In the birth space, it hides behind forced compliance, medical dismissal, and the pressure to stay strong. Black women remember the tone of a provider’s voice, the fear of not being believed, the moment her control was taken. That memory lives in her nervous system, and it changes how she sleeps, eats, bonds, and copes. Now add adjusting to motherhood with a newborn, sometimes other children, a spouse, work, and an entirely new normal. For Black women, perinatal mental health distress often shows up as:

• Isolation

• Irritability

• Disconnect

• Worry

• Somatic symptoms (migraines, stomach aches, etc).

But it’s difficult to seek help in a world that has publicly failed Black women time and time again. So we sit in silence hoping for someone to notice the slightest hint of abnormality

This article explores the unique mental health challenges faced by Latina mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. Including cultural stigma, language barriers, and systemic healthcare disparities. Providing insight into culturally responsive approaches to perinatal mental health care offers practical strategies for healthcare providers and families to provide critical and culturally responsive support for Latina mothers’ emotional wellbeing.