Wellness for Black Mothers and Birthing Parents in a Difficult Birthing Culture
Racial trauma has no place in the birth room. Black maternal health in the UK is needing care and attention. Discover ways to obtain wellness for Black-bodied birthing families in a difficult birthing culture.
The current, dominant narrative for Black maternal women and people highlights the racial disparities in maternal health. There is no escaping this truth as this story gains more attention and research efforts to challenge harmful systems; as it should. But what about the wellness for Black mothers and birthing parents during this time?
Dear, Black-bodied mamas and birthing people,
Breathe. I’m glad that you’ve arrived here. If being pregnant wasn’t big enough, you also have to bear the weight of racial disparities in maternity care and the constant conversation about it.
I invite you to release this weight now and take a moment to discover safety and ease within yourself.
In recent years, there have been multiple reports stating that Black Women, Black birthing people and their children are X amount more likely to experience this and that, highlighting the disparities and racial injustice that exists within British culture. This is not new information, but it is a new narrative that is currently shaping the Black-bodied birthing experience.
This is not your burden to hold.
Perhaps you’re someone who uses social media, or watches the news, or simply goes outside and talks to people. Ultimately, unless you’re living under a rock, it’s likely that this information has found its way to you.
Take a moment to reflect how it feels to hear this information. Where does it sit in the body? Can you visualise what it looks like in the body? Can you let it go?
We all process information differently but to remember racial trauma as a Black-bodied person is significant and can be overwhelming on the body. Let it go now.
This is not your burden to hold.
This is not an article sharing the facts and figures of maternal disparities. This is a love letter to all the Black-bodied mamas and birthing people who are deserving of just care, equitable care, culturally safe care. This was never your burden to carry. This was never your problem to fix. Black mothers and birthing people are deserving of maternity support that doesn’t harm.
Hand over these worries to the organisations and businesses who work to make change. This includes:
Ultimately, there is little escaping this topic, but whilst it is important, valuable information which invites much needed critique for white-body medical supremacy, it’s simply more harmful than good to consume it all as a Black-bodied pregnant person.
Here are some useful tips to invite wellness into your perinatal journey:
Mindful consumption – Be mindful of what information you’re consuming and how you consume it. It may be necessary to unfollow some social media accounts, to take in your news intentionally, and avoid deep diving into the fact, figures and history of this topic. If consumption is necessary, ensure to take your time and take breaks often, discovering moments of wellness in the mean time.
Setting boundaries – If the people around you like to bring up this topic because ‘hey, you’re Black and pregnant’, firmly ask that you would not like to talk about this. Here are some phrases to try: ‘I appreciate your concern, but I would prefer not to discuss this topic.’ Or ‘this topic of conversation brings up difficult feelings, I would appreciate if we didn’t talk about it.’ Play around with what phrases feel best to say.
Discover community support – Finding psychologically safe spaces to exist in can lighten any burdens you carry. It’s likely many mamas and parents are feeling similar things to you so grab a hot drink and talk it out with fellow members of your community. Perhaps there’s some unexpected wisdom to receive.
Lean on your village – Is there someone you can lean on who can hold you emotionally? If something brings up difficult emotions, having people around who can make space for these emotions can support you when moving through them. No matter if it’s your partner, your parent, or your friend, ensure to reach out to them in difficult moments. You need not struggle alone.
Discover additional maternity support – Perhaps your concerns are specific, and you would like additional support in pregnancy. Discovering support outside of hospital appointments can invite a more holistic approach to your pregnancy. Examples of additional support include pregnancy yoga, antenatal classes, infant feeding groups, and doula support.
Fortunately, you get to define your perinatal journey, not the current narrative that is being told. This all starts with an intention to seek the care you are deserving of.
Is additionally maternity support something you’re interested in? Are you searching for maternity support from a Black doula?
Book to have a chat with me today or discover The ReBirth Space doula services. Additionally, access more articles and offers when you sign up to The ReBirth Space mailing list.
Thank you for reading. Take wonderful care.
With compassion,