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Black mums fear losing their babies if they admit they're struggling, as report reveals gaps in mental health support

Black mums fear losing their babies if they admit they're struggling, as report reveals gaps in mental health support

New research reveals why some Black mums are afraid to speak up about their mental health and the support they're missing out on.

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Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: September 27, 2026 at 11:28 AM

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New research has revealed that some Black mums are afraid to speak openly about their mental health during pregnancy and after birth, with more than a third of those uncomfortable discussing their difficulties worried that their baby could be taken away.

The findings, published by maternal health organisation Five X More, also reveal significant gaps in mental health support. More than half of respondents answering the relevant question said they hadn't been told how to access emergency mental health services, while almost nine in 10 of those answering another question hadn't seen a mental health midwife.

The September 2026 report draws on a survey of 845 Black and Black mixed-heritage women in the UK, 527 of whom reported experiencing mental health difficulties before, during or after pregnancy. Although the findings aren't nationally representative, they offer an insight into the experiences of women who have struggled with their mental health during their maternity journey.

Why some Black mums are afraid to speak up about their mental health

Of the women who answered questions about discussing their mental health with healthcare professionals, 30% said they felt uncomfortable sharing their concerns.

Among those who reported feeling uncomfortable:

34% worried that their baby might be removed from their care.
50% were concerned that their mental health disclosures would be recorded in their medical notes.
42% cited stigma surrounding mental illness.
32% were unsure whether speaking up would result in meaningful help.

The report also found that 53% of women answering a question about suicide screening said they hadn't been asked about suicidal thoughts at any point during their maternity care.

For some women, even being asked these questions created anxiety about how their answers might be interpreted.

One respondent described hesitating to disclose suicidal thoughts because she feared being considered a danger to herself.

These findings reflect women's reported concerns, rather than evidence that disclosing mental health difficulties automatically leads to social services becoming involved.

More than half weren't told how to access emergency mental health support

The research also highlights gaps in the information and specialist support offered to women experiencing mental health difficulties.

Among respondents answering the relevant questions:

56% said they hadn't been told how to access emergency mental health services.
88% said they hadn't seen a mental health midwife during their maternity care.
61% said they hadn't been referred or signposted to a mental health support service or organisation.

Some women described struggling to secure help even after raising concerns.

One respondent recalled: "My midwife said the hospital will get back to me which they never did."

Others described feeling dismissed, experiencing delays or having to repeatedly explain their circumstances to different healthcare professionals.

More than a third didn't seek mental health support

The findings also reveal how women managed their mental health difficulties during pregnancy and motherhood.

Of those who answered questions about the support they accessed, 37% reported not seeking any support.

Family and friends were the most commonly reported source of help, with 73% turning to their personal support networks. Meanwhile, 39% reported accessing private counselling.

The research doesn't establish why every woman chose not to seek support, but the findings raise questions about how mothers navigate mental health difficulties and the importance of making professional help accessible.

Many experienced mental health difficulties without reporting a formal diagnosis

Among the 527 women who completed the mental health section of the survey, 66% reported experiencing mental health problems during pregnancy and 71% reported difficulties after birth.

However, just 53 respondents described receiving a formal clinical diagnosis during their maternity journey.

The diagnoses reported included anxiety, depression, postnatal depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It's important to distinguish self-reported mental health difficulties from clinically diagnosed conditions. The findings don't establish how many women needed a diagnosis but didn't receive one.

What the findings mean for maternity mental health care

The report highlights the importance of creating an environment where women feel comfortable discussing their mental health and know where to access support.

Five X More co-founders Atinuke Awe and Clotilde Abe describe the experiences shared by women in their foreword:

"Many were never asked how they were feeling. Some were asked in a way that felt like a box being ticked. Others carried real distress and said nothing at all, weighing up whether being honest was worth the risk of being seen as unstable, or unfit to keep their own baby."

The report calls for greater recognition of Black women's mental health needs, clearer information about available services and more consistent support throughout pregnancy and after birth.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.