Inova Health’s Post

Women and those who give birth should not have to experience mental health challenges alone. We must address maternal mental health struggles AND reduce the stigma on maternal mental illness. Did you know that 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD), such as postpartum depression? What about how 7 in 10 women will hide their symptoms when dealing with maternal mental health issues. While mental health struggles are normal for new mothers, maternal health services must continue to work towards providing more supportive, equitable, and accessible mental health care. Everyone deserves to have a joyful and safe pregnancy while being treated with dignity and respect. Learn more about #MaternalMentalHealthMonth ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g_Rd89z Learn more about USofCare’s MCH work as we search for solutions to the maternal health crisis ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gfFb8EFT

"The mental health impact of having to leave your baby and return to work before you're ready cannot be overstated," – Maya Uppaluru Mechenbier ICYMI – A federal task force launched The National Strategy to Improve Maternal Mental Health last week – a call to Congress to recognize the key issues underlying the maternal mental health crisis and the critical solutions to address the leading cause of death in the perinatal period. Pillar #1 – Build a national infrastructure that prioritizes mental health and well-being. Key recommendations within that pillar: federal implementation of six months of paid family and medical leave AND universal child care.  (Full report in comments) Also in there – acknowledgment that lactation is “not always easy” and that the support to aid successful breastfeeding is currently lacking across the board from insurance covering lactation support to workplace accommodations for pumping.  It is so exciting to see these policy recommendations for support structures running alongside a deeply researched strategy to reverse the growing maternal mental health crisis. Big kudos to the team behind this work. I’m excited to continue fueling this forward momentum!  https://lnkd.in/gECdGApa #ChildcareIsHealthcare #CareCantWait #PaidLeaveforAll #maternalmentalhealth #maternalstressproject

Lived experience "data" is as vital to understanding perinatal mental healthcare challenge(s) as it is immeasurable. It provides a unique human context that goes beyond quantifying "numbers" and allows for qualifying of "emotion". Human feelings and insight are crucial in addressing more empathetic and effective healthcare. 🫂 Our lived experiences of PMH challenge profoundly impact our sense of selves... and that's okay. 🔎 Let's move our focus from the often unrealistic and unobtainable "recovery" of self, to instead focus on a positive and empowering "re(dis)covery" of self. #livedexperiencematters #perinatalmentalhealthmatters #infantmentalhealthmatters #connectioniseverything #keepingparenthoodreal #beckershospitalreview #MaternalMentalHealthMonth

Bringing a child into the world should be one of the most joyous experiences in a woman’s life. However, women are often challenged by mental health concerns during this stage in their lives. In fact, maternal mental health concerns touch one in five women. It’s so important that we prioritize maternal mental health and help ensure women have the support they need to navigate the joys and challenges of pregnancy and new motherhood.    In this article published in Becker's Healthcare, Adrienne Griffen of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) and I address maternal mental health disparities – from prevention efforts to the need for better provider education to the importance of integrated care teams.    Learn more about how we can come together to support mothers’ mental health needs: https://lnkd.in/ePnAnufv  #MaternalMentalHealthMonth

In honor of World Maternal Mental Health Day (#maternalMHmatters), the AAMC is highlighting the critical need for awareness and support for mothers experiencing mental health challenges during and after pregnancy. A recent article sheds light on the startling statistic that 1 in 5 women in the United States suffers from a mental health disorder in the months before or after giving birth, yet the vast majority do not receive care. This underscores the importance of education and empowerment for patients to seek help and understand that these conditions are real and treatable. https://lnkd.in/g7XcztVy To address this urgent issue, the AAMC offers a range of resources, including research briefs, best practices, and data from the AAMC Center for Health Justice. These resources aim to provide valuable insights and strategies for improving maternal mental health outcomes. To access these resources and learn more about our efforts, visit: https://lnkd.in/gG_G6Cgf We must work together to advocate for and support mothers experiencing maternal mental health conditions. By raising awareness, providing education, and promoting access to care, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of mothers and their families. #MaternalMentalHealth #WorldMaternalMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMonth #maternalMHmatters #academicmedicine

On May 6th, the US Congress finally declared May 5th - May 11th "Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week" after tireless efforts and support by organizations like @policycentermmh. Congresswoman Kim of CA acknowledged the importance of not only awareness, but the full spectrum of maternal mental health when she stated “Untreated maternal mental health disorders impact 1 in 5 mothers and cost the United States $14.2 billion each year. The emotional toll of mental health challenges on women cannot be overstated, yet far too few women seek the help that they need during pregnancy... this bipartisan resolution... recognize[s] Maternal Mental Health Awareness week and highlight[s] the importance of maternal health care. I will keep working as co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus to deliver results and support women, whether they are pregnant, recovering from childbirth, or facing infertility.” At Crescent and Crown we are elated that the federal government is taking initial steps in recognizing that maternal mental health disorders and maternal suicide are serious public health issues. We proudly and passionately treat individuals in need of support as they navigate the complexities of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). If you, or someone you know, are contemplating parenthood, currently pregnant, navigating infertility, trying to conceive, coping with pregnancy/infant loss, or navigating life postpartum, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are a BIPOC woman owned practice that was specifically established to support you through the entire spectrum of your perinatal experience. #maternalmentalhealth #perinatalmentalhealth #perinatalsupport #chicagotherapist

World Maternal Health Day is May 1. As many as 1 in 5 new mothers experiences some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMADs). What does this mean? #PMADs include postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder, postpartum bipolar, and postpartum psychosis. New Mothers suffer in silence. Life changes around pregnancy make women more vulnerable to #mentalillness. Maternal Mental Health care provides the essential support to help women identify life saving resources and self awareness. By raising awareness, women can be treated with the dignity they deserve. #girlfriendshealth #maternalhealthawareness https://loom.ly/SlrawlU

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) are reported to occur in up to 20% of pregnancies. PMAD occurs at higher rates in patients of color and those living in poverty. Maternal mental health conditions are the leading co-morbidity associated with maternal mortality and were found to be present in 23% of maternal deaths during the first year postpartum. Women with a history of mood and anxiety disorders are at increased risk and can be identified through screening in pregnancy. #maternalmentalhealth #maternalhealth #optimizationofhealth

Maternal Mental Health - "You Are Not Alone" - Wednesday 24 April 2024,  08:30 - 11:00 BST, at FTI Consulting 200 Aldersgate Street London EC1A 4HD (and online) Working closely with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA), IWIRC London Network is hosting an event to raise awareness of maternal mental health issues both through pregnancy, post-partum and as part of experiences in returning to work. The session will be open to members and non-members – we encourage you to bring along your colleagues. Register here https://lnkd.in/eDgfbXtt Join us to hear more about the MMHA and the work they do, along with the lived experiences of some of their mental health champions – also acknowledging the ripple effect of that period of people’s lives and the impact it can have on partners, friends, family, etc. The session will open up to a Q&A / discussion with the audience, where guests are invited to reflect on their own direct and indirect experiences. Trigger warning: this event may include discussions about suicidal ideations and attempts. If the content of the talks causes any attendee to feel upset or uncomfortable, they are very welcome to step away and take a break.

**REMINDER!** Maternal Mental Health - "You Are Not Alone" - Wednesday 24 April 2024, 08:30 - 11:00 BST, at FTI Consulting 200 Aldersgate Street London EC1A 4HD (and online) Working closely with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA), IWIRC London Network is hosting an event to raise awareness of maternal mental health issues both through pregnancy, post-partum and as part of experiences in returning to work. The session will be open to members and non-members – we encourage you to bring along your colleagues. Register here https://lnkd.in/eDgfbXtt Join us to hear more about the MMHA and the work they do, along with the lived experiences of some of their mental health champions – also acknowledging the ripple effect of that period of people’s lives and the impact it can have on partners, friends, family, etc. The session will open up to a Q&A / discussion with the audience, where guests are invited to reflect on their own direct and indirect experiences. Trigger warning: this event may include discussions about suicidal ideations and attempts. If the content of the talks causes any attendee to feel upset or uncomfortable, they are very welcome to step away and take a break.