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"I didn’t feel like I had the option to rest, so I kept going even when I was exhausted and holding on by a thread," Ashley shares.
"Nearly three years after my first son died after being born at 21 weeks, I found myself sitting in the NICU holding my new baby — just 1 pound, 7 ounces — born at 25 weeks. For 183 days, I pumped, showed up at the hospital, and returned to work just two months into his NICU stay, caring for my own patients. I’m deeply grateful our NICU had a psychologist and social worker who provided a listening ear and a safe space during one of the most fragile seasons of my life. Almost seven years later, faith, community, therapy, and learning to give myself grace have been instrumental in protecting and restoring my mental health."
Mental health is just as critical as physical health — especially for moms of color. Minority maternal mental health deserves more than awareness. It deserves access, investment, and culturally competent care. Did you know that new moms from certain racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely to get treatment for mental health conditions?
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. For new and expecting moms, this is an opportunity to raise awareness around the range of emotions they face, the unique challenges affecting moms who are from minority groups, and resources available for support.
Get resources and support throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey at ItStartsWithMom.org #ItStartsWithMom
#MinorityMentalHealth