Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

We were honored to have Rebecca join us. Though new Federal regulations were issued in 2024, the gaps between medical and mental health benefits in the U.S. are still incredibly disturbing. We appreciate The Kennedy Forum for paving the way to continued progress with #MentalHealthParity

THANK YOU to our sponsors  — your support made the 2025 Maternal Mental Health FORUM a powerful, transformative event! Blue Shield of California -Jennifer Christian-Herman CVS Health - Shana Bartlett, Shannon Walsh, Joanne Armstrong, Mallory Ward, MSGH California Health Care Foundation- Stephanie Teleki, Amelia J. Cobb Sage Therapeutics - Steven Schultz, Kinn Elliott, Leah (Simmons) Dzintars Reunion Neuroscience: Greg Mayes Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.): Madison Scott, Caroline Fisher-O’Neill, Leigh Morrissey Curio Digital Therapeutics Inc. - Shailja Dixit, Jasleen ( Jas) Ahluwalia, Brandon Devennie, Indira Malladi Flourish Impact Fund - Laura Wolfson Keller  Your partnership and commitment helped fuel meaningful conversations and connections that will drive change in maternal mental health. #MaternalMentalHealth #MMHFORUM

In this issue brief, explore how the absence of national paid family and medical leave in the U.S. worsens maternal mental health outcomes — increasing #postpartum depression risks — and discover key policy recommendations to ensure all families, especially those with preterm or medically fragile infants, receive the support they need. #paidleave #paidfamilyleave #maternalmentalhealth 👉 https://lnkd.in/euy38uwt

Thank you Sharon Dekel for shedding light on why it's critical child birth related post traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) be brought to the forefront given high rates of maternal morbidity in the U.S. #MMHFORUM #maternalmentalhealth

A study found a pattern of blood metabolite changes in people with major depressive disorder. Researchers said the changes, particularly in fat-related molecules, could help explain biological aspects of #depression. Eric Dolan PsyPost #mmhreading #maternalmentalhealth https://lnkd.in/eEzwY9z3

This was an incredibly power panel yesterday. Abigail Echo-Hawk @Nelson Dunlap Stephany Strahle, MPH Breana Turner, PhD(c), MPH, CHES -we will share this recording via the Policy Center's enews next week. 🔥

More than 60 percent of Republicans and Trump voters say that Medicaid is “very important” to their local community, according to a KFF poll. In rural communities, which could be particularly hard hit by funding reductions, only 23 percent of total residents and 35 percent of Republicans support Medicaid cuts, according to the poll. Across groups, larger shares say they want Congress to increase or maintain #Medicaid funding. KFF Health News #mmhreading #maternalmentalhealth https://lnkd.in/eaedVfcX

#SubstanceUseDisorder (#SUD) during pregnancy — including alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, and illicit drugs — can lead to serious health risks for both mother and baby. Co-occurring mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety, are common and often go untreated, worsening outcomes. This fact sheet breaks down the prevalence, impacts, and barriers to care, highlighting the urgent need for integrated treatment and support for pregnant and #postpartum individuals. #maternalmentalhealth 👉 https://lnkd.in/epb75Nje

A heartfelt thank you to Iesha Sturdivant for sharing her incredible gift of song — grounding us in the heart of this vital work for mothers and their mental health. After two days of deep discussions on policy, data, and solutions, your voice brought us back to the mothers at the center of it all. #MMHFORUM

At the #MMHFORUM, Cindy Herrick, PMH-C, CPSS unveiled an issue brief on paid family leave. In this issue brief, we share key insights including how 1 in 4 U.S. mothers return to work within ten days of giving birth — increasing the risk of postpartum depression, especially for those returning before 12 weeks. Women with maternal mental disorders, and those caring for preterm or medically fragile infants, face a critical need for paid family and medical leave. This brief explores the link between paid leave and maternal mental health and offers policy recommendations to support better outcomes for mothers and families. Check out the brief here: https://lnkd.in/euy38uwt