6 days ago
3 in 4 Latine Moms Struggle To Express Their Needs—Here's Why It's So Hard
A new study from Philips Avent and March of Dimes finds cultural nuances that Latine parents face. Here's what can help.
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Becoming a new parent in the modern era has become synonymous with feeling burned out and overwhelmed for many moms. While this is nothing new, a study from Philips Avent, in partnership with March of Dimes, uncovers a disconnect between postpartum moms and their support systems.
In an effort to reimagine the proverbial village that helps raise a child, the data in this study finds that although 90% of people say they would help a parent of an infant/toddler if asked, 6 in 10 moms say it's difficult to express their needs, especially when it comes to emotional and mental health.
While postpartum moments are meant to be filled with joy and celebration, this study highlights the profound emotional and physical challenges moms face, often quietly and alone. It also finds cultural nuances behind the numbers. The study reveals that Latine moms, in particular, face the most challenges when it comes to support with 3 in 4 saying it's difficult to express their needs, and half experiencing feelings of guilt and shame.
'The data reveals that postpartum Latina moms are navigating unique emotional challenges,' says Ali Rodriquez, MD, an OB-GYN and new mom. 'These numbers are higher than the general population and highlight how much of the emotional burden they carry silently. It's a clear signal that while the love may be there, the support often isn't reaching them in the way they need it most.'
Why Latine Moms Struggle To Express Their Needs
Much of it comes down to cultural norms.
'Within many Latinx communities, values such as humility, sacrifice, and strength are deeply ingrained,' says Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, a licensed therapist, host of the Free to Be Mindful podcast, and mom of two. 'As we grow, we're often taught to prioritize the needs of others above our own, with self-sacrifice seen as a virtue and a source of pride.'
Dr. Rodriguez agrees that pride in being able to handle things independently plays a big role in Latine families.
'Motherhood is no exception,' she says. 'I definitely felt this immense pressure to keep it all together. As a first-time mom, I occasionally felt that asking for help made me appear weak to my family and friends.'
She notes that there's also an unspoken pressure to not 'burden' others or speak openly about mental health struggles. 'That silence, paired with a lack of structural support, often leaves Latina moms trying to do it all alone,' Dr. Rodriguez adds.
As a professional mom coach, Guzman says it's not uncommon for new moms to internalize the emotional weight of motherhood as a personal shortcoming, especially after watching their own mothers and grandmothers model strength without speaking openly about their struggles.
'They may feel they're 'doing it wrong' simply because they're struggling, and continue to take care of their families while quietly neglecting their emotional well-being,' she points out.
How Latine Moms Can Get Help
While cultural dynamics can have a massive impact on new moms, it's important to emphasize the benefits of support in one's postpartum journey. Along with easing the transition into this new role of motherhood, research shows support helps maintain mental well-being and can help prevent postpartum depression.
Organizations like Postpartum Support International offer professional resources and support in both English and Spanish, and Amiga Moms, which Guzman founded in 2018, provides 'culturally attuned support to help women rediscover their identity beyond motherhood, while teaching mindfulness and mental wellness strategies so they don't have to lose themselves in the process of caring for everyone else.'
Dr. Rodriguez adds that it's important to remind moms that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a form of strength. 'Whether it's leaning on a trusted friend, joining a local mom group, checking in with your OB, or seeking virtual communities where they feel seen and understood, small steps can create meaningful connections,' she explains.
If you're looking to support a postpartum mom in your life, simple acts of kindness like checking in on your friend or even offering to help with meals can make a world of difference. New parents need good intentions and real support; ask what they need and be open and willing to listen.
Read the original article on Parents
Solve the daily Crossword
