What Organizations or Initiatives Focus on Improving Postpartum Care for Black Women?
Addressing Disparities in Postpartum Care for Black Women
Postpartum care is a critical period for new mothers, but for Black women, it often comes with unique challenges rooted in systemic racism, bias, and a lack of culturally competent care. Black mothers are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to white mothers (CDC, 2020), and they are at a higher risk of experiencing postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Yet, access to affordable and culturally affirming postpartum care remains limited.
Fortunately, several organizations and initiatives are working to address these disparities by providing resources, advocacy, and direct support. This blog highlights key organizations focused on improving postpartum care for Black women and explores how medical professionals can connect patients with these essential services. Special attention will be given to the Black Girls Mental Health Foundation (BGMHF), an organization leading the charge in providing culturally competent postpartum mental health care.
1. Black Girls Mental Health Foundation (BGMHF)
The Black Girls Mental Health Foundation (BGMHF) is a trailblazing organization dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for Black mothers and birthing individuals. Through therapy vouchers, training programs, and access to culturally competent providers, BGMHF addresses the unique postpartum mental health needs of Black women.
Key Initiatives by BGMHF
Therapy Vouchers: BGMHF offers financial support for Black mothers who cannot afford postpartum mental health care. These vouchers provide access to culturally competent therapists at no cost or a reduced rate. Medical professionals can direct patients to apply for therapy vouchers here.
Clinical Birth Worker Internship Program: This program trains the next generation of culturally competent perinatal mental health providers, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers and doulas. Interns receive training on trauma-informed care to better serve Black mothers. Learn more about the program here.
BIRTH Network: The BIRTH Network connects Black birthing individuals to essential wellness and mental health resources. Providers can refer patients to the BIRTH Network to ensure ongoing postpartum support. Join the BIRTH Network here.
How Medical Professionals Can Use This Resource
Refer patients for therapy vouchers to help them access free or affordable postpartum mental health care.
Recommend the BIRTH Network as a resource for Black mothers who need access to mental health, birth work, and wellness support.
Request training for your clinical team on how to provide culturally affirming, trauma-informed postpartum care. Contact BGMHF here.
2. Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA)
The Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) is a national network of organizations and leaders dedicated to improving Black maternal health. Their advocacy work focuses on addressing policy gaps, improving healthcare access, and reducing maternal mortality for Black mothers.
Key Initiatives by BMMA
Black Maternal Health Week: This annual event highlights the issues affecting Black mothers and raises awareness about the racial disparities in maternal care.
Advocacy and Policy Change: BMMA pushes for federal, state, and local policy changes that improve maternal health outcomes for Black women.
Education and Research: They provide medical professionals with research, toolkits, and resources to address the unique needs of Black mothers.
How Medical Professionals Can Use This Resource
Stay updated on policy changes and participate in Black Maternal Health Week events.
Use BMMA’s educational materials to better understand the needs of Black mothers and how to improve care practices.
Collaborate with BMMA to support state or local advocacy efforts that benefit Black birthing individuals.
3. Postpartum Support International (PSI)
While Postpartum Support International (PSI) serves mothers of all racial backgrounds, they have specific programs tailored to the needs of Black mothers. Their “Black Mamas Matter” support groups offer a safe space for Black mothers to discuss postpartum mental health challenges with trained facilitators.
Key Initiatives by PSI
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: The hotline (1-833-943-5746) provides 24/7 support for mothers experiencing perinatal mental health issues.
Online Support Groups: PSI runs virtual support groups for Black mothers, offering peer-to-peer support in a culturally affirming space.
Provider Directory: Medical professionals can refer patients to PSI’s directory to find culturally competent mental health providers.
How Medical Professionals Can Use This Resource
Refer Black mothers to the Black Mamas Matter support groups to help them connect with others who understand their unique challenges.
Share the Maternal Mental Health Hotline with patients, especially those in need of immediate mental health support.
Use PSI’s provider directory to connect Black mothers with culturally competent mental health providers.
4. HealthConnect One
HealthConnect One focuses on supporting community-based doulas, breastfeeding peer counselors, and maternal health advocates. The organization promotes the integration of community-based doulas into postpartum care, offering one-on-one, culturally relevant support to new mothers.
Key Initiatives by HealthConnect One
Community-Based Doula Training: HealthConnect One trains doulas from Black and other marginalized communities to support birthing individuals before, during, and after birth.
Breastfeeding Peer Counselors: The organization supports breastfeeding education for Black mothers to address racial disparities in breastfeeding rates.
Parent Leadership Programs: Community leaders are trained to advocate for improved maternal and postpartum care in their local areas.
How Medical Professionals Can Use This Resource
Recommend doula support for Black mothers to reduce birth trauma and improve postpartum mental health outcomes.
Collaborate with local doulas trained by HealthConnect One to ensure patients receive culturally responsive postpartum support.
5. Black Infant Health (BIH) Program
The Black Infant Health (BIH) Program is a California-based initiative aimed at improving health outcomes for Black mothers and their infants. The program addresses health disparities through education, empowerment, and peer support.
Key Initiatives by BIH
Group-Based Prenatal and Postpartum Support: BIH provides free group-based care, where Black mothers receive culturally affirming prenatal and postpartum education.
Health and Wellness Education: BIH teaches mothers about maternal mental health, self-care, and stress reduction.
Community Advocacy: BIH works to reduce systemic barriers to healthcare access for Black mothers.
How Medical Professionals Can Use This Resource
Refer Black mothers in California to BIH for prenatal and postpartum support.
Collaborate with BIH to improve local access to community-based maternal health programs.
How Black Girls Mental Health Foundation Addresses the Issue
The Black Girls Mental Health Foundation (BGMHF) plays a critical role in bridging postpartum care gaps for Black mothers. By offering therapy vouchers, training future perinatal health professionals, and building the BIRTH Network, BGMHF ensures Black mothers have access to mental health services that prioritize cultural competence and trauma-informed care.
BGMHCF's Key Resources
Therapy Vouchers: Free or low-cost therapy for Black mothers. Apply here.
BIRTH Network: Links birthing individuals to culturally affirming mental health services. Learn more here.
Training for Providers: Offers training to healthcare providers on culturally competent postpartum care. Contact BGMHF here.
Connect Your Patients to BGMHF’s Postpartum Resources
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in improving postpartum care for Black mothers. The Black Girls Mental Health Foundation (BGMHF) offers therapy vouchers, training, and access to a network of culturally competent providers. Direct your patients to apply for therapy vouchers here, learn more about the BIRTH Network here, and request training for your clinical team here. Let’s work together to ensure every Black mother has access to the support she needs to thrive.