New briefing raises serious questions about whether Black maternal mental health is deemed a priority at the local level and whether the needs of Black mothers are being met.
As part of the Black Maternal Mental Health project, led by The Motherhood Group, in partnership with Centre for Mental Health and Maternal Mental Health Alliance, Centre for Mental Health submitted Freedom of Information requests to Integrated Care Boards across England to gather information on training and services commissioned to support Black maternal mental health. 35 of 36 ICBs responded, and the findings show a patchwork system and inconsistent funding and support.
The responses reveal that the vast majority of ICBs do not commission services that specifically support Black maternal mental health. Instead, the majority of ICBs provide Black maternal mental health care through general service provision and due to significant limitations in data collected, it is unknown whether this provision meets the needs of Black mothers, or if it has positive outcomes for them.
Black women face a higher risk of developing mental health problems during and after pregnancy, but face significant barriers when accessing mental health care and are less likely to receive the support they need. Mental health problems remain a leading cause of maternal deaths.
The briefing calls for NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to develop clear national guidance for ICBs outlining their responsibility for commissioning, monitoring and evaluating mental health services and training that are targeted to support Black mothers – considering past trauma. Recognising the expertise of community organisations in creating safe, connected spaces for Black mothers, it also calls for an expansion of targeted community-led provision including anti-racism and cultural competency training.
Released as Black Maternal Mental Health week draws to close, Sandra Igwe MBE, Founder and Chief Executive of The Motherhood Group said:
“The Motherhood Group’s work began with listening to Black mothers and creating spaces where their experiences could be heard and understood. For me, cultural competency is not a finish line. It requires continuing cultural curiosity, humility, listening and a willingness to challenge racism and change everyday practice. This briefing helps us see where the next steps are needed. Our hope now is for sustained investment in trusted community organisations, stronger partnerships with NHS services, and clear accountability for improvements that Black mothers can feel in the care they receive.”
Andy Bell, chief executive of Centre for Mental Health said: “This research reveals a system where it is almost impossible to understand what is happening and where. Black mothers cannot be reassured that services will meet their needs if they do not know who is responsible, what they are doing, and how well it is working. Perinatal mental health services need to work with Black mothers and birthing people to ensure they’re offering support that meets their needs, and not leave it to chance or overlook the impacts of racial injustice and trauma on people’s lives.”
Nikki Wilson, Chief Executive of Maternal Mental Health Alliance said “Despite government commitments to tackle inequities within maternity care, this report shows that at the regional level many ICBs did not have information about how Black maternal mental health is being prioritised locally. Black women and birthing people face increased risks of developing a perinatal mental health problem and should be able to access compassionate care without discrimination. However, this data illustrates not only is there wide variation in the availability of appropriate care, but also there is no clear accountability for making local systems change that.”
