Rachel MacDonald’s Post

‘Barriers and opportunities for health service access among fathers: A review of empirical evidence’ says health services hold the key to fathers’ improved engagement. https://lnkd.in/gurNQ2_u Poor health among fathers is associated with negative consequences, not only for themselves but also their partners and children. This is particularly evident during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby, when, compared to other life stages, men are at heightened risk of poorer physical health and more vulnerable to symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. Australia has identified the need to improve supports for fathers as positive role models in their families and communities. In support, the Australian National Men's Health Strategy 2020–2030 recommends expanding the maternal and child health infrastructure to include fathers. Internationally, the World Health Organization strongly recommends interventions to promote male partners' involvement in maternal and newborn health. #fathers #menshealth #parenting #paternalhealth #paternityleave #dads #fathering #mentalhealth #menshealthpolicy Australian Men's Health Forum Global Action on Men's Health

It's clear from the review that health services play a pivotal role in enhancing fathers' engagement and overall well-being. The impact of poor health among fathers extends beyond themselves to their partners and children, highlighting the urgent need for improved support and access to healthcare During critical life stages like pregnancy and postpartum, men face heightened risks of physical health issues and mental health challenges, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions. Australia recognises the significance of fathers as positive role models and advocates for expanding support systems to include them in maternal and child health initiatives. The Australian National Men's Health Strategy 2020–2030 emphasises the importance of integrating fathers into healthcare infrastructure to foster healthier families and communities. On a global scale, the World Health Organization advocates for interventions promoting male partners' involvement in maternal and newborn health to ensure holistic care for families. Incorporating fathers into healthcare services not only benefits individual health outcomes but also strengthens family bonds and community resilience. #FamilySupport #CommunityHealth By prioritising fathers' access to healthcare and mental health support, we can create healthier and more supportive environments for families to thrive. #HealthyFamilies #SupportiveCommunities Improving health service access for fathers aligns with broader efforts to address gender disparities in healthcare and promote equitable health outcomes for all. #GenderEquality #EquitableHealthcare Together, let's advocate for inclusive healthcare policies and practices that recognise and support the unique needs of fathers and their families. #InclusiveHealthcare #SupportForAll #Fatherhood #ParentalEngagement #MensHealth #HealthcareAccess #PaternitySupport #MentalWellness #FamilySupport #CommunityWellbeing #GlobalHealth #ParentingJourney #MTICBIAI #MyTraumaIsChronicButIAmIconic

#PerinatalMentalHealth should be seen as a core element in improving maternal and newborn survival and well-being. A new opinion article in PLOS Global Public Health discusses the unmet mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum women and their caregivers. "The perinatal period is a phase of life in which individuals have repeated contact with health care providers," write the authors. "Harnessing existing perinatal service delivery platforms to address women’s mental health needs, in addition to their physical health needs, is an imperative for individual and societal impact that countries cannot afford to miss." https://lnkd.in/eC77FzGN

Data from both the California Health Care Foundation Maternity in California 2023 report and Listening to Mothers in California 2018 report showed C-section rates for low-income Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian mothers was higher than the state average for any other ethnic groups. At the same time, Asian people with symptoms of PPD are least likely to seek out, receive, or access support and treatment during the postpartum recovery period. The USC Center for Health Journalism explores the stories behind the data points and outlines the importance of community and familial support systems for AANPHI people suffering from PPD. #PerigeeFund #CHCF #ListeningToMothers #perinatalcare #PPD #postpartumrecovery #postpartumsupport #AANPHI

Social determinants of health (SDOH), such as financial strain and limited access to healthcare, significantly impact overall health and quality of life, including maternal health from pregnancy through postpartum. Maternal death rates in the U.S. have increased from 754 in 2019 to 1205 in 2021. Economic challenges and lack of education contribute to delayed prenatal care, raising the risks of preterm birth and maternal mortality. Learn more about the impact of SDOH on maternal health: https://bit.ly/3zVFVFU #SDOH #MaternalHealth #HealthcareAccess #HealthEquity

Maternal mental health is a critical component of overall maternal and child well-being. The journey to motherhood is often accompanied by immense stress, hormonal changes, and societal pressures, making women particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period can have significant adverse effects on both the mother and the child, including poor maternal self-care, reduced bonding with the infant, and developmental challenges in children. Despite the recognized importance of maternal mental health, interventions to address these issues are often underutilized, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. A significant gap persists, where healthcare systems may be overburdened, and mental health resources are scarce. Many mothers in these regions suffer in silence, without access to the support they need, which can lead to long-term consequences not only for their own health but also for the next generation. Maternal mental health is not just a matter of improving individual outcomes; it's about building healthier families and stronger communities. Investing in comprehensive, culturally sensitive mental health interventions for mothers can break the cycle of poor health outcomes and pave the way for thriving, resilient children. In my recent work, we developed and piloted mental health interventions not only for mothers but also for frontline health workers. When we introduced the project, the primary focus was on strengthening health systems to better support maternal health. However, it quickly became clear that to provide quality care, frontline health workers also needed support for their mental well-being. They voiced the need for assessment and intervention, recognizing that their ability to care for others is deeply connected to their own mental health. By addressing the mental health needs of both mothers and the health workers who care for them, we aim to create a more resilient and responsive healthcare system. This holistic approach ensures that every woman receives the quality care she deserves, while also empowering healthcare providers to perform their roles effectively and sustainably. Through this work, we hope to spark a broader conversation about the importance of supporting both mothers and the frontline workers who are so critical to their care. #MaternalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #Wellbeing #ChildDevelopment #HealthcareWorkers

Motherhood brings immense physical, emotional, and psychological changes, yet society often overlooks these challenges. This article highlights the critical need for better maternal health support, improved U.S. maternal leave policies, and stronger communal networks to help mothers thrive. 🌟 Thank you, Sarah Abedi, for shedding light on the vital need for improved support in maternal health. Read more here >>> https://lnkd.in/ektpAY3q #MaternalHealth #PostpartumSupport #CommunityCare #MentalHealthMatters

Mental Health disorders have no boundaries! Although technology seems to have made communication easier, the undercurrents of mental health issues are affecting people's health including mothers and new borns. Perinatal depression affects up to 20% of women during pregnancy. There has been a 105% increase in postpartum depression (2010-2021). Root causes include: - Insufficient maternal health training for providers - Insufficient reimbursement for mental health services - Racial and socio-economic disparities - Maternity care deserts - Small hospitals closing labor / delivery units The other eye-opening fact is that Medicaid pays for 41% of births! https://lnkd.in/grrmwKiS

This morning at #CGI2024, Reproductive & Maternal Health Compass (RMH Compass) launched the #RMH@Work Corporate Index.  This index is the first-of-its-kind evaluation of the reproductive and maternal health (RMH) benefits provided by the largest 100 employers in the U.S. Key takeaways include: * A majority of the largest U.S. employers provide family formation benefits and paid parental leave, and many are using innovative approaches to ensure health coverage is accessible and affordable. Providing comprehensive family formation benefits and paid parental leave to all employees should be an achievable goal.  *Lack of Transparency: Results show a huge range in benefits transparency with companies picking and choosing what information they share. Lack of transparency creates a business risk, creating barriers for workers to utilize the benefits invested in by employers and opacity around what constitutes a competitive benefits package. * Several opportunities that present “easy wins” for the largest U.S. companies to strengthen their reproductive and maternal health offerings. These include covering pre- and post-natal doula care, offering inclusive family formation benefits and having a bereavement leave policy that covers pregnancy loss. Read the full report at https://lnkd.in/edBsf3-j

"The science is clear - we are betraying our children." Professor Helen Minnis FMedSci The summary of the Academy of Medical Sciences report highlights the declining health of UK children under five. It emphasises the areas where children are being let down: development, immunisation, perinatal mental health, dental care, and healthy weight. These are the key impact areas for the health visiting team and the report calls for the government and policymakers to start: ‘Addressing the decline in child and family health workforce and fragmentation across sectors to deliver effective services’ We need to train and retain the professionals who are there from pregnancy to 5 years, to ensure all children have the best start in life. #BestStartInLife #1001criticaldays #earlyintervention #healthvisitors #healthvisiting #earlyyears #publichealthmatters https://lnkd.in/eTMBZH8n