Helpful tips and advice for Black mothers from our Health Visiting team

Black Maternal Mental Health Week, (23-29 September), aims to raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by Black mothers by promoting education, advocacy, and support for Black women through their pregnancy and postpartum. With this in mind, Care Group health visiting teams have put together some tips and advice on how you can support Black mothers. 

Find out more about Black Maternal Mental Health Week at The Motherhood Group website.

Advocate for yourself

Sometimes the best advice is the advice you give yourself and so we’d like to encourage all mothers to:

• Ask for help.
• Speak up and share their concerns if they are not happy with the care they are receiving or if they need more support. 
• Enquire about community services available to support their mental health and the development of their child.
• Not be afraid of receiving health care when support is being offered.

Top Tip 

Friends and family can create a welcoming environment to allow the mother to express their feelings, fears and thoughts. If you observe any signs of deterioration in their health, you can contact their Health Visitor, Midwife, GP, Mental Health Services, 111 and in an emergency by calling 999.    

Where to seek professional help

Getting professional support can be what’s best for you and your baby. Below is a list of organisations that can support Black mothers. Our own Parent and Baby Emotional Wellbeing Service is available to residents in Waltham Forest or speak to your Health Visitor. Health professionals can make a referral for you. However, we recognise that Black mothers aren’t referred as often to support services and so this list includes services you can self-refer to.

Tulip Maternal mental Health service

Tulip (Maternal Mental Health Service) supports all mothers who have experienced: birth trauma, miscarriages, fear of pregnancy or delivery, baby loss or termination. 
Read more

Perinatal Parent Infant Mental Health Service

The Perinatal Parent Infant Mental Health Service support women who have moderate to severe depression, anxiety or diagnosed mental health conditions. They also support mothers who are struggling to bond with their baby. 
Read more

NHS Talking Therapies

NHS Talking Therapies is suitable for anyone experiencing low mood or anxiety. Click below for more information on therapy, support and counselling and to find a service near you.
Read more

Additional community services that offer support for antenatal and postnatal support, good health and wellbeing and domestic abuse survivors:

Sister Circle

Hearts and Minds Map

Solace Womens Aid