Minding Mama: Protecting Mental Health Before Birth & Beyond

Pregnancy and the postpartum year are deeply transformative experiences that can impact every aspect of a woman’s emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing. For Black women, maternal mental health is shaped not only by the demands of motherhood, but also by systemic inequities, medical racism, cultural stigma, and the pressure to remain strong despite overwhelming challenges.

Too often, Black women are less likely to receive accurate diagnoses, compassionate care, or adequate mental health support during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. This episode centers Black maternal mental health through conversations about healing, self-care, emotional wellness, advocacy, and community support.

We explore topics including postpartum depression, anxiety, burnout, identity shifts, and navigating healthcare systems that frequently overlook Black women’s needs. Rooted in empowerment, authenticity, and holistic wellness, this conversation creates space for Black mothers to feel seen, supported, and affirmed throughout their motherhood journey.

This episode features Dr. Lyneia Richardson, a mama, healer, psychologist, educator, author, and maternal health advocate.

Her work is rooted in decolonizing therapy and education through a Mothering Praxis that centers care and aims to uplift the voices of those who have historically been marginalized and silenced. She is currently a Professor of Counseling at McDaniel College and the owner of Melanated Women's Therapy, LLC , where she provides therapy and support to Black women and mothers, addressing issues at the intersection of race, gender, and mothering.

For more information about this episode click here.