Whenever I start a conversation with an expectant parent on the phone, I ask “How are you?” And to be honest, I usually ask it a couple of times, in different ways.
“How’s the day been?”
“How’s your pregnancy going?”
I ask because I care. I also ask because I know that the sort of person who usually calls us (an accomplished woman, with lots of good things going for her) expects this call to a doula to just be yet another professional thing that she’s doing. She’s not expecting to pour her guts out to this stranger on the phone.
To be clear, you don’t have to. You don’t owe me details about your mental health.
But I want you to know that when you reach out to your doula, there’s plenty of room for whatever feelings you need to have.
According to the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, depression, anxiety and other complications impact 38% of new mothers of color. And the majority (60%) of these women receive no treatment or support.
We aim to change that. So we’re glad that this week, July 19-25th marks Black Maternal Mental Health week, founded by the Shades of Blue Project. During this week, mental health providers are challenged to make the mental and emotional health of Black women a priority.
As doulas, we want you to know that you have resources.
You can reach out and talk to us, and we’ll connect you with vetted professionals in the DC Metro area, who specialize in perinatal mental health (that focus on pregnancy and postpartum is important), and will acknowledge the special circumstances faced by Black women.
Our go to referrals in the DC Metro area are:
We also recommend Postpartum Support International’s Online Support Meetings.
If you are having challenges with your mental health, know that you’re not alone. Frankly, in a world with news cycles this grim, and the every day stressors that can be associated with being a Black woman and an expectant parent, a your feelings are likely a very reasonable reaction.
Still. Just because challenges with mental health are common, does not mean you don’t deserve to truly enjoy your pregnancy, birth and early motherhood. You are entitled to feel joy, and if you don’t, then let’s get you some help.
For some extra support contact us and look into Attain, a course designed specifically for pregnant black women.
