Black Maternal Health Week (Day 1): Black Mothers and Our Postpartum Journey

Yup, this year I want to start with postpartum, because it is a very important topic to discuss and bring awareness to for Black mothers. And it should come as no surprise that Black women have higher rates of postpartum depression and anxiety, because unfortunately we have higher rates of prenatal and perinatal complications. So the call to support Black mothers during postpartum (and beyond) runs deep. On Day 1 of Black Maternal Health Week, my newsletter will offer offer you tips on how to support the Black mothers in your life during the postpartum period.

THE POSTPARTUM TIMELINE

We must recognize that postpartum symptoms are not normally present within the first 6 weeks after birth and may last much longer than the assumed year after birth. Many Black women go through traumatic experiences during pregnancy and childbirth, and it often takes longer than 6 weeks to come out of the shock of the trauma, as we are immediately thrown into a lifestyle shift of being responsible for a little human. When we take these things into consideration, it is essential that we become open to learning and practicing appropriate ways to support our Black mothers during (and beyond) postpartum.

TIP #1 - VALIDATE BLACK MOTHERS

The perceived strength that comes with the unwanted title of “strong Black woman” makes it challenging for our communities to know how/when to support us as Black mothers in our moments of weakness as we adjust to motherhood. Regardless if this is a mother’s first or fourth child, adjusting to having a new baby can be difficult. When supporting Black mothers, refrain from saying: “If my momma could do it with 3, you can do it with 1.” and “At least you have some support, I didn’t have any.” Although these are well intentioned comments meant to encourage, they can unfortunately invalidate the struggles Black mothers are experiencing, making her feel like she shouldn't be feeling the difficulty of motherhood. Instead, validate the Black mother with phrases like: “I know this is hard” and “It’s okay to cry.” These comments can allow her to take off the title of being “strong,” which in and of itself can be a relief. Why? Because no other race of women have to carry around this title of strength as much as a Black woman, and that alone is a heavy UNWANTED task to carry especially during postpartum.

TIP #2 - PAY ATTENTION TO HER LEVEL OF FUNCTIONING

We must pay attention to HOW a Black woman is functioning during the postpartum period. For many Black women, our hair is a sign of how we are functioning. The key in assessing HOW a Black mother is truly functioning is the assessment of her hair before and after the baby. Was this a Black woman who expressed herself through her hair? Changing her hairstyles often? Is she now wearing only ONE hairstyle? Is it a TRUE reflection of who she is? If not, she may be in the thick of postpartum struggles and APPEAR to be functioning well. If you find that Black mother is in your life, reach out to her and see how she is TRULY doing.

TIP #3 - CHANGE THE SCENERY

When you enter into motherhood, your life instantly becomes mundane, and your schedule revolves around this little human and their needs. Imagine feeding, washing bottles, changing diapers/clothes, and doing it all over again – ALL day and night for weeks to months. This can become depressing for mothers. To combat this depression, I suggest that our Black mothers change their scenery. Being richly melanated people, we are deeply connected to nature and spirit, so Black mothers must get out of the house and into the sunlight. Encourage her to sit outside on the front step, walk around the block, gaze at the clouds in the sky, focus on the butterfly flying by, and to take in the beauty of the Divine’s creation. These moments of respite offer mothers time to breathe, ground, and center while adapting to motherhood.

These are just a few tips to kick off Black Maternal Health Week of 2026. Remember, our journey through Black motherhood requires unconditional love, care, and support to ensure our Black mothers, and Black children can thrive through the postpartum season of life. Until the next time I decide to show up in your inbox, make sure you Bloom Into Your Best Self. . .