Posted on May 1st, 2025 

In June 2023, my husband and I sat down with StoryCorps to share my pregnancy journey, including a threatened miscarriage, breech presentation, being at risk for preeclampsia, and an urgent C-section . After birth, I experienced a probable postpartum hemorrhage.

Shortly after that interview aired, I reached a breaking point and attempted to end my life. What pulled me back were the same practices this blog explores: leaning into community when I felt alone, carving out moments of genuine rest, and re-evaluating my priorities to protect my mental health.

My story is one of hope and deep personal investment in postpartum mental wellness. If you are navigating the turbulent aftermath of birth, know that you are not alone. Below are the strategies that helped me reclaim my well-being, and that can support you too.

Mother’s Day is almost here. We’ll celebrate with brunches and bouquets, but real care goes beyond flowers. Behind every card is someone juggling schedules, emotions, and a full to-do list. This year, let’s shift the focus from tokens of appreciation to a mother’s well-being, her mental and emotional health.

Practicing Self-Care as an Act of Love

Self-care can sound more like a luxury ad than a real plan. Bubble baths, candles, lavender mist are lovely, but for most moms it looks more like slipping away for five quiet minutes in the car before diving back into the chaos.

The secret is consistency. Treat self-care as daily maintenance, not a once-a-month rescue mission. A few deep breaths while folding laundry, listening to a calming podcast during the school run, or simply enjoying a moment when no one is asking for anything, these small shifts carve out sanity.

Rest is more than crashing on the couch because you are exhausted. It is real, intentional restoration. In a culture that worships being busy, choosing rest is resistance. Rest is not laziness; it is fuel. Whether it is five quiet minutes with a cup of tea or a guilt-free nap, you teach yourself and your kids that you deserve care too. Showing up for yourself does not mean showing up less for them.

This Mother’s Day, forget the pressure to power through. See self-care as the love letter your body, mind, and soul have been waiting for. When you care for yourself with intention, you do not just feel better—you become better for the people who count on you most.

Building a Supportive Network for Mental Health

Motherhood often feels like a solo mission, but it doesn’t have to be. For Black mothers in particular, we shoulder extra burdens quietly, and a strong support system is essential.

A supportive circle is both our sounding board and our anchor. Whether it’s a group chat of mom friends, a neighborhood crew, or that one person who always replies, community matters. Connecting with people who truly understand offers validation and a sense of grounding that no wellness app can replicate.

These connections become our emotional safety net. Meet a fellow mom for coffee, swap stories at the park, or join an online group that feels like home.

These honest, unfiltered conversations are where genuine support lives. It is not about pretending everything is fine; it is about finding someone who has faced similar challenges and can sit with you through yours. You can discover mom groups at community centers, library parent workshops, or local “mommy and me” classes. Online platforms like Facebook and Meetup also host neighborhood mom circles, and many hospitals or birthing centers offer postpartum support networks.

Virtual or in-person support groups deepen these connections. They are more than vent sessions; they are spaces for sharing advice, honoring cultural experiences, and finding genuine understanding. Some groups specialize in Black maternal mental health, combining culturally rooted practices with practical strategies. Sharing a common language and lived experience brings deep validation and strength.

When peer support falls short, consider reaching out to a culturally competent therapist. These professionals listen deeply and understand the nuances of your experience. Working with a therapist who honors your identity and integrates it into your healing can transform your journey. Therapy does not signal brokenness; it means you are reclaiming your power.

This Mother’s Day, think about how your support network shows up and how you can strengthen it to fit your life. The goal is not perfection but presence, being there for both challenges and celebrations. Healing flourishes in community, and our strength grows when shared.

Mental Wellness Rituals Rooted in Tradition

For many mothers, honoring that legacy means tapping into rituals passed down like heirlooms—quiet, powerful practices that soothe the soul and anchor the spirit. They are rooted in generations of wisdom and respect.

Storytelling

Storytelling isn’t just something grandmas do at the kitchen table. It is therapy wrapped in memory. Whether you’re swapping childhood tales with your kids or writing in a journal after a long day, storytelling helps you make sense of your journey. It is a way to claim your voice and reconnect with parts of yourself that often get buried under laundry and logistics.

Grounding Rituals to Try

• Host a monthly story night where family members share personal or ancestral stories
• Start or join a circle for group affirmations or shared meditation
• Attend local cultural or spiritual events that uplift and reconnect you to your roots

Motherhood brings deep purpose, yet it is not always easy. Prioritizing your mental health is not indulgence; it is essential.

As you weave these rituals and reflections into your routine, notice how small, intentional steps can change each day. When your mind feels supported, your relationships, energy, and presence with family all improve.

How Parenthood Coaching Can Help You Prioritize Mental Health

Parenthood Coaching offers tailored support to make that shift possible. At Divine Ancestors, my sessions meet you where you are, combining ancestral wisdom with practical strategies. You gain culturally attuned guidance, tools for everyday challenges, and dedicated space to breathe, reflect, and grow.

Each session helps you reconnect with yourself, identify your needs, and reinforce your foundation. This Mother’s Day, give yourself more than a break; give yourself a support system designed for your life.

Learn more or book a session through my Parenthood Coaching program.
Have questions or want to talk with me? Call (925) 392-5878 or email [email protected]. I’m here to walk beside you on this journey long after Mother’s Day has passed.