My Black Motherhood
My Black Motherhood
Mental Health, Stigma, Racism and the System
Joyful. Graceful. Blessed. Strong. Anxious. Depressed. Stigmatised. Stereotyped.
What happens when motherhood isn’t what you expected - and when you reach out for support, you are met with judgment and prejudice?
Sandra Igwe shares her journey as a young Black mother, coping with sleepless nights, anxiety and loneliness after the birth of her first daughter. Burdened by cultural expectations of the “good mother' and the “strong Black woman' trope, her mental health struggles became an uphill battle.
Black women are at higher risk of developing postnatal depression but are the least likely to be identified as depressed. Sharing the voices of other mothers, Sandra examines how culture, racism, stigma and a lack of trust in services prevent women getting the help they need. Breaking open the conversation on motherhood, race, and mental health, she demands that Black women are listened to, believed, and understood.
Reading this book is like listening to a passionate, relatable, sister friend who can help you fight your corner. Thank you, Sandra, for sharing these deeply affecting stories and for stirring up ‘good trouble' on behalf of Black mothers everywhere.
Sandra’s book gives a wonderfully candid insight into the experiences and obstacles faced by Black mums all over the country. It’s one that all health professionals need have on their bookshelves.
Sandra has captured not only her own experiences but those of many other Black mothers. My Black Motherhood made me laugh, it made me cry, but above all made me think and question.
An eye-opening read giving a platform to unheard voices, brilliantly highlighting the challenges Black mothers face, and offering tangible solutions. Everyone has something to learn from this book.
Honest and raw, it really gave me a true insight into the challenges for Black mothers in the UK. A must read for anyone working in perinatal services.
This is the raw, unflinching, autobiographical account of Sandra Igwe, a black British woman with a Nigerian background, navigating a healthcare system that views black women as difficult, able to deal with pain, and probably single mothers or in abusive relationships...The women who speak their truth in this book do not feel cared for or understood by healthcare professionals. Read it and reflect on how we, as mental health professionals, play our own part in this shameful, contemporary injustice, and how we can do better.
If nothing else is appreciated about this book, the call to action for resources that may not exist for Black clinicians’ clients, family, friends, and even themselves is to create them
Sandra Igwe is the Founder of The Motherhood Group, a platform and safe space to support the Black motherhood experience, through events, workshops, peer-to-peer support, collaborative projects, training, advocacy and campaigning. Sandra is co-chair of the National Inquiry into Racial Injustice in Maternity Care and a trustee of Birthrights charity.
1. When Reality Does Not Match Expectations
2. When Lack of Trust Stops You from Asking for Help
3. When She Can’t Be Depressed Because She’s Black
4. Shame and Weakness - The Strong Black Women Myth
5. “Pray It Away' - Faith vs. Mental Health
6. Social Support or Social Smothering? - Culture and Community
7. Black Mum Joy, Listen and Reflect
