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My Black Motherhood: Mental Health, Stigma, Racism and the System
Joyful. Graceful. Blessed. Strong. Anxious. Depressed. Stigmatised. Stereotyped.
What happens when motherhood isn't what you expected - and when you reach out for support, you are met with judgment and prejudice?
Sandra Igwe shares her journey as a young Black mother, coping with sleepless nights, anxiety and loneliness after the birth of her first daughter. Burdened by cultural expectations of the 'good mother' and the 'strong Black woman' trope, her mental health struggles became an uphill battle.
Black women are at higher risk of developing postnatal depression but are the least likely to be identified as depressed. Sharing the voices of other mothers, Sandra examines how culture, racism, stigma and a lack of trust in services prevent women getting the help they need. Breaking open the conversation on motherhood, race, and mental health, she demands that Black women are listened to, believed, and understood.
What happens when motherhood isn't what you expected - and when you reach out for support, you are met with judgment and prejudice?
Sandra Igwe shares her journey as a young Black mother, coping with sleepless nights, anxiety and loneliness after the birth of her first daughter. Burdened by cultural expectations of the 'good mother' and the 'strong Black woman' trope, her mental health struggles became an uphill battle.
Black women are at higher risk of developing postnatal depression but are the least likely to be identified as depressed. Sharing the voices of other mothers, Sandra examines how culture, racism, stigma and a lack of trust in services prevent women getting the help they need. Breaking open the conversation on motherhood, race, and mental health, she demands that Black women are listened to, believed, and understood.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2022
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30 people want to read
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July 31, 2025
So glad I stumbled across this (audio)book. An insightful read sharing experiences of navigating motherhood as a Black woman. What I loved most was the golden thread of how it takes a village to raise a child and the importance of connection and support. If this was a documentary it would be very telling. Would definitely add to maternity reading list if there ever was such a thing. Very well written indeed!
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