Minding Mama: Protecting Mental Health Before Birth & Beyond
- Psychology of Black Womanhood
- Nov 2, 2025
- 1 min read
Updated: Feb 25
Exploring the Importance of Perinatal Mental Health Supports
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.
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.
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
