This year is Black Mother Awareness Week, a time to ensure mothers of color thrive after giving birth.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Black Mothers Awareness Week will be held April 11-18. This year, the Buffalo Prenatal and Perinatal Network is focusing on the mental health of Black mothers.
Experts said this week is about making sure mothers of color thrive after giving birth.
Dr. Pamela Reed of the Jacobs School of Medicine is involved in research on this issue.
“As a woman of color, why I feel it’s so important to involve other women of color and birthing people of color: Because we don’t have the opportunity to do something like this, we’re usually excluded from research because we’re the target population of research,” Dr. Reed said.
BPPN President Luann Brown said: “40% of black women experience mental health problems, twice the rate of all women and in line with maternal mortality figures. “14% of women develop new symptoms during pregnancy; 14% experience new symptoms during pregnancy.” The woman developed symptoms at 3 months old. ”
Mr. Brown highlighted the points that need to be addressed.
“We need support in the community,” Brown said. “We must do so once they are discharged from the hospital. We must provide affordable child care, paid leave, and child tax breaks. More on how to improve mental health diagnosis We have to address the social determinants of health, especially maternal transportation and housing issues, and strengthen maternal screening by both obstetricians and pediatricians. It’s clear that you need to.
“We need to reduce the non-punitive environment these mothers face because of the stigma, because they fear someone will take their baby away. And we have to have more caregivers of color. That’s important. I know my clients.” I really feel that way. ”
For more information, contact BPPN at 716-884-6711.
Mate Masie Holistic Counseling provides services for women.
Melinated Moms helps women engage and empower each other with the right support.
