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My Black Motherhood
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.
224 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
September 20, 2025
I'm pleased to have finally read this...started reading but had to finish via audiobook as I couldn't put it down.
This is not one person's story but includes that of many black women. I found it interesting how Sandra weaved the poems, stories and experiences around various themes. This is well written to include personal stories from her births, health visitor and other experiences and share how black mothering looks and feels like for her and other black women in UK.
I am really grateful to those who shared their stories and poems willingly as it'll resonate with someone and may have you nodding along to something as a black mother you have also experienced or have in common.
I am thankful to Sandra and the other mothers for bringing their stories to light so many more are aware of the disparity in black maternal care both ante-natal and postpartum.
This is not one person's story but includes that of many black women. I found it interesting how Sandra weaved the poems, stories and experiences around various themes. This is well written to include personal stories from her births, health visitor and other experiences and share how black mothering looks and feels like for her and other black women in UK.
I am really grateful to those who shared their stories and poems willingly as it'll resonate with someone and may have you nodding along to something as a black mother you have also experienced or have in common.
I am thankful to Sandra and the other mothers for bringing their stories to light so many more are aware of the disparity in black maternal care both ante-natal and postpartum.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review