Book Review and Reflection of My Black Motherhood: Mental Health, Stigma, Racism and the System Sandra Igwe

Published: 2022

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Introduction

This book is not very long, so it is easy to get through—yet it took me a while to finish. I kept reading, pausing, and coming back to it. That’s because it is not an easy read. I am a Black mother living in England at the time of reading. Fortunately for me, I had my daughter outside England. I was lucky enough to have a well-paying job, so I was able to afford giving birth in a private hospital, where I received premium care. Moving to England, I quickly realised that motherhood here was very, very different.

In this book, Sandra takes us through the painful treatment of Black mothers in Britain, telling her own story as well as those of other Black mothers.

Book Summary

The book is divided into seven chapters where Sandra narrates her journey into motherhood, alongside the stories of other Black mothers she connected with through her motherhood group and other spaces. Her aim is to amplify not only her own voice but also the voices of other Black mothers.

Sandra begins the book by reflecting on the idea of motherhood in her life, looking at her mother’s experience and those of other women around her. There were familiar cultural expectations: having children at a certain age, for instance. However, she encountered several difficulties navigating the healthcare system as a Black woman in Britain.

She experienced child loss and traumatic births. She was rejected, ignored, and dismissed by the very people who were supposed to care for her. She also had a rude and unexpected introduction to children’s services. Sandra’s experiences mirrored those of many other Black mothers, women with whom she found community and a safe space to express themselves, offer mutual support, and share knowledge.

Throughout the book, Sandra addresses a number of themes through her own story and those of others: racism not only in healthcare but also in spaces where mothers gather, such as baby groups. She describes racist encounters with midwives and her struggles with mental health, especially the impact of postnatal depression.

A key theme that stands out—perhaps especially toward the end—is the importance of community. Sandra encourages women to lean into their communities if they have them, to accept help when it’s offered, and to ask for it when needed. She reminds us that raising children is not a one-person job. Tapping into our “villages” is important—but she also acknowledges that for some, those villages do not exist, or they are not “villaging.” Be that as it may, she urges mothers to actively seek out support because mothering is hard, and even harder when done alone.

Recommendations

For me, this was a difficult read, but I think every woman should read this book to understand the reality out there. Sandra mentions how some people were shocked when they heard her story and how the system had treated her. But unfortunately, as she shows throughout the book, her story is not unique. Many Black mothers go through similar experiences.

It is important for mothers, especially Black mothers, to know what to expect when expecting in Britain so they can be prepared for anything. And to know that they are not alone. Support is out there, even if it comes through an online community.

About the Author

Sandra Igwe is a maternal health advocate, writer, and founder of The Motherhood Group, a platform that supports Black mothers by amplifying their voices and creating safe, empowering spaces. She is also a public speaker and campaigner, working to raise awareness about the racial disparities in maternal healthcare. Sandra uses her lived experiences to challenge stigma, fight systemic injustice, and push for equity in the care and treatment of Black mothers in the UK.

See more on here WEBSITE

If you enjoyed reading this review and reflection, you might also like our Book Review and Reflection of Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter by Nozipo Maraire.