Black mothers un Britain are five times more likely to die in childbirth than their white counterpoints.

This figure is shocking and important, but it is not the full picture.

Like the rest of our lives, motherhood for Black British women is nuanced and beautiful, challenging and complex, and the stories told about it should reflect that – welcome to the Black Ballad archive!

“For a long time Black British mothers were invisible. We weren’t in the adverts for nappies or follow on milk, we weren’t in the parenting magazines or modelling maternity wear on the high street.”

– Why Black Ballad Are Taking Over HuffPost UK

“I loved children and did want to be a mother one day, but the fears and worries that plagued me truly deterred me.”

– Confronting My Childhood And Righting My Parents’ Wrongs

“On the first full day of my period, I called the clinic to book my baseline scan for the following day. This scan, as you can imagine, is even more uncomfortable.”

– I Finally Decided To Freeze My Eggs: Here's What Happened Step-By-Step

“As time went on, I realised that whilst it wasn’t a problem for me, it was an issue for other people and in the future, it may become a problem for him.”

– Are You Sure He’s Yours? Navigating Raising A White Passing Child

“Do people plan having children anymore? Did they ever?”

– The Real Reasons Why Black Women Choose To Have Children

“Because society assumes you’re strong enough to carry anything, you’re often left carrying the effects of traumatic experiences alone.”

– What Miscarriage Taught Me About Womanhood