Many Latina mothers are suffering serious emotional consequences due to the climate of tension in which a large part of our community lives. An example of this are the raids by ICE and its auxiliary forces carried out by people armed as if to go to war, with their faces masked and without any form of identification. Everything we used to see in horror movies, but on our streets or on our television screens. Everything that causes trauma in defenseless people, including pregnant women or women with newborn children.
But even under more normal circumstances, the arrival of a new baby, which is generally a source of great happiness for Latina mothers, is also often a cause of anxiety, worry, and other intense emotions.
“We want to help change that,” explains María Lugo, Senior Director of Health Initiatives for our Hispanic Federation. “And for that reason we are launching a Mental Health Initiative aimed at Latina mothers that places emphasis on community, culture and trust. That is, it focuses on the care of these women, prioritizing cultural understanding and the community aspect.”
When giving birth, women move from pregnancy to parenting quite suddenly, especially first-time mothers, and to the demands of motherhood, from lack of enough sleep to sudden physical and psychological changes. Although all of this can have detrimental effects on women, in many of our families it is difficult to talk openly about issues related to mental well-being. Many of these Latina mothers are forced to live through these experiences in relative silence, without really knowing how to talk about their feelings and emotions or where to find support.
“Emotional well-being should not be a luxury but a vital part of motherhood, and it is time that it is given the attention it deserves,” adds Lugo. “Our new program will offer counseling and emotional support through discussion groups and learning sessions, as well as referrals to local professionals who are sensitive to the cultural characteristics of these Latina mothers. In other words, the program will create safe and welcoming spaces where mothers can talk openly about their emotional health. And they can do so in Spanish and English, so they know they are not alone.”
Our Maternal Mental Health Initiative will be offered in collaboration with community organizations, schools and other grassroots institutions, and initially aims to support approximately 600 mothers in New York State. As a thank you for their participation, these Latinas will receive basic necessities, such as diapers, disposable wipes, bibs, and blankets.
Soon I will let you know the agencies and establishments where this much-needed program for the mothers of our community will be implemented.
And if you want to know more about other initiatives of our Hispanic Federation, in addition to our causes and programs, visit our website or sign us in Facebook and Instagram.
Celebrate our 35th anniversary with us, and see you in the next column!
Frankie Miranda is the president of the Hispanic Federation
The post Our Maternal Mental Health initiative: Let them know that they are not alone appeared first on Veritas News.
