Mums Minds Alliance, Inc.

Our Vision

The vision for Mums Minds Alliance is to be a voice and resource for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) mothers who are at risk or struggling with postpartum mood disorders.  Mums Minds Alliance is committed to ensuring that no more of our sisters suffer alone or in silence.

Our Mission

To normalize the narrative about postpartum mood disorders and confront the stigma associated with mental health in Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, by raising awareness about postpartum mood disorders, and encouraging and supporting mothers through their journey to mental wellness.

Our Values

The following values will guide our work:  

• Transparency
• Compassion
• Cultural awareness and respect  
• Action
• Sisterhood

About Our Name

Mum

A British word for mother. The use of Mum here is a tribute to our founder’s past. Growing up, Mum and Mummy were the terms she used to address her mother. The inclusion of Mum in our name is a way to connect with her mother and the bond of motherhood they both share. Mums represent the sisterhood of all mothers.

Mind

According to Webster’s Dictionary, the mind is “the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons,” “the conscious mental events and capabilities in an organism,” and “the organized conscious and unconscious adaptive mental activity of an organism.” The inclusion of Minds in the name of this organization ensures that the focus remains on supporting and cultivating the minds of mothers during one of the most significant periods in their lives.

Alliance

An invitation to join a community with a shared interest and commitment to improving the lives and experiences of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) mothers struggling with postpartum anxiety and other postpartum mood disorders.

The Issue

The “Perinatal” period, pregnancy through the first year following the birth of a child, is the time when women are more likely to experience a mental health crisis. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are related to mood and anxiety symptoms that occur during pregnancy or up to one year postpartum. These disorders can occur with any pregnancy and can affect women from every culture, age, income level, and race/ethnicity.

Women of color are less likely to receive treatment or support services for perinatal emotional complications. Reasons include lack of insurance coverage, social and cultural stigma, logistical barriers to services, and lack of culturally appropriate care.