Minding Mama: Protecting Mental Health Before Birth & Beyond
- Psychology of Black Womanhood
- Nov 2, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 5, 2025
Exploring the Importance of Perinatal Mental Health Supports for Black Women
Pregnancy and the year following childbirth are deeply transformative periods in a woman’s life. These times involve intense emotional, physical, and psychological shifts. While maternal mental health is vital for all women, Black women, in particular, face unique mental health challenges that often go unaddressed. These challenges are rooted in systemic disparities, racial bias in healthcare, and unequal access to support.
The Need for Culturally Competent Care
Prioritizing the mental health of Black mothers isn’t just about individual well-being. It’s a necessary act of equity and justice. Supporting Black women with comprehensive, culturally competent mental health care during pregnancy, postpartum, and the first year after birth is critical. This support strengthens families, communities, and future generations. Unfortunately, Black women are less likely to receive a diagnosis or adequate care. Cultural stigma, mistrust of medical systems, and underrepresentation in healthcare further widen the gap in support and understanding.
The Role of Community and Support Systems
Community plays a vital role in the mental health of Black women during the perinatal period. Strong support systems can alleviate some of the pressures faced during this transformative time. Friends, family, and community groups can provide emotional support, practical help, and a sense of belonging. This network can be instrumental in combating feelings of isolation and anxiety.
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health encompasses the emotional well-being of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders can significantly impact a mother’s ability to bond with her child. The effects of these conditions can extend beyond the individual, affecting family dynamics and community health.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
To improve perinatal mental health outcomes for Black women, we must address systemic barriers. This includes advocating for policy changes that ensure equitable access to mental health services. It also involves training healthcare providers to recognize and combat their biases. By fostering an inclusive healthcare environment, we can create a safe space for Black women to seek help.
Dr. Lyneia Richardson: A Voice for Change
This episode features Dr. Lyneia Richardson, a mama, healer, psychologist, educator, author, and maternal health advocate. Her work is rooted in decolonizing therapy and education through a Mothering Praxis that centers care. Dr. Richardson aims to uplift the voices of those who have historically been marginalized and silenced. She is currently a professor of counseling at McDaniel College and the owner of Melanated Women's Therapy, LLC, where she provides therapy and support to Black women and mothers. Her focus is on addressing issues at the intersection of race, gender, and mothering.
To learn more about Dr. Richardson, click here.
More Works by Dr. Richardson
Season 2 Episode 24
Running Time: 23 minutes
