Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and migrant women are less likely to participate in mental health services due to stigma, the healthcare system violating trust, and a lack of partnership in decision-making.

Recommendations for healthcare professionals:

High percentages of BIPOC women and birthing persons report a history of trauma. Care should ask questions about life experiences, versus focus only on their present experience.
Ask patients about their experience in the intersection of healthcare and culture and race, and what they think would be best for them.
Discuss the option of technology-based appointments, if that is an option they are open to, and addressing any barriers that may exist.

Culturally sensitive, accessible, social support and trauma-informed resources are available to help BIPOC parents and caregivers with perinatal mental health. Explore Postpartum Support International Online Support Groups to help you, a loved one, or a patient with mental health during and after pregnancy.

Sources:
1. Singla, D., Meltzer-Brody, S., Savel, K. & Silver, R. (2022). Scaling Up Patient-Centered Psychological Treatments for Perinatal Depression in the Wake of a Global Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychiatry. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.826019