Maternal mental health is a critical but often overlooked aspect of pregnancy and postpartum care. Many women experience emotional and psychological challenges before, during, and after pregnancy, yet the stigma surrounding these issues prevents them from seeking the support they need.
BlackDoctor.org spoke with Dr. Shaenor Ishmael, a dedicated perinatal mental health therapist with over 10 years of experience. She shares her insights on the importance of mental health care for mothers, particularly Black women, who face unique challenges and disparities in healthcare.
“I’m a mother of two and experienced my own challenges during pregnancy and postpartum—I realized I wanted to be part of the solution to help mothers navigate these experiences,” Dr. Ishmael shares. “I now have my own private practice where we focus on maternal mental health. We provide virtual therapy sessions for individuals in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.”
Recognizing the Scope of Maternal Mental Health Challenges
One of the most eye-opening statistics Dr. Ishamel notes is that one in five women experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) at some point during their journey to motherhood. Additionally, one in eight women suffer from postpartum depression (PPD), while 80 percent experience “baby blues,” a temporary period of mood swings, sadness, and anxiety following childbirth.
Contrary to popular belief, maternal mental health challenges are not limited to postpartum depression. Anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and even postpartum psychosis can all manifest before, during, or after pregnancy. The misconception that these conditions only arise after childbirth can delay necessary treatment and support.
“Prevention is key—being proactive in seeking mental health support is important if you’re planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or postpartum. Having a therapist to help you navigate this major life transition is invaluable,” Dr. Ishmael says.
Signs That Indicate a Need for Professional Help
Early recognition of symptoms is essential for effective intervention. Some warning signs that mothers (or their loved ones) should be aware of include:
- Persistent sadness or numbness
- Lack of motivation or difficulty bonding with the baby
- Significant changes in sleep (sleeping too little or too much)
- Appetite changes (loss of appetite or overeating)
- Difficulty finding joy in daily life
“Additionally, feeling overly anxious about the baby’s safety, worrying excessively, or being highly critical of yourself as a parent are signs to seek help,” Dr. Ishmael adds. “I often encourage women to track the frequency and intensity of their emotions. For example, crying occasionally is okay, but if it’s happening often or interfering with daily life, it’s important to seek support.”
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The Role of Support Networks in Maternal Mental Health
Mothers should not have to navigate these challenges alone. Family members, partners, and friends play a crucial role in recognizing symptoms and providing emotional and practical support.
“Postpartum recovery—whether from vaginal birth or a cesarean section—is a major medical event. Yet, society often overlooks the need for recovery time and care. Just like someone recovering from a knee or hip surgery needs support, so does a postpartum mother,” Dr. Ishmael notes.
Support networks can help by:
- Offering tangible support, such as meal preparation, childcare, and household help
- Reducing the stigma around mental health and therapy
“Support networks are also the first line of defense in recognizing symptoms of mental health challenges. It’s important to have open conversations about how the mother is feeling and for family members to understand the warning signs,” Dr. Ishmael adds.
Therapeutic Approaches to Maternal Mental Health
Seeking professional help is an act of strength, not weakness. Several therapeutic approaches can effectively help mothers manage their mental health:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
As Dr. Ishmael notes, “this approach helps mothers acknowledge and process their feelings.”
CBT helps mothers reframe negative thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms. By addressing self-criticism, guilt, and unrealistic expectations, mothers can navigate their new roles with a more balanced mindset.
Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
Mindfulness encourages mothers to stay present and acknowledge their feelings without judgment. Deep breathing, meditation, and self-reflection can reduce stress and help mothers feel more in control of their emotions.
“It encourages being present in the moment, which is crucial during the challenges of the perinatal period,” Dr. Ishmael shares.
Afrocentric Perspective for Black Mothers
For Black women, systemic inequalities add another layer of stress to the perinatal experience. Black women are four times more likely to die during childbirth than white women, leading to increased anxiety and fear. A culturally competent approach acknowledges these challenges and provides supportive interventions tailored to their unique experiences.
“Addressing these systemic barriers and fears is part of my therapeutic approach. By acknowledging and challenging these realities, we can implement coping strategies and empower mothers,” Dr. Ishmael says.
Overcoming “Mom Guilt” and Prioritizing Self-Care
One of the biggest obstacles mothers face is guilt—feeling that any time spent on themselves is time taken away from their child.
“One of the key things I remind mothers is that self-care is not selfish. You can’t pour from an empty cup,” Dr. Ishmael adds. “It’s important to rediscover who you are in this new role as a mother. Many women feel a loss of identity postpartum. Incorporating self-care into your daily routine helps rebuild that sense of self.”
Dr. Ishmael suggests the following strategies for self-care:
- Setting a routine that includes personal time
- Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment
- Scheduling regular breaks to rest and recharge
- Building a support system that encourages balance
The Importance of a Comprehensive Care Team
Maternal health goes beyond prenatal checkups and childbirth. According to Dr. Ishmael, a holistic care team should include:
- OB-GYNs or midwives for physical health
- Mental health professionals for emotional well-being
- Lactation consultants for breastfeeding support
- Pelvic floor therapists for postpartum recovery
- Doulas for emotional and physical support
“From my personal experience, I know how important it is to have a team. In my own postpartum journey, I relied on specialists like a pelvic floor therapist and lactation consultant. Challenges will arise, and having the right support makes all the difference,” she shares.
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Breaking Stigmas and Encouraging Black Mothers to Seek Help
Despite facing higher rates of perinatal mental health disorders, Black women are least likely to seek professional help due to stigma, cultural expectations, and systemic barriers. However, seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness.
To Black mothers struggling in silence:
- Your feelings are valid. You do not have to love every moment of pregnancy or motherhood.
- Seeking help does not mean you are failing. It means you are prioritizing your well-being and your child’s future.
- You deserve support. Therapy, community, and loved ones can help you navigate this transition.
“We need to normalize conversations about how pregnancy and postpartum aren’t always happy experiences—and that’s okay,” Dr. Ishmael adds.
Final Thoughts: Normalizing the Conversation
Conversations like these are critical in reducing the stigma surrounding maternal mental health. By sharing experiences, normalizing therapy, and advocating for accessible care, we can create a more supportive environment for mothers.
If you or someone you love is struggling, know that help is available, and healing is possible. Seeking support is the first step toward a healthier, happier motherhood journey.
“Remember, your child’s well-being is built on the foundation of your mental health. If you’re struggling, it will affect your child. Seeking help allows you to be the best version of yourself for your baby,” Dr. Ishmael concludes.
