Most people think of pregnancy in terms of three trimesters, yet far less attention is given to what happens to a birthing caregiver’s body and mind after labor and delivery. The postpartum period is a time of profound physical and emotional change for the whole family. Therefore, understanding birth-related depression is key to addressing equitable responsive maternal health. 

Perinatal depression and other mental health conditions, including postpartum depression, happen far more frequently than many people think. Postpartum Support International indicates that roughly one in five women and one in ten men experience depression or anxiety during the period immediately following birth. The actual rates are likely even higher, especially among parents facing greater stress or fewer supports. 

Here are some more statistics to be mindful of:

• According to a 2024 report by the  Center for Disease Control (CDC), Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women.
• According to the March of Dimes (2025),
  • Black women have twice the rate of preterm birth compared to their White counterparts. 
  • In 2023, 669 maternal deaths occurred, returning the Maternal mortality to pre-pandemic rates, and disparities by race/ethnicity continue to persist.
• According to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA),
  • Almost 40% of Black mothers and birthing people experience maternal mental health (MMH) conditions.
  • Over 50% of postpartum depression cases in women of color go unreported.
    

O’Connor (2025) found that only 36% of those screened for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) said they answered truthfully. In fact, around 1 in 4 birthing caregivers were never screened for their perinatal mental health. Many participants stated they withheld honest responses because they feared that sharing intrusive thoughts, anger, or despair could label them as unfit and potentially jeopardize custody of their child. Much of this fear is tied to the way PMAD screenings are administered, often reduced to brief checklists, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, which can feel more like a risk assessment than support.

When envisioning perinatal mental health screening tools that are culturally responsive, community-based, and grounded in holistic care, we must prioritize trust, equity, and accessibility. These screening tools should recognize the structural barriers and social determinants of health that shape how caregivers experience mental health and interact with healthcare systems. 

Jackson-Best (2016) states that by engaging with concepts grounded in Black Feminist Theory, researchers can critically draw on the work of scholars committed to de-marginalizing women and centering their lived experiences. This shift in perspective is powerful; by disrupting traditional models, we create space for new solutions, meaningful dialogue, and deeper engagement. Extending this lens to perinatal mental health, envisioning culturally responsive, community-based, and holistic screening tools requires prioritizing trust, equity, and accessibility.

But screening alone is not enough. Once we identify that caregivers are experiencing depression, the systems surrounding them must be strengthened. Programs must be adequately resourced, truly responsive to community needs, and clearly communicated so caregivers know they exist and can actually use them. 

Aside from developing more equitable and culturally responsive postnatal depression screening tools, we also need healthcare professionals who are better trained to recognize and respond to diverse experiences, as well as language accessibility that reflects the full spectrum of languages and dialects within our communities. This is essential for communicating in ways that are both responsive and authentic.

A recent study conducted by The Nested Institute for Families in collaboration with New York University highlights key gaps in perinatal mental health care that put families at risk. Thus, suggesting policymakers, providers, and funders should work to:

• Train Providers – Equip pediatricians, OB/GYNs, and care teams with mental health expertise.
• Improve Access – Expand telehealth and peer support opportunities.
• Expand Paid Leave – Advocate for inclusive, extended paid leave for all parents.

AJE’s Health Justice Project is committed to promoting the above evidence-based recommendations in 2026 through our technical assistance and advocacy efforts via working with our Community Health Advisory Council members. We look forward to advancing disability justice and centering the pregnancy experience and the postpartum phase as a critical period of human development. Additionally, we encourage researchers in DC to deepen collaboration with community-based organizations to transform perinatal mental health wellness. By centering community voices, cultural competence and responsiveness, as well as holistic care, these efforts can move beyond traditional clinical paradigms to create screening tools that foster trust, expand social safety-net programs that meaningfully address inequities, and strengthen the broader systems needed to support caregivers.

Too many birthing caregivers in Washington, DC, navigate this vulnerable period without the consistent care, community, and resources they deserve. Every birthing caregiver in DC should feel supported, informed, and cared for during one of the most transformative seasons of their life. Below are some resources for birthing caregivers navigating the DC postpartum system of care:

Helpful links

• Postpartum wellness plan 
• Postpartum anxiety mindfulness exercises 
• Breathing Techniques to Enhance Healing with Natural Wellness Coach Arya Donahue
• Tips for Prioritizing Your Postpartum Wellness
• Essential Wellness Strategies for New Mothers

If you prefer to learn through listening and visual engagement, here are some TEDx Talks on Mental Maternal Health:

• Why maternal mental health matters | Fatimah Jackson-Best | TEDxBridgetown
• Mindfulness for Black maternal health | Karen Sheffield-Abdullah | TEDxDeerfield

In this video, Karen Sheffield-Abdullah presents this model to develop equitable mindfulness programs that address structural and social drivers of health through a multifaceted approach. The video promotes collaboration to systematically address the persistent gaps in access to care and service that continue to impact marginalized people of color and prioritize a culturally inclusive vision. By prioritizing culturally responsive, community-based, and holistic approaches to perinatal mental health, evidence shows that we can begin to close these gaps. 

In conclusion, AJE promotes centering equitable access to timely care in the postpartum phase through a culturally inclusive vision that we look forward to enhancing, promoting, and advancing in 2026.