatal Period: Pressures and Invisibility

After birth, the postnatal period should be a time of healing and adjustment. But for Black mothers, additional challenges often make this period harder.

• Postnatal depression: Studies suggest Black women may be at increased risk, yet less likely to access support

• The “strong Black woman” stereotype: This harmful narrative can discourage vulnerability, making it harder for mothers to say, I need help 

• Barriers to care: A lack of culturally competent services leaves many feeling misunderstood or excluded

• Isolation: Experiences of racism or judgement in parenting groups or health visitor appointments can deepen feelings of loneliness.

Grassroots groups like Black Mothers Matter provide culturally sensitive support and advocacy, offering safe spaces for Black women to share their experiences without fear of dismissal or judgement.

Why Visibility Is Essential

Making Black mothers visible is more than representation, it is survival. Visibility means:

• Recognising that Black women face unique risks

• Acknowledging their pain and listening to their voices

• Including them in research, policy, and service design

• Challenging the systems that allow inequity to persist.

When Black mothers are visible, their stories become catalysts for change, reminding us that maternal health cannot be improved without addressing racial disparities.

Steps Toward Equity and Support

Tackling these issues requires both systemic change and individual responsibility.

1. Healthcare systems must change:

• Training in cultural competence and anti-racism for all staff

• Inclusive policies that prioritise equity

• Better accountability when harm occurs

2. Community-led solutions:
   Black-led organisations and grassroots groups are already supporting women with culturally sensitive care. Funding and amplifying these initiatives is essential

3. Breaking stigma around mental health:
   Open conversations about postnatal depression, anxiety, and trauma in Black communities can reduce shame and encourage help-seeking

4. Listening to Black mothers:
   Their voices must shape the services designed to support them. No policy is effective if it does not reflect lived experience.

Resources & Support (UK)

If you are a Black mother or birthing person seeking support, or if you want to learn more and advocate for change, these organisations may help: 

• Five X More: Campaigning to end racial disparities in maternity outcomes.

• The Motherhood Group: Driving change in Black maternal health through campaigns, innovation, training, research, events, and community support

• Birthrights: Protecting human rights in childbirth.

• Black Mothers Matter: Supporting Black mothers and families with culturally sensitive care.

• Mind: National mental health charity, with resources on perinatal mental health.

• PANDAS Foundation: Support for anyone experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties.

If you’re a Black mother or birthing person looking for a safe space to talk about your experiences during pregnancy, birth, or the postnatal period, Little Steps Psychology Practice are committed to supporting you during this time. Get in touch to find out more - you don’t have to face it alone.

Final Thoughts

Black Maternal Mental Health Week is a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a mother, a baby, a family, and a community.

Making Black mothers visible means valuing their lives, listening to their stories, and creating a future where pregnancy and birth are safe, empowering, and supported for all.