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May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness month, join us as we continue to the conversation, bringing awareness to maternal mental health, access to resources and support for marginalized communities, holding systems accountable and using our collective voice to take action. |
1 in 5 women experience clinical depression after childbirth (WHO) |
During Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month we are highlighting those holding the mother.
Everyone wants to hold the baby, who will hold the mother?
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“Everyone wants to hold the baby, who will hold the mother?" is more than a quote or a catchy phrase. Coined by Licensed Social Worker and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Jabina Coleman, it is the center of her work as a reproductive psychotherapist and Lactation Consultant. It is a call to action highlighting the lack of support Black women and birthing folx are receiving before, during and after pregnancy. This call to action addresses the maternal mortality crisis that is affecting Black women who are dying three to four times the rate of their white counterparts. It is shedding light on the fact that in the latest study in Philadelphia nearly 50% of the women who died in the first year postpartum had a mental health diagnosis. It is educating birth workers, families, and communities on the importance of advocacy for equitable and safe maternal health practices. It is addressing breastfeeding disparities. Lastly, it is holding legislators accountable for holding Black women and folx at the center of policymaking for Black maternal health.
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Four tenants of holding the mother:
Awareness:
We aim to bring awareness to the maternal health crisis affecting Black women in the United States.
Access:
It is our vision for Black women to have access to equitable health care resulting in positive health outcomes.
Accountability:
We lead by example: holding local, state, federal entities accountable for ensuring the health of Black women is prioritized.
Action:
With a collective effort we are using existing data, practice based evidence and our voices for legislative change.
We aim to bring awareness to the maternal health crisis affecting Black women in the United States.
Access:
It is our vision for Black women to have access to equitable health care resulting in positive health outcomes.
Accountability:
We lead by example: holding local, state, federal entities accountable for ensuring the health of Black women is prioritized.
Action:
With a collective effort we are using existing data, practice based evidence and our voices for legislative change.