Link in bio to read an important piece from @pdotbrathw8, senior health editor @selfmagazine “Mental Health in Black Moms Is Largely Ignored—5 Ways We Can Improve It.” Sharing some thoughts that I had the privilege to contribute below, and will be amplifying the voices of others interviewed for the article in upcoming posts. Thanks for chiming in to the conversation with your additions, experiences, and thoughts in comments below. • “How can reproductive psychiatry and psychology address the unique concerns and challenges that impact black people during pregnancy and parenthood? What is necessary for moving the field forward? What is holding it back? How can black pregnant people and new parents remain empowered, given the circumstances? • “#1. Reproductive therapists need to validate black women’s feelings. “ ‘Historically, reproductive psychiatry has stepped in to answer the questions that general psychiatry has not been able to answer for patients, like the safety of treating mental illness with medication during pregnancy. The field has since expanded to discuss issues like fertility, postpartum depression, and traumatic birth. But there’s a lot more that reproductive mental health professionals need to do. • ‘Cultural competence is an area where the mental health fields need to put forth time and attention. It’s been neglected. Yes, we have to study the brain and brain chemistry. We have to study the mind and human relationships. But we also have to look at culture. Just like the food we eat impacts our cardiac health, issues around stress as they relate to prejudice and discrimination impact people’s emotional health. • ‘It’s very important to validate that if you’re feeling it, it is real. That validation is one of the most powerful things therapy can provide.’ ” • If you can, consider a donation: @birthequity @thelovelandfoundation @sadgirlsclub @therapyforblackgirls @blackmamasmatter and please add and amplify in comments below. • #matrescence #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodunfiltered #mom #moms #mother #mothers #momma #mommas #matrescencia #mommy #motherhood #realmotherhood #lifeasamama #mommystatus #motherhoodjourney #thatmomlife #motherhoodsessions