Trapped and Alone: Fear of ICE Is Deepening Postpartum Isolation for Immigrant Mothers | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.

"Laura's stress was so intense that her body had stopped producing sufficient oxytocin, a hormone critical for labor and breastfeeding. Low oxytocin levels are linked with postpartum depression and severe depression."

"Leaving the hospital as a first-time mom can feel like liberation, escaping the solitude of a hospital room and venturing into the world. But Laura traded one form of isolation for another: her one-bedroom apartment, where visitors were rare."

Laura, an immigrant from Honduras, experienced intense stress during her pregnancy due to fears of deportation. Her body stopped producing oxytocin, affecting her labor and postpartum health. After giving birth, she felt isolated in the hospital and later at home, as family and friends could not visit due to immigration concerns. Despite the joy of becoming a mother, she faced significant emotional challenges and loneliness, highlighting the impact of immigration policies on families.

Read at Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.