The CDC says Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. In New York, doctors are working to help Black women deal with postpartum depression.

Dr. Ashanda Saint Jean, an OB/GYN in Kingston, saw a mental health need that wasn’t being addressed and felt called to do more to help Black mothers.

In July, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill to study how postpartum depression is potentially under diagnosed and under treated in women of color.

Most of Dr. Saint Jean’s career was spent in New York City. Two years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she felt compelled to move to upstate New York.

Dr. Saint Jean is Afro-Latina. Her diverse background helps her connect with her patients.

“It was quite a culture shock for me to come to Kingston,” Saint Jean said. “However, it has been one of the best decisions of my career because I have understood the need of this community, by doing a needs assessment, and understanding, what are the barriers, what are the social determinants of health that really impact rural communities and rural populations? But also, how can we thread equity through that? How can we increase health care access?”

Saint Jean is a consultant for the New York City Department of Health and is on the state maternal mortality review committee. She’s actively working on ways to address the maternal health crisis facing Black women.

“If we look at the causes of maternal death, we know that the majority are cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, embolism, but also mental health, and that includes overdoses and suicides,” Dr. Saint Jean said.

Her patients take a depression screening before being discharged, and one week after giving birth.

“We identify patients who may need additional support, whether that be through therapist, a mental health counselor,” she said.

According to a study done by Mt. Sinai in New York, Black women are twice as likely to suffer from postpartum depression than white women. But half as likely to report it or get treatment. Researchers say Black women may avoid talking about depression because they feel embarrassed or ashamed. Factors like a person’s socioeconomic status and income also play a role.

Saint Jean works closely with doulas who are part of her support team like Chloe Vital, founder of MidHudson Chocolate Milk. Vital gives postpartum recovery bundles to patients during their second trimester.

“If they have any questions or if they have any issues navigating, we start it while they’re still pregnant, instead of actually during the postpartum period,” Vital said.

Saint Jean’s patients travel as far away as Newburgh and Poughkeepsie. Her priority is to create a safe space, for babies and mothers, no matter their background, to thrive.

“There are so many frustrations that can occur with our patients,” Saint Jean said. “We want to make sure there’s that extra layer of support. And make sure that we really are intentional with our empathy and compassion and making sure the whole surgical team provides that for the patient.”