Health Care Providers: Support
For birthing people:
For maternal mental health conditions it treatable! Health care providers can provide screening, referral, medication management and understanding.
Develop a care plan based on your needs and goals. The most evidence-based approach to treating maternal mental health conditions is a combination of medication and individual therapy. That can be scary for some, particularly if this is your first experience of a mental health condition.
Some birthing people prefer to take a softer approach and see if there are other changes that can be made before jumping into medication or therapy. That is ok! Other options include attending a support group, better organization of your support system, and using a talk-line on the really tough days.
Everyone has the right to decide what is best for them. You should never feel pressured on a course of treatment you don’t understand or don’t agree with. However, if you are having thought of harming yourself or others that you worry you may act on providers have a responsibility to have you evaluated for hospitalization. This can be very scary, but it is to protect your life and the lives of the ones you love.
Some people find it hard to talk to their provider about what is going on because they feel they are being treated differently or disrespected. Everyone deserves to feel heard and respected by their healthcare providers. If you are concerned about how you are being treated, speak up! You do not have to talk to the provider directly if you do not feel comfortable. A nurse manager or clinic manager are also appropriate people to reach out to express your concerns. For more information on how to address unethical behavior click here.
For healthcare providers:
You are an important person in you patient’s life. Working in a managed care environment can make it challenging to attend to all of the different things your patient needs in the short time you have during their visit.
AB 2193 requires Obstetricians to ensure screening for maternal mental health has occurred at least once during pregnancy or postpartum. Most providers choose to screen at the postpartum visit. However, postpartum attendance rates are less than 40%. Undoubtedly, many birthing people are being missed.
A child’s well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of their care provider. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pediatricians provide screening to birthing people at 1, 2, 4 and 6 month well-child visits. Click here to review the 2019 policy statement.
Make it easy
Screen patients at least once per trimester. BeMomaware recommends:
Initial prenatal visit
Once in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters
Postpartum (if they have a history of depression, see them before 6 weeks)
When a patient has a positive screen:
Create a safe space for mothers to honestly share their experiences.
Review their options—every time.
Help them connect to care by using our Care Connector.
If you are not comfortable prescribing medications Utilize resources like Postpartum Support International Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line 1-877-499-4773.
Follow-up within 2 weeks.
If the patient has had thought about harming themselves or others:
Do a complete safety risk assessment.
Create a safety plan.
Provide emergency resources.
Learn more about assessment and treatment of maternal mental health conditions here.
