Unveiling the Role of Systemic Racism in Postpartum Care
Introduction
Systemic racism in healthcare continues to jeopardize the health and well-being of Black women during one of the most critical times of their lives—the postpartum period. Despite increased awareness of racial health disparities, Black women in the U.S. are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women (CDC, 2020). For many Black mothers, postpartum care is marked by inadequate medical attention, dismissed pain, and a lack of culturally competent mental health support.
Addressing systemic racism in postpartum care requires the involvement of healthcare professionals at every level. This blog will highlight how systemic racism manifests in postpartum care, the impact it has on Black women's mental and physical health, and how medical professionals can address these disparities. Additionally, we will explore how the Black Girls Mental Health Foundation (BGMHF) is leading efforts to dismantle these inequities through training, therapy vouchers, and culturally competent care initiatives.
How Systemic Racism Shows Up in Postpartum Care
Systemic racism in healthcare is a structural problem that spans policies, practices, and biases that disadvantage Black mothers. The result is unequal treatment, worse health outcomes, and diminished trust in medical institutions. Here’s how it manifests during the postpartum period.
1. Disregard for Black Mothers’ Pain
One of the most pervasive consequences of systemic racism in healthcare is the widespread disregard for Black mothers' pain and concerns. Studies reveal that Black patients are often perceived as having a higher pain tolerance, leading to undertreatment of pain (Hoffman et al., 2016). This misconception causes medical providers to dismiss Black women’s postpartum pain, leaving them vulnerable to complications like undiagnosed infections or hemorrhages.
2. Inadequate Screening for Postpartum Mental Health Issues
Black mothers are less likely to be screened for postpartum depression (PPD) compared to white mothers (American Psychological Association, 2021). Even when screening does occur, providers may fail to follow up on mental health symptoms due to implicit biases. This oversight leaves many Black mothers untreated for anxiety, depression, and postpartum psychosis, increasing the risk of long-term mental health challenges.
3. Implicit Bias in Provider-Patient Interactions
Healthcare providers may unknowingly exhibit implicit biases, leading to differences in how Black women are treated compared to their white counterparts. These biases manifest in rushed appointments, failure to listen to patient concerns, and assumptions that Black women are "strong" and "resilient" enough to endure emotional and physical challenges. Such microaggressions can deter Black mothers from attending follow-up postpartum visits, further exacerbating health disparities (National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 2022).
4. Limited Access to Culturally Competent Care
Many healthcare providers are not trained in culturally competent care, leading to a disconnect between medical advice and the lived experiences of Black mothers. Cultural incompetence can discourage Black mothers from asking for help or expressing emotional vulnerability. Access to culturally affirming care is vital for Black women, as studies show that patients are more likely to engage with providers who reflect their race, language, and cultural understanding (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2022).
The Impact of Systemic Racism on Black Women’s Postpartum Mental Health
Systemic racism in postpartum care extends beyond physical health and directly impacts Black mothers' mental well-being. When healthcare systems fail Black women, they are left to navigate postpartum stress, anxiety, and depression alone.
1. Higher Rates of Postpartum Depression
Black mothers are 1.6 times more likely to experience postpartum depression than white mothers, yet they are less likely to receive treatment (March of Dimes, 2021). The inability to access affordable mental health care, cultural stigma around therapy, and mistrust of the healthcare system contribute to this disparity. When postpartum depression goes untreated, it can affect the entire family unit, leading to long-term developmental and emotional challenges for children.
2. Chronic Stress and Anxiety
The emotional toll of navigating systemic racism in healthcare creates chronic stress, which negatively affects Black mothers' overall mental health. Racism-related stress, combined with the daily pressures of motherhood, can lead to toxic stress, a condition linked to long-term health risks, including heart disease and hypertension (CDC, 2020). This underscores the need for healthcare providers to offer culturally affirming care that addresses the intersection of race, motherhood, and mental health.
3. Loss of Trust in the Medical System
When Black mothers experience racial bias from healthcare providers, they are less likely to seek postpartum care in the future. This lack of trust can delay or prevent access to essential postpartum services, including breastfeeding support, mental health counseling, and pelvic floor rehabilitation. Medical professionals must work to rebuild trust by actively addressing implicit bias, listening to mothers' concerns, and fostering culturally affirming spaces for care.
How Medical Professionals Can Address Systemic Racism in Postpartum Care
Addressing systemic racism in postpartum care requires action at both the individual and institutional levels. Medical professionals can play a significant role in dismantling healthcare disparities by taking the following steps:
1. Provide Trauma-Informed, Culturally Affirming Care
Listen to Black mothers without judgment or dismissal.
Screen for mental health issues using culturally appropriate tools, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).
Address cultural nuances by using affirming language and validating the lived experiences of Black mothers.
2. Recognize and Address Implicit Bias
Complete implicit bias training as part of professional development.
Avoid assumptions about Black mothers’ resilience, pain tolerance, or emotional needs.
Self-reflect on provider interactions to identify areas where biases may influence patient care.
3. Ensure Access to Affordable Postpartum Care
Inform patients of Medicaid and insurance options for postpartum mental health services.
Refer patients to BGMHF’s therapy voucher program, which offers free or reduced-cost therapy for Black mothers. Learn more about therapy vouchers here.
4. Support Culturally Competent Care Training
Encourage colleagues to participate in cultural competence training, like the training provided by Black Girls Mental Health Foundation (BGMHF).
Join the BIRTH Network to connect Black birthing individuals to mental health and wellness resources. Learn more about the BIRTH Network here.
How Black Girls Mental Health Foundation Supports Black Mothers
The Black Girls Mental Health Collective Foundation (BGMHF) is a vital resource in the fight against systemic racism in postpartum care. Through therapy vouchers, clinical training, and the BIRTH Network, BGMHF addresses the unique needs of Black mothers and equips healthcare providers with essential tools.
1. Therapy Vouchers for Mental Health Care
BGMHF’s therapy voucher program provides financial support to Black mothers seeking postpartum mental health care. Medical professionals can refer their patients to apply for therapy vouchers here.
2. Perinatal Mental Health Training for Providers
BGMHF offers perinatal mental health training to educate healthcare providers on recognizing and addressing postpartum mental health issues in Black mothers. Learn more about available training here.
3. The BIRTH Network
The BIRTH Network connects Black mothers to culturally competent mental health resources and wellness support. Providers can refer patients to the BIRTH Network here to ensure holistic postpartum care.
Partner with Black Girls Mental Health Foundation
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in dismantling systemic racism in postpartum care. By partnering with the Black Girls Mental Health Foundation, you can help reduce disparities and ensure Black mothers receive the support they deserve. Access therapy vouchers here, join the BIRTH Network here, or request perinatal mental health training here.
By taking collective action, we can eliminate healthcare disparities and ensure equitable postpartum care for Black mothers. Let’s build a future where every mother’s voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every life is valued.