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In partnership with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) and the Centre for Mental Health, The Motherhood Group recently launched the UK's first dedicated Black Maternal Mental Health Report at a landmark parliamentary event. In this blog, Sandra Igwe, Founder and CEO of The Motherhood Group, and Topic leader for the hub, reflects on this ground-breaking report, its recommendations, and what comes next. The Black Maternal Mental Health Report represents nearly a decade of work, drawing on insights from 73 projects and amplifying the voices of more than 18,000 Black mothers across the UK. This is the first comprehensive report to examine the real, lived experiences of Black mothers navigating the perinatal mental health system. The report reveals troubling realities: depression, trauma, and anxiety are directly fuelled by experiences of racism, stereotyping, and microaggressions within NHS maternity care. Black mothers consistently described feeling "unheard," "dismissed," and "judged." Approximately 20% of Black mothers report not seeking professional help for low mood or depression during the perinatal period, with many avoiding support due to stigma and fear of social services intervention. What are the key recommendations? Our report sets out five clear steps for transformation: Community-led and culturally safe care. Co-produced service standards with Black mothers. Mandatory trauma-informed and culturally competent training. Investment in grassroots and digital peer support. Leadership and accountability across systems. These recommendations are grounded in what Black mothers have repeatedly told us they need to feel safe, seen, and supported throughout their perinatal journey. Who should read this report—and why? Healthcare practitioners and maternity services seeking to provide culturally competent, trauma-informed care and those interested in developing their learning through our CPD accredited cultural competency course. Policymakers and commissioners who need evidence-based guidance on where to invest resources and how to design services that address health inequalities. Community organisations and peer support groups working at the grassroots level, who will find validation, insight, and actionable strategies. Anyone committed to health equity who recognises that addressing maternal mental health disparities requires implementation, compassion, and accountability. What has the journey been like delivering this report? For far too long, we've seen report after report. The evidence is clear—now it's time for action. Too many Black mothers are suffering when we should be standing beside them, driving change that saves lives. During my own labour, I was labelled "aggressive" simply for being in pain. I felt completely dismissed—like my suffering didn't matter. Staff dismissed my views, and my pain wasn't taken seriously. That experience is far from unique. This work has been emotionally demanding, but also deeply rewarding. Seeing mothers find community through The Motherhood Group, watching them go from isolation to connection, hearing them say "I'm not alone"—this is what keeps us going. The successes we've celebrated belong to the mothers who shared their stories. Every workshop, every focus group, every brave testimony has contributed to this moment. What are your hopes for 2026 and beyond? We envision a healthcare system where Black mothers receive continuity of care from practitioners who understand their cultural context and listen without judgement. We call for mandatory cultural competency training for all maternity and mental health professionals—not as a tick-box exercise, but as an ongoing commitment to anti-racist practice. We demand investment in the community-led organisations and digital platforms that Black mothers trust and value. We insist on accountability mechanisms that track progress and hold systems responsible for reducing disparities rather than merely documenting them. What can people do to support this work? For mothers: Your experiences matter and your voice is powerful. Connect with support services like The Motherhood Group. You deserve compassionate, culturally competent care. For healthcare professionals: Book cultural competency training. Listen to Black mothers without dismissal. Challenge racism in your workplace. For policymakers: Stop delaying implementation. Fund grassroots organisations. Make cultural competency training mandatory. For organisations: Partner with community-led initiatives. Amplify Black mothers' voices. Commit resources to addressing these disparities. This is not just about awareness—it's about implementation, compassion, and accountability. Black mothers have been reduced to statistics for too long. It's time for urgent, sustained, and meaningful change.

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