United States of Care’s Post

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

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

"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

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

Continued education on the fourth trimester and perinatal mental health is a necessity when it comes to supporting moms in their new roles. So much of what occurs is still not talked about, leaving moms feeling confused, guilty, afraid, and ashamed. Providing them with the information and education ahead of time, or immediately after delivery can have a significant impact on their mental health, validating their experiences and reminding them this is a typical part of the process. Expecting moms to handle their new role, shifting hormones, and mental health challenges all while navigating the needs of their baby is unacceptable. We need to GIVE them more rather than expecting them to reach out and get the information. My course, the fourth trimester is that vessel, the one that fills the gap in service delivery from pregnancy to postpartum. One 6 week check up with OBGYN is embarrassing for maternal mental health. They need periodic check ins from a trading perinatal specialist who can assist with their mental health status all while providing support, encouragement, validation, and education. Imagine the profound difference they could have on their transition into motherhood and beyond. I’m facilitating this course LIVE via Zoom in August and am preparing the cohort now. Please share this with any pregnant or postpartum individuals that you think could benefit. With the course you get: 6 modules Perinatal workbook 3 check in calls 30 days free in my virtual community If you’re a hospital, clinic, or employer and this is something you would like to offer, let’s connect and see how we can do that. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ePcfXkgm Registration is open here: https://lnkd.in/egefJuRC

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

It is National Women's Health Week! Did you know that around 1 in 5 women experience mental health issues during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth? Many go without proper treatment and support. Women may be scared to speak out about their struggles for fear of judgment, many healthcare providers do not routinely screen for mental health conditions in pregnant people and new parents, and many people find it difficult to get a referral or access proper services for treatment. The good news is more and more people are sharing their experiences with mental health during and after pregnancy, and accessible resources for women and families are available now more than ever, including access to resources from The Foundation for Delaware County Programs. Learn more about maternal mental health in this video: https://loom.ly/2KgNbm4 Learn about The Foundation for Delaware County Maternal Health Programs: https://loom.ly/be6D81A

🌸 Advocating for Maternal Mental Health 🌸 As VitalTech®'s VP of Marketing and a fervent advocate for women's health, I am happy to share our latest blog during Mental Health Awareness Month, which highlights the challenges and solutions around maternal mental health. The statistics are heart-wrenching—too many mothers suffer in silence. That’s why at #VitalTech, we’re dedicated to transforming how maternal mental health is managed through innovative technology that offers support beyond traditional care. From timely screenings to empowering educational resources, we’re here to make a difference. 💜 Organizations like March of Dimes exemplify the kind of impactful work that inspires me daily. Their dedication to maternal and infant health pushes me to extend the reach of our technology. This issue touches the lives of so many, and it’s time that the conversation and actions taken are amplified. I invite you to read our blog and join us in this vital mission to support every mother’s mental and emotional well-being. Together, we can make maternal mental health a priority—not just in words, but in action. #MaternalWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #SupportingMothers #PregnancyCare #PregnancyEmotionalWellbeing #MomsMentalHealth #PerinatalSupport #PregnancyMentalHealth #MaternalMH #VitalForMothers #PostpartumDepression #PostpartumSupport #MaternalMentalHealth #NewMomSupport #PostpartumJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #PostpartumCare #PND #PostnatalDepression #PostpartumWellness #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MaternalHealth #PerinatalMentalHealth #MaternalMentalHealthMatters #PostpartumCare #PregnancyMentalHealth #EndMaternalMortality #MomsMentalHealth #PregnancyAndMentalHealth #UntreatedPostpartumDepression #MentalHealthAdvocate #PregnancyDepression #StopMaternalDeaths #MaternalHealthCrisis #PerinatalAnxiety #PostpartumAnxiety #SupportingMothers #PostpartumRecovery #NewMomHealth #MaternalSuicidePrevention #PregnancyHealth #HealthyMothersHealthyBabies

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

Did you know that only ten states have legislation requiring maternal mental health screening during pregnancy or postpartum? 📜 ⚖️ 🧠 🤰 In 2014, The Motherhood Center's Founding Director and Chief External Relations Officer, Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW, worked with Senator Liz Kruger to write and pass a Senate Bill to provide education and promote screening and treatment-referrals for postpartum depression and other maternal depression disorders in New York State. While PMAD screening is still not required in New York, as the original bill drafted by Kruger and Bellenbaum to require screening was vetoed years earlier, maternal mental health was brought to the forefront through this legislation and has improved treatment awareness and access across the state. By requiring PMAD screenings, we can better support mothers/birthing people in recognizing and addressing any mental health challenges they may face during this critical time. It's a reminder that comprehensive maternal healthcare includes not only physical well-being but mental and emotional well-being, too. Read the full report written by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health here: https://ow.ly/f5aC50QIVYM #mmh #mmhpolicy #pmd #legislation #mmhscreening #pmadscreening #ppd #postpartumdepression #perinataldepression