---
title: "Black Women, Birthing People, and Maternal Mental Health"
date: 2026-06-03T06:00:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-birthing-mental-health"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Black Women, Birthing People, and Maternal Mental Health

This fact sheet by the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance provides information on Black birthing people and maternal mental health.

Mental health conditions during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum include depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Seventy-five percent of women with maternal mental health conditions do not receive treatment.

These rates are even worse for Black birthing people because of social and economic factors like unequal access to resources, stable employment, and environmentally safe places to live. They experience gaps in medical insurance and barriers to high quality health care. Their conditions go unrecognized more often because current diagnostic tools don’t recognize the symptoms in Black birthing people. They are underrepresented among medical providers, making it difficult to get culturally competent care.

Also our culture pressures Black birthing people to mask their struggles. They feel like they must be strong and hold everything together. History has taught Black patients to distrust the medical system and mental health remains stigmatized. Experiences of chronic stress (called "weathering") age our bodies, which further complicates Black women's conditions.

This fact sheet includes nine concrete strategies to remove the barriers imposed by structural racism. We must develop better screening tools, policies, and curricula that reflect the experiences of Black birthing people. Partnerships with community organizations will ensure that we provide holistic and culturally competent care and advocacy.

> Black women are twice as likely as white women to experience MMH conditions but half as likely to receive care.

[View the fact sheet ](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/637b72cb2e3c555fa412eaf0/t/66d87cd57b639f7d160705be/1725463771059/FINAL+-+Black+Women,+Birthing+People,+and+Maternal+Mental+Health+-+Fact+Sheet+-+July+2023.pdf)

SOURCE: Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance • AUTHOR: Niaja J.E. Nolan, Krystal Leaphart, and Dr. Terri Wright • LAST UPDATED: July 1, 2023

![A screenshot from the fact sheet of the section entitled: "Key Facts: Black Women, Birthing People, and Maternal Mental Health"](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [ race, class, and mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/race-class-and-mental-health)
- [ diverse experiences of pregnancy & labor](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-experiences-of-pregnancy-labor)
- [maternal health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-health)
- [Black / African American](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/black-african-american)
- [racism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/racism)
- [health disparities](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/health-disparities)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## The Mental Health Trauma of the Black Maternal Mortality Crisis

Through personal stories and interviews with experts, this article looks at why Black people in the U.S. are more likely than white people to experience traumatic births.

![Toro tseleng t2 F Yy S9 N Fo unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Through personal stories and interviews with experts, this article looks at why Black people in the U.S. are more likely than white people to experience traumatic births.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-mental-health-trauma-of-the-black-maternal-mortality-crisis)

[ResourcesWatch

## Reflecting on Black Maternal Health

The Boston Neighborhood Network discusses racial inequities in Black maternal health care, and what we can do about this public health crisis.

![Pregnant Black woman with nurse at hospital](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Boston Neighborhood Network discusses racial inequities in Black maternal health care, and what we can do about this public health crisis.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/reflecting-on-black-maternal-health)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Living with Congestive Heart Failure

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Interacting with My Cardiologist

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.

![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,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)

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease)

[ResourcesRead

## 35 Self-Care Tips for Black Women

A collection of self-care tips for Black women

![Brandy kennedy 7 P1mau71k JA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A collection of self-care tips for Black women](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/35-self-care-tips-for-black-women)

[ResourcesRead

## Potential Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

What are the possible risk factors for breast cancer? Are there ways to minimize our risk of developing breast cancer?

![View in microscopic of ductal cell carcinoma, adenonocarcinoma from human breast cancer, tissue section by H and E stain. Pathology diagnosis. Medical concept. Under microscope, magnification 600X](data:image/png;base64,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)

What are the possible risk factors for breast cancer? Are there ways to minimize our risk of developing breast cancer?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/potential-breast-cancer-risk-factors)