Our Christmas/New Year episode is with the hugely inspiring Sandra Igwe - maternal health advocate, TEDx speaker and founder of The Motherhood Group. Sandra talked to me in Spring 2022 about her work raising awareness of the disparities of black women's maternal mental health outcomes and issues. She also bravely shares her own personal experience of birth trauma and racism and the profound affect this has had on navigating motherhood. Despite the heavy subject matter, I found this a joyous conversation and once again - like so many of my guests - Sandra has turned a hugely traumatic experience into something so positive, helping educate health professionals and offering support to other mums.*TRIGGER WARNING: *Birth Trauma and Racial Discrimination*IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:[00:00] Teaser quote.[01:52] Introduction to Sandra.[03:26] Writing her latest book based on her experience, 'My Black Motherhood'.[05:37] Life before becoming a mum and the transition into motherhood.[09:52] Sandra's first pregnancy - a beautiful surprise![13:49] Worries about not being a 'good' mum during pregnancy.[16:04] Zoe's birth - dismissive, racist treatment and lack of adequate care/choice.[21:15] Similar situation with her second daughter's birth - more trauma.[25:05] Aftercare - or lack of it! The need for healthcare professionals to be better trained, especially on cultural competence.[30:12] How this birth trauma impacted on Sandra's mental health.[33:30] Cultural stigma and shame regarding perinatal mental health.[35:17] Finding her tribe and finding her voice - starting The Motherhood Group.[44:53] Recovery, including support from her partner. [50:30] Finding your groove.[52:24] Sandra's faith.[54:48] Advice for people currently struggling.[58:53] Free support available via The Motherhood Group.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Sandra's organisation The Motherhood Group raises awareness of black maternal health issues and offers peer-to-peer support, free doula support and free counselling for issues like anxiety, PND and stress.Black Maternal Health Week highlights the disparity of black mums' maternal mental health outcomes and issues. It occurs 11-17 April and this year's theme is: "Our Bodies Belong to Us: Restoring Black Autonomy and Joy!' (#BMHW23).Sandra's latest book 'My Black Motherhood: Mental Health, Stigma, Racism & The System' is available in all good book stores. You can purchase it here.Feeling emotionally invalidated during your labour is highly traumatising.If you can, have someone at your birth who can advocate for you while you are in a vulnerable position.The MBBRACE-UK Report 2020 into maternal deaths showed that black mums in the UK have 4x the risk of dying in pregnancy in comparison to a white woman.Black and minority mums are more like to have or develop mental health problems during the perinatal period and are less likely to get help.Black Mamas Matter...

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