The Silent Crisis: Black Maternal Mental Health
- A.Rose NFP
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Written by: Candice Hibbler
While maternal mortality rates among Black women have gained attention, the mental health struggles of Black mothers often go unnoticed. According to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA), almost 40% of Black mothers will experience maternal mental health conditions (MMH). Compared to white women, Black women are twice as likely to experience MMH conditions. Over 50% of postpartum depression cases in women of color go unreported.
Black women are one of the most under-treated groups for depression in the United States (U.S.). Postpartum depression, anxiety, and trauma disproportionately affect Black women, yet they are the least likely to receive treatment.
Barriers to Maternal Mental Healthcare
There is a wide range of barriers across multiple levels, whether individual, organizational, or political, that impact maternal mental health care. Barriers such as:
• Dismissal of Symptoms: Black women’s pain and distress are often minimized by healthcare providers.
• Limited Access to Culturally Competent Care: Few providers specialize in Black maternal mental health.
• Financial and Systemic Challenges: Many new mothers lack resources to prioritize mental health care.
Breaking the Silence
Ending the stigma and shame around mental health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum will take strategic support in multiple areas of maternal healthcare. Below are just a few areas where healthcare providers, educators, community health workers, and community members can provide help to improve the overall well-being of Black mothers and children.
• Raising Awareness: Educating communities about postpartum mental health is crucial.
• Increasing Support Networks: Peer groups and mentorship programs can provide much-needed encouragement.
• Policy Advocacy: Strengthening maternal health programs and expanding Medicaid coverage for postpartum mental health care is essential.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
On Mother's Day in 2022, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), launched the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline to address the maternal mortality, the death of a woman during or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy, crisis in the U.S.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a free, call or text resource staffed by trained counselors, including: mental health providers, certified peer specialists, and maternal-infant health professionals such as doulas and lactation consultants. The hotline is available 24/7 in English and Spanish. This hotline is a valuable resource for women and healthcare providers.
We encourage healthcare providers, women, families, and community members to share this resource far and wide to help save the lives of pregnant and postpartum mothers battling mental health challenges. To reach a trained counselor, text or call 1-833-TLC-MAMA. If you are a new or expecting mother, the hotline is one text or phone call away.
Hotline promotional materials are free of charge for orders mailed to addresses in the United States. Please consider ordering promotional materials for the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline to help promote this free service. Hotline Promotion Order Form
A. Rose Nonprofit is committed to not only highlighting maternal health disparities but also ensuring Black mothers receive the mental health support they deserve. Through education, advocacy, and community partnerships, we aim to drive real change.
References & Resources
To read more about black maternal mental health from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, visit https://www.mmhla.org/
To read more from the Black Women, Birthing People and the Maternal Mental Health July 2023 Factsheet, visit https://www.mmhla.org/articles/black-maternal-mental-health-the-data-the-barriers-and-organizations-to-support
To read more on the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, visit https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
Edited by: Curtizia Alexander, Blog Coordinator, A. Rose Nonprofit
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