1. Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Sandra Igwe, and I’m a British-Nigerian woman of Igbo heritage, born and raised in London. I’m one of three sisters and a proud mother to three beautiful daughters: Zoe (8 years old), Chloe (6 years old), and Josie (almost 8 months old). My background is diverse, spanning law, business, and maternal health advocacy. I hold an LLB from the University of Hertfordshire and an MBA from the University of West London, which have equipped me with a unique perspective on the intersections of healthcare, policy, and community needs.
My journey into maternal health advocacy began with my own traumatic birthing experience. This personal ordeal opened my eyes to the widespread challenges faced by Black mothers in the UK healthcare system. It became clear to me that there was a pressing need for safe spaces where Black mothers could connect, share their experiences, learn from each other, and advocate for better care.
2. What made you start the Motherhood Group?
The Motherhood Group was born out of my personal experience and the realization that countless other Black mothers were facing similar challenges. After my difficult pregnancy and birth experience, I found myself feeling isolated and unsupported by the existing maternal health system. As I began to share my story, I discovered that many Black women had encountered comparable struggles, yet there were few platforms for us to come together and support each other.
In 2016, I decided to create the safe space that I and so many others needed. The Motherhood Group started as a small community where Black mothers could share their experiences without judgment, find support, and access resources tailored to our unique needs. Over time, it has evolved into a powerful platform for advocacy, education, and community building.
Our mission expanded beyond just providing a support network. We now actively campaign for better outcomes for Black mothers in both maternal and mental health care. We work tirelessly to raise awareness about the disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and push for systemic changes in healthcare provision.
3. What have been the highs and lows of setting it up?
The journey of establishing and growing The Motherhood Group has been filled with both triumphs and challenges.
One of the most rewarding aspects has been witnessing the growth of our community and the profound impact we’ve had on countless Black mothers’ lives. It’s deeply fulfilling to see women find solace, strength, and empowerment through our network. We’ve created a space where Black mothers can be heard, understood, and supported in ways that weren’t available before.
Our partnerships with healthcare professionals and organizations have been another significant achievement. These collaborations have allowed us to bridge the gap between community needs and healthcare provision, facilitating meaningful dialogue and change. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see healthcare providers become more aware of and responsive to the unique challenges faced by Black mothers.
The recognition we’ve received, including features in national media and my inclusion in Forbes’ list of Top Inspirational Women UK, has been both humbling and empowering. These accolades have amplified our voice and helped bring greater attention to the critical issues surrounding Black maternal health.
However, the path hasn’t been without its challenges. In the early days, securing funding and resources was a significant hurdle. As a social enterprise focused on a often-overlooked issue, we had to work hard to prove the value and necessity of our work to potential funders and partners.
Perhaps the most difficult aspect has been the emotional toll of hearing so many distressing stories from our community. Each account of a traumatic birth experience or instance of inadequate care is a stark reminder of how much work still needs to be done. Balancing the need to provide support with the weight of these stories has been an ongoing challenge.
We’ve also faced systemic barriers and resistance to change within the healthcare system. Advocating for reform in long-established institutions can be frustrating and slow-moving, but we remain committed to pushing for progress, no matter how incremental.
4. Are there any positive or untold elements of your story? We know the stats around Black maternal health are concerning — have you seen any positive steps being taken by the NHS/other groups to improve those stats?
While the statistics surrounding Black maternal health remain deeply concerning, I’m encouraged by the positive developments we’ve witnessed in recent years. There’s been a noticeable increase in awareness and acknowledgment of racial disparities in maternal health within the NHS. This recognition is a crucial first step towards implementing meaningful changes.
We’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with several NHS trusts to implement cultural competency training for healthcare providers. These initiatives aim to improve understanding of the unique challenges faced by Black mothers and promote more culturally sensitive care. The engagement and commitment we’ve seen from many midwives and obstetricians who are dedicated to improving care for Black mothers have been truly heartening.
Another positive development has been the establishment of more support groups and initiatives focused on Black maternal health across the UK. This growing network of support is helping to ensure that more Black mothers have access to the resources and community they need.
The Motherhood Group has been at the forefront of many of these positive changes. We’ve worked tirelessly to amplify Black mothers’ voices and experiences, and we’re seeing a gradual but meaningful shift in attitudes and practices. Our efforts have included organizing the Black Maternal Mental Health Week UK and the Black Maternal Conference UK, which have become important platforms for education and advocacy.
In my role as a Trustee of Birthrights Charity and Co-chair for the National Inquiry into racial injustice in maternity care, I’ve had the opportunity to directly influence policy and practice. We’ve seen an increased willingness from healthcare institutions to engage with these issues and work towards solutions.
Moreover, my appointment as a Specialised Commissioning Patient and Public Voice (PPV) Partner for the NHS Mental Health Programme of Care has allowed me to bring the perspectives of Black mothers directly into healthcare planning and decision-making processes.
While there’s still a long way to go, these developments give me hope. They demonstrate that change is possible when we combine grassroots advocacy with institutional partnerships and a commitment to ongoing education and reform.
