“I think all this medicine is making you talk crazy.”
Serena Williams’ experience after giving birth is a chilling reminder of the pervasive maternal health challenges that extend far beyond childbirth. When Williams, a globally recognized athlete with a history of life-threatening blood clots, expressed concerns about the same during childbirth, she was dismissed by a nurse. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern where women’s voices, particularly those of marginalised women, are silenced for critical issues like maternal health.
The impact of intersectionality
Maternal health challenges extend beyond childbirth into the very fabric of women’s lives, and are shaped by intersectionality. Factors such as race, class, economic status, and cultural background interact to create unique challenges for different groups of women. For instance, Black and Latina mothers often face a double burden of racism and sexism, which can lead to poorer health outcomes and increased stress. These mothers are not only navigating the intensive responsibilities of parenthood but are also grappling with societal perceptions and biases that affect themselves and their children. Additionally, they are more likely to experience economic distress, with costs of childcare, having disproportionately risen above family incomes. This economic strain adds another layer of difficulty for mothers already facing multiple disadvantages.
Health disparities are further exacerbated by income inequality. Research shows that lower-income women, particularly those from racial and ethnic minority groups, face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
The intersecting forces of gender and racism can be so pervasive that even high economic status offers little to no relief. For example, gendered racism is evident in the stereotypes that stigmatise Black motherhood. This bias often manifests in healthcare settings, where Black women are labelled as “difficult patients” or experience maternity care practices that leave them feeling unsafe, unheard, or dismissed, similar to Serena Williams’ own experience.
Moreover, the healthcare system often falls short in supporting mothers’ overall well-being. Despite guidelines encouraging nutrition, exercise, and stress management during pregnancy, only 14% with mental health symptoms are referred for stress management by their healthcare providers. These rates are even lower among ethnic women and those from low-income groups, who also face disproportionately higher pre- and post-natal health complications, including hypertension, preterm labour, and low birthweight.
Mothers of colour often carry additional responsibilities that extend beyond their immediate family, playing crucial roles in their wider communities. For example, they may step in as caregivers for elderly relatives, provide support for extended family members facing economic hardships, or help care for the children of friends and neighbours. This stems from a historical legacy where communities of colour have had to rely on collective resilience and solidarity to navigate the challenges imposed by a society that often marginalises them. These added responsibilities can be both physically and emotionally taxing, adding to the already significant demands of balancing work and family life.
For working mothers of colour, these health and intersectional challenges are magnified. The pressure to perform well at work while meeting the demands of motherhood can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. This is especially true for single mothers, who lack the support of a partner and must navigate the demands of both work and family life on their own.
Women of colour often encounter significant difficulties in securing necessary workplace accommodations during pregnancy, frequently facing reduced hours or the denial of basic requests like more frequent breaks. Research from the University of Massachusetts highlights that these challenges are especially prevalent in low-wage, physically demanding jobs, where the lack of support further intensifies stress and workload, exacerbating the effects of pregnancy discrimination.
For working mothers of colour, these health and intersectional challenges are magnified. The pressure to perform well at work while meeting the demands of motherhood can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. This is especially true for single mothers, who lack the support of a partner and must navigate the demands of both work and family life on their own.
The way forward
The well-being of working mothers is not just a personal issue but one that has significant implications for businesses and society as a whole. Research shows that inadequate child care is costing working parents approximately $37 billion a year in lost income and employers $13 billion a year in lost productivity. When maternal health is compromised, the ripple effects extend far beyond the individual. Poor maternal health outcomes can negatively impact children’s development, family stability, and even the broader economy.
To address the complex challenges that working mothers face, it’s essential to shift the focus from individual responsibility to systemic change. The burden of resolving maternal health issues should not fall solely on the mothers, who are already stretched thin. Instead, employers and policymakers should also contribute by creating environments that support, rather than hinder, maternal health.
While it’s essential for companies to consider a comprehensive approach, we understand that resources may vary. Organisations must look at their resources internally and make a priority list of what processes they can put in place to support working parents of colour.
Here’s a checklist to get started while creating support systems:
Beyond these essentials, companies can continue to enhance their support systems based on what’s feasible, recognizing that the well-being of working mothers ultimately benefits everyone—from families to businesses and the broader community.
Serein is a research-based organisation that utilises data and science to develop targeted interventions and comprehend the experiences of working parents in order to create a more supportive environment for them. Contact us at hello@serein.in to learn how to effectively support parents working at your company.