Maternal Mental Health

Did you know that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the number one medical complication of childbirth? While often referred to as postpartum depression or even simply as postpartum, PMADs can take many forms and can also occur during pregnancy. Perinatal mood disorders include depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and (much more rarely) psychosis.

If you’re struggling with or are at risk of mental health concerns during pregnancy or postpartum, we can help. Our Maternal Mental Health program decreases symptoms of PMADs and provides moms with tools to improve their overall mood, decrease isolation and improve parenting skills, through individual counseling, group counseling, and case management services with providers who are trained in perinatal mental health.

WHY MATERNAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT

• Current research suggests that postpartum depression can affect the mother-infant relationship and attachment, as well as child growth and development.
• Young children of mothers with postpartum depression are at greater risk for future cognitive, behavioral and interpersonal problems.

RISK FACTORS

Depression can occur among women with a healthy pregnancy and birth, but some experiences may put you at a higher risk for depression. These include:

• Stressful life events and low social support
• Previous history or family history of depression
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Being a mom to multiples or a teen mom
• Preterm (before 37 weeks) labor and delivery
• Pregnancy and birth complications and/or having a baby who has been hospitalized