‘I’m not ok:’ Mothers come together to discuss America’s postpartum crisis
This Wednesday (September 2nd) our Founding Director, Dr. Amy Stiffarm was featured in an ABC News special segment focused on maternal mental health and postpartum depression. The opportunity came together quickly after ABC News began examining the national conversation around perinatal mental health and the tragic Lindsay Clancy case. During their research, producers learned about the significant inequities Native families experience and wanted to ensure Indigenous voices were represented in the story.
Alongside two other women who have experienced Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), Amy shared my personal experience with postpartum depression and discussed the barriers Native families often encounter when seeking support, treatment, and culturally safe care.
While she is honored to participate, this opportunity represents something far larger than a media appearance. It is a platform to elevate Indigenous perspectives, increase visibility for Native maternal mental health, and advocate for Indigenous-led solutions, research, and programming. Native representation in these conversations is critical, particularly as mental health conditions remain a leading underlying cause of maternal mortality among Native birthing people.
For Berry Medicine, this moment reflects the importance of the work we are building together with the support of community partners, funders, and advocates like you. Increased national attention creates opportunities to strengthen awareness, foster meaningful partnerships, and advance investments in Indigenous-led approaches that improve outcomes for Native families and communities.
“This work is deeply personal to me and closely connected to Berry Medicine's mission. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story in service of reducing stigma, increasing understanding, and helping create stronger systems of support for future generations.”