“There’s definitely some very real fear that… people go in to have babies, that they’re going to be told that they have to breastfeed, and that is it”
Benash, a Specialist Cultural Liaison Midwife, discusses her role in addressing health inequalities and promoting maternal and community well-being. Her insights present a critical lens on how societal norms, inadequate systems, and cultural narratives fail to support mothers holistically. Benash discusses the pervasive fear among mothers about being judged or pressured into breastfeeding and talks about the need for inclusive, culturally aware, and empathetic approaches to maternal care, while also addressing the broader systemic issues that perpetuate maternal struggles.
“It’s that narrative of intergenerational trauma that’s taught and passed down through generations… Silences, binds, and prevents the females and the women to feel that they can speak up, speak out, or say things.”
00:00 Introduction to the Holding Time Podcast
01:02 Meet Banash: Specialist Cultural Liaison Midwife
03:12 Challenges Faced by Black and Brown Healthcare Professionals
05:49 Community Engagement Through Arts and Health Projects
06:46 Breastfeeding Rates and Cultural Influences
11:12 Mental Health and Postnatal Depression
18:21 The Role of Arts in Supporting Mothers
25:29 Future Projects and Collaborations
34:55 Conclusion and Acknowledgements