My Black Motherhood: Mental Health, Stigma, Racism and the System

Joyful. Graceful. Blessed. Strong. Anxious. Depressed. Stigmatised. Stereotyped.
What happens when motherhood isn't what you expected - and when you reach out for support, you are met with judgment and prejudice?
Sandra Igwe shares her journey as a young Black mother, coping with sleepless nights, anxiety and loneliness after the birth of her first daughter. Burdened by cultural expectations of the 'good mother' and the 'strong Black woman' trope, her mental health struggles became an uphill battle.
Black women are at higher risk of developing postnatal depression but are the least likely to be identified as depressed. Sharing the voices of other mothers, Sandra examines how culture, racism, stigma and a lack of trust in services prevent women getting the help they need. Breaking open the conversation on motherhood, race, and mental health, she demands that Black women are listened to, believed, and understood.

About the Author
Sandra Igwe is the Founder of The Motherhood Group, a platform and safe space to support the Black motherhood experience, through events, workshops, peer-to-peer support, collaborative projects, training, advocacy and campaigning. Sandra is co-chair of the National Inquiry into Racial Injustice in Maternity Care and a trustee of Birthrights charity.