Centering Black Maternal Mental Health for #BMHW2022

This week (April 11, 2022- April 15, 2022) is Black Maternal Health Week, a week spearheaded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to amplify the efforts of Black-led maternal health initiatives and help Black mamas thrive. Here at First Shift Justice Project, we are happy to join together with other advocates and care providers across the country to support Black mamas and birthing people.

Specifically, we wanted to highlight our work with Nurturing Amenities- a Black woman-led nonprofit that helps new and expecting mothers in Virginia Beach, VA with self care and stress management in order to combat the epidemic of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). Black women are more likely to suffer from PMADs and less likely to receive the treatment they need to combat them due to medical racism.

Job loss and stress related to employment can be a trigger for PMADs. Pregnant and perinatal workers in Virginia may not be aware of the rights they do have in order to continue supporting their families financially. Because of this, Cydney of Nurturing Amenities interviewed our Georgetown Justice Fellow Allison Tallering as part of their Nonprofit Collaboration Series to get the word out about employment rights for pregnant and parenting workers in VA. You can watch the interview here.

First Shift is here to support Black mamas during Black Maternal Health Week and beyond.

If you or someone you know is facing an employment issue related to pregnancy or caregiving in the DMV, please contact First Shift Justice Project via our intake@firstshift.org email address, website intake form, or phone at 202-644-9043. If you or someone you know could use mental health and community support during pregnancy and the perinatal period in Virginia Beach, VA, please contact Nurturing Amenities or find them on social media.