Maternal mental health is a cornerstone of family and community well-being, yet it remains a crisis for many, particularly within Black communities. Approximately 15% of women experience postpartum depression within the first year after childbirth, making it one of the most common complications of childbirth (1). However, the statistics reveal stark disparities: Black women are twice as likely to experience postpartum depression as their white counterparts but are less likely to receive treatment due to systemic barriers such as racism, lack of culturally competent care, and mistrust in healthcare systems (2).
Beyond postpartum depression, up to 20% of women experience anxiety during pregnancy, increasing risks for complications like preterm birth and low birth weight (3). Alarmingly, untreated maternal mental health issues are linked to poor developmental outcomes in children, including emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges (4). Suicide, one of the leading causes of death for women in the first year postpartum, underscores the critical need for timely, compassionate mental health care for new mothers (5).
The statistics are even graver for Black women, who are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women (6). This disparity is not just a medical issue—it is deeply tied to systemic racism and chronic stress.
HCN’s Black Birthing Health Initiative: A Transformative Solution
In response to these alarming disparities, Homeless Children’s Network launched the Black Birthing Health Initiative (BBHI) in April 2024. This groundbreaking community wellness program is specifically designed to support Black/African American birthing individuals, their families, and their partners/spouses in San Francisco.
BBHI addresses the full spectrum of maternal health, from preconception through postpartum, with culturally competent, holistic care. Our mission is to break down barriers like mental health stigma, inadequate insurance coverage, and the lack of culturally responsive healthcare providers, ensuring that Black birthing individuals are heard, respected, and empowered.
Key Services Offered by BBHI
Mental Health Support: BBHI offers individual and group therapy, healing circles, and community wellness services tailored to the unique experiences of Black/African American birthing individuals. These services are designed to address anxiety, depression, and trauma stemming from childbirth and systemic inequities.
Comprehensive Case Management: BBHI connects families with essential resources, including food, Medi-Cal support, housing, and healthcare. This holistic approach ensures that the foundational needs of Black birthing individuals are met.
Culturally Tailored Training Programs: To expand the network of support, BBHI offers two training programs:
Pregnancy/Postpartum Peer Support Specialist Training, equipping community members to provide culturally affirming mental health services.
Pregnancy/Postpartum Mental Health Professional Training, aimed at healthcare providers to deliver trauma-informed, Afri-centric mental health care.
Community Building Events: BBHI hosts quarterly events featuring expert panels, resource tables, and opportunities for Black-birthing individuals to connect and share their experiences. Our first event, Seasons of Support: Black Birthing & Family Wellness, will take place on December 7th from 1 PM to 4 PM at the Buchanan YMCA (1530 Buchanan Street). This special gathering will have an abundance of support, resources, and connections for Black birthing individuals and families. If you’re interested in attending, please register via the link: Register Here.
A Vision for the Future
The Black Birthing Health Initiative is more than a program—it’s a movement. By addressing the root causes of maternal mental health disparities and providing culturally competent care, BBHI is building a future where Black-birthing individuals, children, and families can thrive.
We are committed to ensuring that every Black birthing individual in San Francisco has access to the care and support they need, creating a ripple effect of well-being that strengthens families, neighborhoods, and generations to come. Interested in learning more? Reach out to partner and get involved.
Sources:
1 Carlson K, Mughal S, Azhar Y, et al. Postpartum Depression. [Updated 2024 Aug 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/#
2 Kozhimannil KB, Trinacty CM, Busch AB, Huskamp HA, Adams AS. Racial and ethnic disparities in postpartum depression care among low-income women. Psychiatr Serv. 2011 Jun;62(6):619-25. doi: 10.1176/ps.62.6.pss6206_0619. PMID: 21632730; PMCID: PMC3733216.
3 Pascal R, Casas I, Genero M, Nakaki A, Youssef L, Larroya M, Benitez L, Gomez Y, Martinez-Aran A, Morilla I, Oller-Guzmán TM, Martín-Asuero A, Vieta E, Crispi F, Gratacos E, Gomez-Roig MD, Crovetto F. Maternal Stress, Anxiety, Well-Being, and Sleep Quality in Pregnant Women throughout Gestation. J Clin Med. 2023 Nov 26;12(23):7333. doi: 10.3390/jcm12237333. PMID: 38068385; PMCID: PMC10707410.
4 Slomian J, Honvo G, Emonts P, Reginster JY, Bruyère O. Consequences of maternal postpartum depression: A systematic review of maternal and infant outcomes. Women's Health (Lond). 2019 Jan-Dec;15:1745506519844044. doi: 10.1177/1745506519844044. Erratum in: Women's Health (Lond). 2019 Jan-Dec;15:1745506519854864. doi: 10.1177/1745506519854864. PMID: 31035856; PMCID: PMC6492376.
5 Chin K, Wendt A, Bennett IM, Bhat A. Suicide and Maternal Mortality. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2022 Apr;24(4):239-275. doi: 10.1007/s11920-022-01334-3. Epub 2022 Apr 2. PMID: 35366195; PMCID: PMC8976222.
6 Wick, Myra. “Why are Black maternal mortality rates so high?” Mayo Clinic Press, 4 August 2023, https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/pregnancy/black-maternal-mortality-rate/.