Today marks the start of our Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK, where we're placing the voices of those with lived experiences at the forefront.
Join us for our 5th annual
#BMMHW24
, as we address disparities, examine root causes, and develop targeted support for Black
@Funk2funkDiaz
@SkyNews
Black women in the UK are FOUR times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth than white women in the UK. Hope this gives you some perspective.
Thank you! The first ever Black Maternal Health Conference UK
#BMHCUK
was everything that we had envisioned and more+
Black mothers, pregnant women, midwives, obstetricians, GP’s, MP’s, charity CEO’s, grass-root organisations, allies, commercial partners, clinical negligence
Not long till the first Black Maternal Health Conference UK and we’re incredibly excited to have our opening remarks from Prof. Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE (
@TeamCMidO
)
Chief Midwifery Officer and Midwife to Dutchess of Cambridge.
Registration is almost full -
It's Black Maternal Mental Health Week (
#BMMHW23
#BMMHW
).
This year's theme is
#BreakingCulturalBarriers
. A lack of understanding and awareness of different cultures can affect the experiences of Black mothers. In pregnancy and in the early stages of motherhood.
Hear from some
The Motherhood Group presents Black Maternal Health Conference UK, bridging the gap between Community, Service providers and Industries.
Register here:
Listening deeply to the voices and lived experiences of black women and birthing people is a vital part of taking an anti-racist approach to improving Black maternal mental healthcare:
-Centering those impacted helps identify where care is undermined by systemic and interpersonal
Sadly, this happens far too often.
All pregnant women, regardless of race, deserve compassionate and respectful maternity care that addresses their concerns and meets their needs.
I’m in my third trimester & I’ve never met my midwife. Every appointment I have she’s apparently “off sick”. When I have concerns & call the hospital I ask to be put through to her they can’t find her & put me on hold for more than an hour 😕
Will you be taking part in this year’s Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK?
Theme: Breaking Cultural Barriers
This is not only essential for the well-being of individual mothers but also for building healthier communities and promoting positive outcomes for future
As a mother, it’s possible to feel two seemingly conflicting emotions at the same time, and this is perfectly normal. You can be both.
The Motherhood Group
Janet Fyle, from the Royal College of Midwives encourages mothers to speak up & be open with their midwives during pregnancy, labour and postpartum.
In this video, Janet reminds us that there is no shame in speaking to your midwife about your mental health and getting the
@Funk2funkDiaz
@SkyNews
Sadly, this is the case and those are the factual statistics. It has nothing to do with health and everything to do with treatment based on race. More information on our page if you want to take a look 🫶🏾
The Motherhood Group is thrilled to announce that our Black Maternal Health Conference UK is back to bridge the gap between Community, Service providers and Industries!
Register today to avoid disappointment >
The latest MBRRACE-UK perinatal confidential enquiry report launch is today! We have created simplified key messages relating the poorer care Black mums received. Sandra Igwe
@sandeeigwe
, CEO of The Motherhood Group, will be speaking at the official virtual conference about
What's happening during Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK?
#BMMHW23
#BMMHW
Today marks the first day of our inaugural Black Maternal Mental Health Week here in the UK. Thank you for joining this crucial awareness campaign and call to action around the mental wellbeing of Black
Check out our CEO’s
@sandeeigwe
live interview on Channel 5 news about her thoughts on maternal mental health since
@MidwivesRCM
launched their new ‘roadmap’ report.
Make sure you’re getting involved in Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK, coordinated by
@MotherhoodGroup
-
Day 1: Black Maternal Mental Health Week - let’s discuss Equity & Inequalities.
Black mothers are least likely to seek support & treatment for postnatal mental illness & the least likely to receive ongoing treatment in comparison to our white counterparts
#BMMHW22
Today is the start Black Maternal Mental Health Week. Meet Jenny, Sharon & Kandace who share their experience with perinatal mental health problems as black women.
We need
#BMMHW20
+ our voices will be heard.
To continue the video & to support:
Our CEO is a woman of all talents!
We are so proud of
@sandeeigwe
and this amazing appearance on BBC News Night where she sat on a live panel and so eloquently shared her thoughts about the future of UK healthcare, marking the NHS’s 75th anniversary.
We will continue to
Register here [ ] for Black Maternal Mental Health Weeks main event! Complimentary mocktails, canapés and discussions - all are welcome.
@MotherhoodGroup
are so excited to announce the launch of our short film on Black Maternal Mental Health at our
Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK 2022
#BMMHW22
- save the dates: 26th Sept - the 2nd Oct
The theme: Equity in Black Women’s Maternal Mental Health Journey.
Subscribe to our newsletter as we share further details of the focus points for each day.
Speaker updates 📣✨
#BMHCUK
Dr. Natalie Darko Associate Professor at the University of Leicester & Director of Inclusion at the Leicester NIHR Biomed Research Centre.
Leading on the session “Engaging minority ethnic groups in health research. Are Black mums hard to reach?”
Currently a woman must have THREE miscarriages or one late miscarriage before they’re referred for specialist support by their GP -
@tommys
wants to change that
They have a miscarriage support tool for anyone who’s suffered from one in order to tackle the unjust miscarriage
Black Motherhood & Mental Health Stigma:
Some stigma is based on cultural beliefs & from within the system.
Black women are least likely to seek mental health support.
Professionals in the UK lack training in understanding Black women's mental health.
Black women are more likely to die from complications surrounding pregnancy and childbirth than white women. Through
@MotherhoodGroup
we’ve created a safe space for black mothers to speak about their pregnancies, birth and postpartum experiences.
Janet Flye MBE Professional Policy Advisor
@MidwivesRCM
and Jane Bekoe Head of Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion also at the RCM discuss stigma and Black motherhood for Black Maternal Mental Health Week.
#BMMHW22
Today is the third day of Black Maternal Mental Health Week
#BMMHW21
and we'll be speaking of the role of the community and how this positively or negatively impacts black mothers, our mental health, and how services can integrate with the community for better outcomes.
Black Maternal Mental Health Week, coordinated by
@MotherhoodGroup
wouldn’t have been possible without all of your involvement. Thanks to every Black mum who contributed, every organisation who supported, and every individual who took part in raising awareness🤎
#BMMHW22
Today’s the first day of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 and this years theme is Journeys to Recovery.
@MotherhoodGroup
are members of
@PMHPUK
so please do take part in the themes, continue to hold and join in valuable conversations around maternal mental health.
We’re excited to share more amazing speakers for the up coming 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗨𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯.
We’ll be joined by
@_MarsLord
discussing ‘systemic racism, human rights and structural change’ - she’s a powerhouse in the game!
The Motherhood Group has highlighted some of the key findings from MBRRACE-UK's recently published report The Saving Lives Improving Mothers’ Care 2022 which shows that:
🧵
In support of
#BlackMaternalMentalHealthWeek
, and the theme ‘breaking cultural barriers’, Jayde from
@mentalhealth
has one clear message: Don’t make assumptions.
It’s often assumed that Black mothers don’t want to speak about their mental health. Or that they don’t
want to talk
@AnansiTheatre
Meanwhile in London,
@MotherhoodGroup
has received £9.7k to continue vital practical & emotional support for new mums from Lambeth & Southwark’s Black and minority ethnic community.
Find out more:
As we round up Black Maternal Mental Health Week
#BMMHW23
Let us reflect and recap on what we've learnt, and discussed over the last few days:
1. Breaking down cultural barriers is imperative for improving black maternal mental healthcare through,
2. Community-based interventions
Thank you to the 80+ attendees that joined our Barriers to Access and Stigma Webinar this afternoon for
#BMMHW23
- We touched on the "angry black woman" stereotype and how this can negatively impact a Black mother's care, leading to minimisation of pain/symptoms, under-diagnosis
If you want to support maternal mental health within the black community, please take part in the UKs first awareness week for maternal mental
#BMMH20
with
@MotherhoodGroup
#PNDHour
Over the last 18 months, The Motherhood Group has supported Black mothers with free counselling for those experiencing perinatal mental health challenges, through our partnership with MumsAid.
We have offered a total of 170 sessions to Black mothers.
Today is the fourth day of Black Maternal Mental Health Week
#BMMHW21
and were speaking about effective 'engagement' with black mothers and pregnant women.
Hold vital conversations, raise awareness, make changes.
These are the themes that we will be exploring each day of this Black Maternal Mental Health Week:
#BMMHW21
Monday - Why do we need Black Maternal Mental Health Week?
Tuesday - Trust
Wednesday - Community
Thursday - Engage
Friday - Support
Saturday - Listen
Sunday - Reflect
Yesterdays workshop at The Motherhood Group Hub was brilliant!
Commissioned by Genomics England, we explored cultural & traditional beliefs around the causes and outcomes of preterm birth or birth complications, as well as the lack of trust Black mums have in taking part in
Our first batch of community tickets for the Black Maternal Health Conference
#BMHCUK
have officially SOLD OUT! 🙌🏿This incredible demand shows just how critical our work together is.
We've released a second allotment of seats for mothers and community members, but they are sure
Discussion: How can you, your network, your workplace or organisation implement real equitable change to reduce harm and the inequalities experienced by Black mothers?
#BMMHW22
The second day of Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK
#BMMHW23
we are discussing the role of community based interventions and building trust.
Involving the community can help create a safer, more supportive environment for black mothers during the perinatal period.
74 people joined the Breaking Cultural Barriers Webinar this morning for
#BMMHW23
#BMMHW
in collaboration with Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust - fantastic to see so many supporting this initiative for better outcomes for Black mothers
Today we’re discussing why we need to break cultural barriers in Black Maternal Mental Health Care?
Addressing Disparities
Cultural Sensitivity
Trust and Communication
Stigma Reduction
Improved Outcomes
Holistic Care
Promote Equity
Cultural Diversity
#BMMHW23
#BMMHW
Just 4 weeks left until Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK
#BMMHW23
#BMMHW
Our goal is to shed light on the unique challenges faced by Black mothers concerning mental health and wellbeing and address the disparities they encounter in healthcare services.
This year's theme is
Examples of Cultural Maternal Care Practices:
1. Naming Ceremony
2. Spice and Herbs
3. Open Bible
4. Traditional First Bath
5. Staying Indoors
6. Binding of the belly
Can you think of anymore maternal cultural customs and traditions?
The fourth day of
#BMMHW23
we are discussing barriers to access & stigma that prevent many Black mothers in the UK from accessing needed mental health services during and after pregnancy.
Transportation obstacles, childcare needs, and conflicts with work schedules also pose
Let's come together as a community to ensure black women feel heard, respected and cared for throughout their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. By advocating for improvements in maternal healthcare and providing social support, we can help address racial disparities and make
The Motherhood Group believes that every mother, including Black mums deserve the right to have access to adequate support, care, safe spaces and for their voice to be heard.
Images taken at our peer support sessions 🩷
It’s the 5th Day of Black Maternal Mental Health Week and today were speaking on the myth of the ‘strong black woman’. That’s right, it’s a myth. We can be vulnerable, we can feel pain - both emotional and physical. Let’s debunk and dismantle this dangerous stereotype.
#bmmhw20
As
@agnes_agyepong
said -
'The year is 2021. Yet, we are still being told that Black mothers that reside here on planet earth, are “hard to reach” within the maternal and perinatal health space. We can reach the moon, but we cannot reach Black women amongst us?'
#PNDHour
#BMMHW21
Pregnancy & baby loss is a taboo subject, especially within African cultures and traditions.
There’s a heavy cultural stigma believing that it’s a ‘spiritual attack’.
The Motherhood Group encourages mothers to speak up to break the silence around baby loss.
#BLAW2020
It was a pleasure to have
@BellRibeiroAddy
deliver a keynote speech at our Black Maternal Health Conference UK discussing how we can improve Black women's experiences of maternity care and close the 3.7x mortality gap between black and white mothers. She left everyone speechless
Discussing ‘inequalities affecting ethnic minority women in pregnancy care’ we are delighted to have
@CarolKingsteph2
join us.
Don’t miss out as we unpack a range of important topics surrounding Black Motherhood.
Have you registered yet?
19 days left until Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK
What is BMMHW?
Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK was launched to raise awareness, highlight disparities, provide resources, and break cultural barriers in maternal mental health for Black mothers, and birthing people.
At
#MatSafety2023
Sandra Igwe summarises the power of being heard: validating experiences, building trust, change making through the amplification & centrality of the voices of black mothers : with Active Listening throughout - need to take what we learn today to care tomorrow
Currently happening at
@MotherhoodGroup
HQ 🩷
Today we have a commissioned workshop looking at maternity experiences and cultural differences impacting care for Black mothers. ✨
Introducing our Host & Facilitator for Black Maternal Health Conference UK📢
@sandeeigwe
founder,
@MotherhoodGroup
& author of My Black Motherhood.
She’ll be ensuring the entire day focuses on bridging the gap between the community, services and industry stakeholders
We are pleased to announce Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP
@BellRibeiroAddy
(British Labour Party politician) will be joining us at Black Maternal Health Conference UK speaking about the 'State of Black Maternal Health in the UK'
Have you registered yet?
Calling all Black and mixed mums! Our Advisory Board is dedicated to advocating for maternal health and wellbeing.
Join us in sharing your stories and amplifying the voices of Black mums. Let's improve the care we receive together.
Email to get involved in our projects today!
Tomorrow is Black Maternal Health Conference UK 2023!
By sharing women’s experiences of maternity services and recommendations for improvement, the conference will build on conversations that will bring about change for the good!
#BMHCUK
✨
cc.
@sandeeigwe
@LeighDay_Law
It’s the penultimate day of Black Maternal Mental Health Week
#BMMHW21
.
How can we better listen to black mothers - listen to understand our experiences, concerns and challenges?
Our voice matters.
We’re pleased to announce that
@MotherhoodGroup
can now offer black mums with FREE doula support. We believe that everyone has a right to have a positive and supported birth experience. Share & Register >
Alicia Burnett (
@AliciaBurnettUK
),
@tommys
midwife will be leading on the spotlight session - 'pregnancy loss and support' at Black Maternal Health Conference UK.
Good afternoon everyone, Black Maternal Health Week UK is committed to raising awareness, highlighting disparities, providing resources, and breaking cultural barriers in Maternal Mental Health for Black Mothers, and birthing people. Will you be supporting BMMHW?
#BMMHW21
4 days until Black Maternal Health Conference UK - the national event bridging the gap.
Black mothers are not “hard to reach” and this conference is a testament to that.
Earlier this year, The Motherhood Group was commissioned by
@NHSEngland
to investigate Black, mums experiences of accessing perinatal mental health services and the barriers they have encountered. Download the report via our stakeholder toolkit.
#BMMHW22
The fifth day of
#BMMHW23
we are 'Listening to the Voices'. Listening compassionately to the voices and lived experiences of Black mothers and birthing people is critically important for respecting our autonomy in care decisions, validating challenges we face, and gaining
The Motherhood Group supports Black mothers, with free counselling for those experiencing perinatal mental health challenges through our partnerships. 🧵
It’s the final day of Black Maternal Mental Health Week and today we are reflecting on what we have heard, read, watched and discussed throughout the week using some of our daily themes as a guiding reminder: trust, community, engage, support and listen.
#BMMHW21
Government has responded to the Women and Equalities Committee's third report into Black Maternal Health. The Government has rejected the committee’s recommendation to set a target and strategy to end racial disparities in maternal deaths.
Let’s keep the work going - the more
The question should be changed to 'what can services do to meet black mothers where they are' or 'how can services be more accessible and suitable for black mums'
#PNDHour
#BMMHW21
The third day of
#BMMHW23
we are discussing the importance of breaking cultural barriers in Black maternal mental health care through changing policies and advocating collectively.
By purposefully enacting new policies at institutional and governmental levels to mandate
Postpartum Depression doesn’t always manifest in the ways we expect it to - it can look different for everyone.
If you think you might be experiencing postpartum depression, you are not alone and should not be afraid to seek help.
It’s Friday and we can’t wait for Black Maternal Health Conference UK 2023!
We’re delighted to have
@tommys
&
@tommys_preghub
in attendance, spotlighting the important topic of pregnancy loss and specialist support for Black and mixed mothers.
It’s
It’s the fourth day of Black Maternal Mental Health Week and we’ll be discussing ‘Good Support’; what it looks like, what it means to you, spaces + platforms for mother’s to access and good practice.
#bmmhw20
#bmmhw2020
No one wants to address the elephant in the room: that postnatal depression or anxiety in black mothers is 13% higher than any other race. Yet, black mothers are statistically less likely to receive diagnosis or treatment for maternal mental health issues.
Tomorrow is the start of Black Maternal Mental Health Week, and we also have 6 days left until Black Mum Fest(our safe space).
The entire week is dedicated to listening, learning and supporting black mothers and our mental health+ more.
Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK
Theme: Equity in Black Womens Maternal Mental Health Journey
Topics:
Monday- Why do we need a BMMHW?
Tuesday – stigma
Wednesday – trauma & loss
Thursday – feeding & wellbeing
Friday – community & culture
Saturday – reflect
Sunday – recap
Black Mothers' Mental Health Matters (a poem) -
Her smile masks the storms inside,
The swirling ups and downs she rides,
But who can understand her pain,
When "strong" is stereotyped as her bane?
Her joys and struggles so unseen,
Her sorrows left unheard, routine,
But she
Structural racism in healthcare and a lack of culturally competent services leads to a poorer quality of care for Black mums.
Black mothers deserve quality care too.
- The Motherhood Group
Leigh Day is a Law Firm that represents families who have suffered as a result of substandard maternity care.
Firdous Ibrahim & Suzanne White, Medical Negligence Specialist Solicitors at Leigh Day are strong campaigners for maternity rights, informed consent and choice.
Click
Why do we need Black Maternal Mental Health Week. An informal discussion with:
@sandeeigwe
- Founder of
@motherhoodgroup
,
@Shomicita
- Psychological well-being therapist. Kemi - Registered midwife & Fiona. WATCH
The latest
@mbrrace
maternal mortality and morbidity confidential enquiry report released today. Again, this still highlights the inequities in maternal mortality rates among Black women.
Our next speaker is
@AliciaBurnettUK
, a midwife and co-founder of Black Baby Loss Awareness Week, who now works for
@tommys
, one of our event sponsors of today🙌🏾
#BMHCUK
7 days left until…
#BMMHW21
Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK is committed to raising awareness , highlighting disparities, providing resources, and breaking cultural barriers in Maternal Mental Health for Black Mothers.
Support