The Mental Health Trauma of the Black Maternal Mortality Crisis

In the United States, Black people are more likely to experience traumatic births than white people. This article looks at why, shares personal stories from Black families, speaks with medical experts, and provides resources for better supporting Black pregnancy and childbirth.

Sad Girls Club is among a growing number of digital spaces working to treat the symptoms of traumatic births. It’s important work, but it doesn’t absolve the institutional failures that have created the crisis in the first place. On the provider’s side, Wesley says the medical field has a long way to go to ensure Black women are appropriately screened and referred for postpartum anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders.

SOURCE: Glamour • AUTHOR: Kelly Glass • LAST UPDATED: August 26, 2020