Join us for an open discussion with doula Nicky Dawkins and licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Wiltshire about black maternal mental health during pregnancy and postpartum.

#BMWH Black Maternal Health Week takes place every year from April 11 –17 and was officially recognized by the White House on April 13th, 2021. During this week, we aim to share and educate black birthing people about holistic health practices that can help counter the black maternal health crisis.

Mental health is heavily overlooked in the maternity space in general, even more so when it comes to the black community. Black women experience a higher prevalence of maternal mental health conditions, particularly postpartum depression and anxiety, relative to the US population as a whole. In addition, maternal mental health issues among Black mothers are largely underreported, and symptoms often go unaddressed.

Fortunately, we are seeing some slow progress in this area, as policymakers and activists are working to extend postpartum care coverage in the US - including mental health coverage. And as part of the initiative, many community-based organizations, birth workers, and other care providers are supporting more Black mothers during their mental health journey during childbirth and beyond.

Mental health support groups and organizations located in communities, particularly those led by Black women or people of color, often offer culturally responsive and integrated mental health services and thus garner the trust of the women they serve. Black-women-led organizations have created a network where reproductive justice and maternal mental health support intersect through avenues of movement building, holistic wellness services, community-based research, and advocacy.

Join us for a virtual discussion about the mental health and black motherhood as part our 2022 #BMHW Black Maternal Health Week Webinar Series.

ABOUT DR. MICHELLE WILTSHIRE

Dr. Michelle Wiltshire describes herself as overly curious, highly motivated, and holistically inclined. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice operating in FL and NY. Dr. Wiltshire strives to live outside-the-box and has successfully pursued other roles including product designer who codes and most recently - motherhood! Becoming a mother has been the most life changing experience of her life. And now she’s even more inspired to be the change she wants to see in the world. As the owner of Wasabi + Well, she’s on a mission to build a community of doers who practice radical honesty and embrace their imperfections on a whimsical journey to healing.

Find out more at wasabiwell.com. IG: @wasabiwellness