Spotlight on Care

Black Nurses and Maternal Mental Health

Around 1 in 10 women will experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth. While maternal mental health issues can affect anyone, Black women in the UK are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes, are less likely to be listened to and often go undiagnosed or unsupported.

Although not lauded enough, we should honour the Black nurses, midwives and mental health professionals who are not only delivering critical perinatal care, but also advocating for culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support for mothers and families across our communities.

The term ‘perinatal’ refers to the period from conception through the postpartum period. While many may experience the "baby blues," this should not be confused with perinatal mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD or postpartum psychosis.

These conditions are real. They are serious. And they are treatable with the right care, the right advocacy and the right professionals in place.

We are proud to spotlight Black women in nursing and leadership who have worked tirelessly to amplify the mental health needs of global majority communities including women with lived experience, perinatal mental health nurses and senior leaders who are rethinking how the NHS addresses disparities in maternal care.

“You can’t support the baby unless you support the mother and you cannot support the mother unless you understand her world.”

What You Need to Know:

Black women are four times more likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth compared to white women in the UK.

Mental health struggles in pregnancy are often underreported and undertreated, particularly among women of colour.

Cultural stigma, mistrust in services and language barriers often prevent Black women from seeking help.

Let’s salute the Black nurses and midwives on the front lines of maternal health. Those whose cultural insight, clinical expertise and community understanding make them anchors of support for families during their most vulnerable moments.

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Support Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health during pregnancy or after childbirth, it's important to know that help is available and you are not alone.

Maternal mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstance and speaking up is a powerful first step toward healing.

The Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK (PMHP UK) is a dedicated organisation that raises awareness and provides support for women experiencing mental health issues during the perinatal period.

They lead Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, which highlights the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking help early.  In addition, you can also speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor, who can refer you to specialist perinatal mental health services. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness.

By sharing your story or supporting someone else to do so, you could be saving a life.

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