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 currently available to help BIPOC parents and caregivers with perinatal mental health. Explore and utilize the following resources to help you, a loved one, or a patient with mental health during and after pregnancy.

Resources

Black & African American Parents and Caregivers

Local Resources:

Sista Midwife: Black midwives or doulas in Minnesota
Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Minnesota (PPSM): Lists of local groups that support Somali parents

National & Virtual Resources:

Black Moms Connect: Free virtual support group
Black Moms in Loss: Free virtual support group for grieving the loss of a pregnancy or infant
The Broken Brown Egg: Shellshocked, a virtual community for Black people with infertility and reproductive health issues

American Indian & Indigenous Parents and Caregivers

Local Resources:

PPSM: Lists of local support groups and resources for American Indian & Indigenous parents in Minnesota

Latinx Parents and Caregivers

Local Resources:

PPSM: Lists of local support groups and resources for Latinx parents in Minnesota

National & Virtual Resources:

Postpartum Support International: Helpline, support groups, social media (Facebook and Instagram)
Apoyo Perinatal: Free virtual support group
Grupo para Madres Independientes: Free virtual support group
E-lactancia: Breastfeeding support

Asian Parents and Caregivers

Local Resources:

PPSM: Lists local therapists who specialize in perinatal mental health and speak Hmong, community resources specifically for Asian parents in Minnesota.

National & Virtual Resources:

Desi Chaat: Virtual support group for South Asian moms
La Leche League: Call 1-877-452-5324 for questions, tips, and help with breastfeeding, available 24 hours a day
- Languages: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Thai

Therapist & Community Support Directories

Asian Mental Health Collective
Inclusive Therapists (also has a BIPOC Therapy fund & events)
InnoPsych
Melanin & Mental Health
Therapy for Black Girls
Therapy for Black Men