FROM PAIN TO POWER.

Last year, I was selected to join a group called The Motherboard. The Motherboard is a collective of Black Mothers in LA County who work to lower the Black infant and maternal mortality rate for the community. We act as community consultants who use our lived experience to help shape programs, policy, and center black moms in the solutions.

In collaboration with The California Coalition of Perinatal Health and Justice, we took a trip to Sacramento, California! We met with Senate and Assembly member staff to push SB626- it’s a bill to ensure all moms receive screening, diagnosis and treatment for postpartum depression and anxiety. Collectively, we had about thirty meetings, shared our stories and I ain’t gonna had you… I had an amazing time. To see the lobbying process up close and personal was enlightening. In an unexpected series of events, I even had a meeting with an assembly member’s staffer… by myself… wow. I’m so grateful that I leaned into my discomfort. 

Policy can seem “sterile” at times, like a bunch of written words and boring bureaucracy. But hearing stories- moms suffering from postpartum psychosis, women hemorrhaging without care,  mothers being diagnosed and then left without any resources- provokes me to change. This particular cause and the work I’m doing with the Motherboard is reminding me of God’s heart for justice. I believe he cares deeply for us… from the womb to the tomb and I’m excited for wherever this journey takes us. 

To support the bill, Click here and sign the petition. To check out an article from The Observer, click here.

Check out the cool video below. 

Personally, I survived postpartum depression and anxiety. Because my hospital screenings for postpartum mental health stopped about 6 weeks after giving birth, I assumed I was no longer susceptible to mental health complications. I was mistaken. The symptoms that I thought were simply “new mom things” drastically impacted my wellbeing. I was plagued with irrational fears and worries. I could barely hold a conversation and I had no desires to do anything I was passionate about.

Mothers are oftentimes the lifeline of a family. When mom struggles, the family struggles. that’s not just theoretically. Our babies suffer: “PPD can significantly impact infant development, potentially leading to delays in various areas like language, social-emotional, and cognitive skills. Infants of mothers with PPD may also exhibit insecure attachment, behavioral difficulties, and difficulties with regulating attention and arousal.” Our partners suffer: "Studies indicate that the presence of postpartum depression in one parent can increase the risk of depression in the other parent, even if they haven't experienced a history of mental health issues".” The good news is, exasperated postpartum depression and anxiety are VERY preventable with screening, diagnosis, and treatment! I’m hopeful that the medical field will start to pay attention and heed the voices of the people most vulnerable.

Love you!