PMADs Don’t Discriminate and We Shouldn’t
by Hajara Kutty
Within the last six months, ten children have died at the hands of postpartum
mothers. Erin Merdy, Dimone Fleming, Paulesha Green-Pulliam and Lindsay Clancy
they were all charged with taking the lives of their children
However, only one of those tragedies, the one in Duxbury, Massachusetts, broke out
necessary conversation.
Postpartum experts, organizations and advocates have come out to accurately identify the
pain that can cause a mother to do the unthinkable. Journalists and media
outlets sought out sources to share their stories of postpartum depression and
mental illness Some TikTok users even posted to create awareness.
As a postpartum advocate, I am grateful for these conversations and the awareness
this has brought on postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. However, it is disturbing
and it is heartbreaking that these same conversations fail to materialize among Black children
is in the midst of similar tragedies.
In the absence of a relevant angle, there are many stories in the media involving the racialized
the mothers became narratives about how they lived in shelters, were on the brink
of eviction or dealing with custody battles. The implication is that these mothers took theirs
children’s lives because of poverty.
As those in the field of postpartum mental health, we know this is not the case. All of
these women are postpartum and many show strange behavior before the
tragedies (a major symptom of postpartum psychosis). Despite these relevant details,
Advocates and experts are largely silent, and media discourse is understandable
remained focused on the personal lives of these women.
As a postpartum community, we need to do a better job of stepping up to bat when
tragedies involve mothers of race.
The truth is that such tragedies will not be pretty. May include stories
unemployment and poverty. These elements do not diminish these tragedies
postpartum in nature or less tragic; they make them more unfortunate.
As advocates for perinatal mental health, we need to make sure we don’t just give up
the drums of postpartum mental health when cases involve fit families a
privileged white middle-class profile. We need to add our voices to lead the
conversation on the topic of postpartum mental health whenever there is a tragedy
involving any mother within one year of childbirth.
If postpartum mental illnesses don’t discriminate, neither should we.
You’re not alone – and you don’t need a diagnosis to get help. We are here for you.
For help:
Call or Text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (US Only): 1-833-943-5746
Or visit the PSI Website
About Hajara Kutty: Hajara Kutty is an educator, Muslim mental health advocate
and a Support Coordinator with Postpartum Support International.
From Postpartum Support International: In ‘PMADs Don’t Discriminate and Neither Should We,’ the Author, Hajara Kutty, gives an important call to action: “We need to do a better job of stepping up at bat when tragedies are involved of race mothers.” PSI agrees that more work needs to be done to help raise topics focused on the health and well-being of minority groups, including fair and equal representation in the media. PSI is committed to continuing efforts to provide education and awareness focused on elevating the voices and stories of ALL pregnant, postpartum and post-loss parents, especially in times of tragedy.
Together we can make a difference in ensuring that all voices and stories deserve compassion and attention.
