My Black Motherhood

Joyful. Graceful. Blessed. Strong. Anxious. Depressed. Stigmatised. Stereotyped. What happens when motherhood isn't what you expected - and when you reach out for support, you are met with judgment and prejudice? Sandra Igwe shares her journey as a young Black mother, coping with sleepless nights, anxiety and loneliness after the birth of her first daughter. Burdened by cultural expectations of the 'good mother' and the 'strong Black woman' trope, her mental health struggles became an uphill bat