By
The Latinas in Leadership Institute
Research shows that postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common postpartum complication, impacting nearly 1 in 7 women. A recent study published in the Journal of Racial and Health Disparities showed that Latina mothers are particularly vulnerable to the demands and stressors associated with motherhood with a risk of PPD nearly 40% higher than that of white mothers, even higher for immigrant Latinas. Latinas have an increased risk for mental health concerns, and are less likely to get treatment due to cultural barriers, stigma, and lack of access to care. These risks are exacerbated by complex factors such as immigration status and low socioeconomic status, all of which are associated with heightened risk of depression. Unfortunately, mental health services often lack understanding of these barriers, leading to limited access to culturally sensitive care that Latinas would feel connected to.
One program, La Cuna Latina, has been successful in helping to connect Latina mothers with Spanish speaking health workers. When interviewing Latinas through La Cuna, many revealed that they interpret their depression as feeling tired or alone, and their friends and family often view these symptoms as something that will pass with time. Latina Suzzette Lopez says when her PPD symptoms persisted, she went to her OBGYN for guidance but could not explain the depth of her experience. Unfortunately, she received no substantial advice. She turned to her family and friends for support, and they advised her to “seek spiritual guidance and pray.” Suzette’s symptoms grew worse, and soon they began impacting her employment and personal relationships, so she keep searching for professional support. Despite encountering challenges in the health care system, Suzzette persevered, finally finding a [what time of] counselor who provided the assistance she desperately needed. Alarmingly, this is not the experience for all Latina mothers who are enduring the struggles of PPD.Many never seek or receive proper treatment.
Research suggests that Latinas often refrain from seeking help for PPD due to deep-rooted cultural beliefs. A study conducted in 2021 took note that Latina mothers take pride in parenting through cultural values, specifically the value of relying on family for emotional support. This study highlighted a pattern amongst Latina mothers, in which they hid their true emotions due to fear of being judged, and sacrificed their mental wellbeing for the betterment of their children. It concluded that factors such as the misconception that PPD will naturally subside over time, apprehension about mental health services, and the rigid expectations of gender roles and beliefs of what a good mother is, shaped Latina mothers’ beliefs about PPD.
In Latino culture, the definition of a "good mother" often revolves around selflessly prioritizing the needs of family members above all else, sometimes to the detriment of their own well-being. Consequently, Latinas who grapple with mental health challenges frequently experience overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame for their perceived inability to fulfill their maternal duties and care for their infants and family adequately.
Similar to Suzette’s experience, others have described “not having the cultural awareness of depression [which] can create an inability to articulate such things to practitioners.” As one Latina stated, “[Depression] is different from other diseases. [It] is very silent.” 43 percent of Black people and 47 percent of Hispanic people try to deal with mental health challenges on their own rather than seeing a therapist, compared to 35 percent of white people.
With the right approach, community-based organizations and healthcare providers can bridge this gap and promote cultural humility in mental wellness programs for Latina mothers. Successful programs that prevent and address postpartum depression symptoms for Latina mothers should focus on:
- Pre and postnatal health care that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, while ensuring that participants have easy access to mental health services.
- Culturally relevant training for all staff so they can better understand the experiences of Latina mothers suffering from PPD.
- Instruction and discussion with providers around how cultural factors intersect with the experience of PPD among Latina mothers, enhancing their ability to support Latinas effectively.
Following participation in one such program at La Cuna Latina, 85% of participants reported an improved understanding and management of PPD symptoms, as well as an increased willingness to seek mental wellness support.
The emotional turmoil brought about by PPD for Latina women includes feeling immense guilt, accompanied by an impact on physical health: lack of sleep, lack of proper eating, and overall physical fatigue. It’s a huge step to realize the extent of their situation and to pursue treatment from medical care providers. But, even if they do seek help, many Latina women find it to be a challenging and unproductive experience. Furthermore, many Latina women face PPD alone, without family support, while also facing the obstacles of limited income and language barriers. By understanding these common obstacles and designing programs with the specific needs of Latina women in mind, providers can help postpartum Latina women get the care they require before PPD symptoms worsen.
This article was generated by Christina Mercado, Fabiana Lopes, and Yoellie Iglesias as a result of a capstone project developed by one of Latinas & Power Corp.’s programs called the Latinas in Leadership Institute (LiLi).
The women worked in teams to address issues impacting the Latino community. For more information, please visit https://www.latinasandpo
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Christina Mercado, Chat Navigator, ManagerChat Navigator, Manager Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut, Inc.
Christina has worked in libraries and nonprofits since 2015. Her current role is at a nonprofit that focuses on adult education and building literacy skills. Her passion is to help individuals get the support they need to actively participate and engage in daily life through socialization, mental health awareness, financial stability and education. As a neurodivergent latina, Christina aims to be an advocate for individuals facing challenges in traditional working and learning environments.
Fabiana Lopes, Marshal
Fabiana is an immigrant from Brazil with a Technical degree in Agriculture. Since 1999, she’s transitioned into a career in banking, working at institutions such as Banco do Brazil NA in NY, Fleet Bank in CT, Bank of America, and Citibank as a licensed personal banker. Fabiana is an extroverted person who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys working with the public, and excels in sales.
Yoellie Iglesias, Executive Director of Madre Latina Organization Inc.
Known for her tireless work and hands-on approach, Yoellie Iglesias emigrated from Puerto Rico with her family to Waterbury, Connecticut at the age of 18 years old. In 2011, Yoellie Iglesias founded Madre Latina Organization Inc. A non-profit organization that educates, connects and empowers Latina mothers in Connecticut. With tremendous support from her family, her sister Luanelly Iglesias and the Board of Madre Latina Organization Inc., she has organized several events in the city of Waterbury, CT to reach the ultimate goal of connecting and empowering Latinas. Yoellie Iglesias is considered a "voice of the Latino community" in Waterbury, Connecticut. She has worked closely with many partners and has collaborated with private and non-private sectors to provide information and easy access to services to families in the community. She believes in the power of education, mentors many Latinas, and coaches them to lead successful lives by giving them the tools to take their own decisions.
About the Executive Director of Latinas in Leadership Institute:
Marilyn Alverio is the Executive Director of the Latinas in Leadership Institute and the founder and CEO of Latinas & Power Corp, a non-profit organization that empowers Latinas to succeed as influential leaders and advocates in their careers and communities. Marilyn’s mission is to inspire, motivate, and provide tools and resources that enable Latinas to overcome cultural and professional challenges, achieve their full potential and become influential leaders and advocates in the communities they serve.
About Latinas in Leadership Institute:
As part of Latinas & Power Corp, the Latinas in Leadership Institute is designed for early-career and mid-career Latinas in the workplace and in business with a desire to level up in their organization and aims to enhance their leadership and advocacy abilities. This initiative was created in response the lack of Latina representation in all sectors. Challenges surrounding; overcoming cultural bias and expectations, microaggressions, a lack of trusted champions, overcoming imposter syndrome and limited growth opportunities are addressed through a 6-month virtual certificate program focusing on growth mindset, authenticity, leadership influence and civic engagement.
This article was generated by Christina Mercado, Fabiana Lopes, and Yoellie Iglesias as a result of a capstone project developed by one of Latinas & Power Corp.’s programs called the Latinas in Leadership Institute (LiLi).
The women worked in teams to address issues impacting the Latino community. For more information, please visit https://www.
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