57 | The Body Holds the Score - Alicia & Solomon Tetteh

Alicia is a licensed social worker, so being aware and engaged in mental health practices has a significant role in her life. Not being one ever to envision herself with children, finding out she was pregnant with twins was an immense delight for Alicia and her husband, Solomon. Reflecting on her past mental health, experiences with clients and friends, Alicia knew for her it was important that she didn't lose her identity - a considerable part of her prep was maintaining rituals and practices that supported her. This also included making sure that she and Solomon were consistently checking in on how they each were feeling during this change. A practice that would serve as a strong foundation for the rest of their journey.

When they went in for the birth of their twins, Alicia and Solomon did not expect it to be three days - three days filled with all the emotions. As they worked through multiple induction methods, a failed epidural, and a lengthy pushing time, Solomon could feel in his spirit that something was off. In discussions with the doctor on the third day, Solomon's suspicions were confirmed as the doctor indicated the trajectory they were on was unsafe. A surgical birth would be the best option for Alicia and the twins.

Healing from their experience didn't happen immediately and took community support. Alicia and Solomon tapped into their families, supported each other through individual and couples therapy. And maintaining the foundation, they had created of always checking in with each other and speaking on their feelings. As we learned during Black Maternal Health Week, statistics show that up to 20 percent of birthing parents develop a perinatal mental health illness, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or psychosis, either during pregnancy or the year after giving birth and sometimes beyond. For black birthing parents, that risk is doubled. With Alicia and Solomon's story, we also hear the impact and ways mental health can have on partners. As we prepare to grow our families, we must also remember that it's not just about the physical shifts but also the mental.

Resources:

Shades of Blue Project | maternal mental health advocacy, treatment and support

Barbers Get Mental Health Training to Aid Black Communities | news article

Building Endurance PLLC | mental health group