Black mothers have been the backbone of the Black community through their love, sacrifice, and support across generations. They’ve helped carry Black men and children across finish lines, often without receiving support themselves or asking for it. While their impact may be immense, the lack of attention to the issues they face reveals a troubling absence of reciprocity. For Gen-Z Black mothers, this lack of support is even more evident as they grapple with striving to be the “perfect” mom while dealing with imposter syndrome.
The Black maternal mortality rate is heavily influenced by factors such as systemic racial oppression, limited access to healthcare, and socioeconomic inequalities. In a 2022 study conducted by the CDC, African American women accounted for 49.5 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 births, a rate significantly higher than White (19.0), Hispanic (16.9), and Asian (13.2) racial groups. The following year, the CDC reported an increase in the rate for African American women to 50.3 deaths per 100,000 births, while every other ethnic group saw a decline.
These figures reveal the challenges Black women face when planning to have a child. For Gen-Z Black women, in particular, they face an additional set of challenges when it comes to bringing a child into the world. Alongside physical health concerns, these women also struggle with mental health issues. These concerns often stem from battling stereotyping or shaming within the Black community, enduring constant unsolicited advice from older generations, or dealing with a lack of grace extended to mothers still learning to trust themselves and their instincts.
For 25-year-old Dayla Alexander of Indiana, a new mother as of five months ago, navigating motherhood presented an uphill battle of determining how to adjust to her new role and what it meant for her life.
“When I found out I was pregnant, I was nervous because I didn’t know if my partner was ready to start a family. It was an unexpected moment for both of us. I felt like my life had to stop, and I realized it was time for me to adjust to a new lifestyle of motherhood,” Alexander explained. Dayla was also candid about her experience with postpartum depression and the feelings of inadequacy she had towards her partner. “Postpartum depression for me was overthinking about my body. I would question myself like: ‘What will my body look like in a couple more months? Would my partner find me unattractive? How long does breastfeeding last and would it make my breasts look weird? What if I’m not good at taking care of my baby?’ Although postpartum almost won, I appreciate my family for being there and helping me with my newborn.”
While these concerns are not uncommon for expecting and new mothers, the weight of these life changes can feel different for Gen-Z. Known for going against the grain and being vocal about their opinions, this generation is also more in tune with their emotions and more willing to acknowledge when things don’t feel right. Previous generations often ignored these feelings or brushed them off out of fear of appearing weak or disabled. Gen-Z’s emotional vulnerability and actions towards self-improvement are creating healthier environments for their children—environments that may be healthier than what their parents experienced.
“Finding out I was pregnant was hard for me. If you know me, you know I’m very goal-oriented, and I felt like all my plans came crashing down at that moment. I was terrified of what people would think, so finding out was a little traumatic,” 22-year-old Ashanti Galloway of Detroit shared when reflecting on the moment she discovered she was pregnant.
The steps that follow discovering a pregnancy include preparing for the child, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or socially. Gen-Z women face the challenge of balancing academics and social lives while also dealing with pregnancy symptoms.
“Preparing for a child was nothing short of anxiety-inducing! As the oldest of six, I was no stranger to taking care of others. But the thought of taking care of a baby on my own was daunting. Once I shared the news with my friends and family, all hands were on deck,” 24-year-old Myana Mabry of North Carolina explained about her experience telling her family about her pregnancy.
For Gen-Z Black mothers across the country, there’s a common issue: the stigmatization of having a child at a younger age, especially when compared to societal standards. The “norm” often dictates that you wait until you’re in a committed relationship or financially stable before having a child—but not everyone follows that path.
“As a younger mom, I felt the weight of judgment and assumptions. People around me—whether they meant to or not—often questioned my readiness or capability. Many older women in my life had their careers established, stable homes, and partners by the time they had children,” 25-year-old Micah Benson of Dallas acknowledged about the pressure she faced during her pregnancy.
Generational patterns of borderline child abuse, masked as discipline, and neglect of a child’s mental health have impacted previous generations’ parenting styles. These patterns have shown up in adults who were raised in these households, leading to childhood trauma, emotional disconnection, and a lack of self-awareness about the impact of those environments.
“As a Gen Z parent, I would consider myself an ‘authoritative parent.’ This parenting style emphasizes compassion, clear expectations, structure, and discipline, while being responsive to my daughter’s emotional needs. This is where generations differ. In my opinion, older generations had a different method of raising children. Respect was demanded from children but never given in return,” Mabry remarked when discussing her approach to parenting.
Myana’s belief that many of the issues faced by previous generations during their pregnancies are no longer as relevant today echoes the sentiments of other Gen-Z parents. They want to reclaim the reins from ineffective traditions and make room for healthier family dynamics. While these efforts have been successful, they are not exempt from the health issues that all expecting mothers face, regardless of age.
“During the beginning of my pregnancy, I was hospitalized with a dangerous kidney infection and four kidney stones. I had to have a PICC line placed for daily antibiotic infusions. Later on, I was diagnosed with anemia and had to get iron infusions until I delivered him,” Galloway confessed when discussing the challenges she faced during her pregnancy.
“During my entire pregnancy, I only gained around three pounds. I was losing too much weight, too quickly, due to uncontrollable vomiting. Hyperemesis gravidarum affected the joys I wanted to have during pregnancy,” Mabry admitted when talking about her own health challenges.
Later, Myana faced even more complications after giving birth to her now two-year-old daughter. “A few days after I gave birth, while at home, I called an ambulance due to dizziness and an accelerated heart rate. What I feared most came true—I had developed postpartum preeclampsia. Once I was transported to the hospital, I blacked out and had a seizure.”
Similar to Myana, Micah also dealt with the severe impact of hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition marked by extreme vomiting during pregnancy.
“Hyperemesis gravidarum made pregnancy feel more like survival than preparation. It was relentless, and most people didn’t understand how serious it was. It’s not just ‘bad morning sickness’—it’s being completely debilitated day after day. I was in and out of urgent care for fluids, losing weight, and barely functioning. It took a toll on my mental and emotional health too,” Benson shared about the condition’s severity.
Micah’s experience was amplified when she received care from an OB-GYN who was not only a Black woman but also a compassionate and reassuring presence during her pregnancy journey. “One of the greatest blessings during that time was my OB-GYN—a Black woman who saw me, heard me, and never once dismissed what I was going through. From day one, she recognized the severity of my symptoms and made sure I was cared for every step of the way. Her presence reminded me that God was sending people to help me even when I felt completely alone,” Benson expressed.
The mistrust between African Americans and the healthcare system predates Gen-Z, but it continues to affect them. Diverse representation in healthcare spaces has helped expecting mothers and families feel more at ease, knowing their healthcare providers can relate to their unique health needs. Beyond representation, these healthcare professionals are often better educated on the specific health issues African American bodies face. Organizations like the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and the Black Maternal Health Caucus are working to change the narrative around Black motherhood and advocate for policies that support mothers and children. They believe women deserve the necessary resources to support their pregnancies and adequate care afterward to ensure they are given a fair chance against the rising Black maternal mortality rate. Despite facing overwhelming health challenges and societal pressures, these mothers enjoy motherhood and look forward to continuing to pour love into their children.
“There is nothing like the bond between a mother and her child. After everything I went through—the sickness, the loneliness, the tears—holding my baby made it all worth it. Watching them grow, laugh, thrive… it’s a blessing I don’t take for granted,” Benson concluded.
“What makes motherhood most rewarding for me is seeing the fruits of my labor. I pour an immense amount of love into my child and affirm her greatness daily. She understands not only her full name but also the great qualities that she possesses,” Mabry shared when discussing her routines for nurturing her daughter.