‘I felt invisible’: Black mums say maternity care still failing to listen
Despite political promises, Black mums say their maternity experiences are still shaped by dismissal and discrimination
When you’re becoming a mum, you expect support. You expect to be listened to, especially when something doesn’t feel right. But for too many Black women in the UK, that’s still not the reality.
A new 2025 report from campaign group Five X More has revealed that Black women are continuing to face being ignored, dismissed or disbelieved during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period, often with serious emotional and medical consequences.
‘No one believed me until it was too late’
The Five X More report surveyed over 1,100 Black and Black mixed-heritage women across the UK about their experiences of maternity care between 2021 and 2025. Of those who raised concerns during labour or birth, nearly half (49%) said their concerns were not properly addressed. And 23% didn’t receive the pain relief they asked for, with 40% of those given no explanation why.
“I told them I needed to push, and they dismissed me until my sister pushed for them to examine me,” one mum shared. “They found I was fully dilated, my labour progressed very quickly, and they were not prepared to respond.”
Another described being left to labour alone after warning staff about her history of fast births. “I was not moved to a postnatal ward and told I wouldn't be offered any food,” she recalled.
The cost of being unheard
While statistics show some marginal improvement in maternal mortality for Black women, the emotional toll of substandard care is far from fixed.
“I was made to feel like an inconvenience and like it was something I should manage myself,” one mum recalled after struggling to get help post-birth. “There was no compassion…the midwives would watch or ignore me as I struggled to walk alone, carrying the bag of urine.”
For some, the experience was so traumatising they’ve ruled out future pregnancies.
“I’m scared for my life and will not have another pregnancy…it was ruined by negligence,” said one respondent.
Why aren’t Black mums being heard?
The report found that racial stereotypes, like the idea that Black women are stronger or need less support, may still be influencing how care is delivered.
“Black mothers’ pain isn’t taken seriously at all,” said one woman, who was denied pain relief that others on her ward received. Another mum recounted being given a cervical sweep without consent, a procedure that left her feeling “uncomfortable and unsafe.”
One of the most disturbing accounts came from a woman who was told during her emergency C-section that she wasn’t in pain, “just feeling pressure”, despite screaming throughout the operation. She was only sedated after the baby was delivered.
Why it matters for all mums
Although this report centres on Black women, its message is universal: when mums are ignored, outcomes suffer. Compassionate, personalised care isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s lifesaving.
“Fix it for Black women, fix it for all women,” say the report’s authors. And they’re right. Listening to women, truly hearing them, is the first step to safer, better maternity care for everyone.
Where to get support
If you’re pregnant or have had a baby and feel your concerns are being dismissed, here are some ways to get support:
- Speak to your midwife team lead or request a second opinion
- Access the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
- Request a birth debrief if you need clarity or emotional support
- Explore the Five X More app – a culturally informed guide and support hub for Black mums
For too long, Black women have had to fight to be believed. This report makes one thing clear: they shouldn't have to.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.