What is Maternal Mental Health?

Motherhood is a life transition. Bottom line, there is no "normal" way to move through pregnancy and into motherhood. It is ok to be pleased and happy. It is ok to feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. It is ok to feel all of this or somewhere in between.

Maternal Mental Health is a phrase to describe the emotional changes a birthing person, or primary caretaker, can experience from conception through the first year postpartum. We recognize that not all birthing people identify with the binary term “mother” and acknowledge that primary caregivers often assume a maternal role in child rearing.

Emotional changes during pregnancy are very common, yet they are not often talked about by providers or in families. As a result, many people feel embarrassed or ashamed of the emotions they are experiencing or dismiss the emotions as “just hormones”.

These emotional changes can be challenging to cope with. If you don't feel like yourself, where it difficult to care for yourself, your family, or get along with others this could be a sign of a maternal mental health condition. Maternal mental health conditions can impact how you feel about the pregnancy, your relationships, your child, and yourself.

When everything you usually do to try to feel good just doesn’t work or you have no motivation to do those things, it is time to talk to someone for support.

What are the Symptoms?

Common Symptoms:

  • Feeling anxious or overwhelmed with worries.

  • Feeling sad or having little interest in things you used to enjoy

  • Feeling numb and disconnected.

  • Have scary or upsetting thoughts that bother you.

  • Feeling guilty, that you have let yourself down, or that you are failing as a parent.

  • Feeling easily frustrated or irritated by things that do not usually bother you.

  • Lost appetite and having trouble sleeping even when exhausted.

  • "Brain fog" or difficulty completing task.

Less Common Symptoms:

  • Thoughts of wanting to harm your self or someone you love and considering acting out on them.

  • Having unusual thoughts that are out of character - like someone is plotting to take your baby from you or the baby is “out to get” you.

  • Able to say up for several days with little to no sleep and still energized or “keyed up”.

    These symptoms need immediate attention by a healthcare provider. You should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

    With the right support, these symptoms will get better.

When Should I Get Support?

When you have been experiencing your symptoms for at least 2 weeks and nothing seems to improve your symptoms or the improvement is short-lived it is time to seek support. You are not alone and treatment is available.

“I am exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling. I can't get anything done. I feel like a failure.”

Quote from Sacramento Mom of 2

 

I don’t know if I’m ready…

Fear of shame, stigma, and judgement can get in the way of seeking support. Women from African American/Black and Latina communities often feel that they must show a strong front to the world and sacrifice their needs for their children and families.

We want you to know that every birthing person needs support — regardless of experiencing a maternal mental health condition — and especially when experiencing a maternal mental health condition.

It is a courageous step to acknowledge our own struggle. Awareness is the first step to building a resilient future.

“Everyone acts strong. No one talks about it so it doesn’t feel safe to discuss.”

Quote from a Sacramento Mom

 Steps to Cope with Uncertainty

  • Self - Evaluate

    Some people want “proof” their feels are valid or that things are as challenging as they seem.

    If this describes you, a clinically validated screening tool call the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is one way to confirm reaching out for support is needed.

    Click the link below to access the tool. You can even take the results to your provider to start the conversation.

    EPDS

  • Dig Deeper

    Maybe you aren’t ready to share your feelings and want to understand more about your options. That is ok!

    Take a look at our Go Deep section to learn more about the different types of maternal mental health conditions and how to mobilize your support system.

    Keep scrolling to see your options for support.

    Go Deep

  • Speak Up

    Being vulnerable to share what you are experiencing is the first step. Whether you talk to your partner, close friend, or family member talking to someone you can trust can lift the burden you have been carrying.

    If you don’t have anyone in your life you feel comfortable talking to, talk to your healthcare provider or call a maternal mental health warm line.

    Postpartum Support International Warmline

Options for Support 

  • Peer Support

    Whether a group of girlfriends sitting around the kitchen table, or a Zoom chat with other parents at the same stage in life, it helps knowing we're not alone.

    Peer support can stop the isolation and guilt/shame cycle that can come with parenting. ​All parents have challenges. No matter what is shown to the outside world, our inner struggles are real and deserve our attention.​

  • Community Health Workers

    Community heath workers provide a variety of supports to pregnant and parenting people.  These can be nurses, prenatal educators, doulas, or paraprofessionals.  They often provide education, connection to resources, and emotional support during through the transition to motherhood.

    Agencies that provide support: 

    Her Health First: Black Mother's United

    Black Infant Health

    Nurse Family Partnership

    Birth & Beyond Family Resource Centers

  • Support Groups

    ​Support groups are beneficial to many people who feel that they are alone or that no one understand what they are going through.

    Connect and share honestly with others with similar experiences

    Feeling empowered, inspire, and validate journey through parenthood

    Learn helpful information that will help you to easily access resources 

    Gain hope and help others with similar issues

  • Individual Therapy

    Individual Therapy is the first line of treatment for mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

    You have a right to get behavioral health care. You never need a referral. 

    Your insurance company can give you more information about providers in your network. 

    You can also check our evolving list of providers who specialize in maternal mental health.

  • Medication

    Medication can be controversial. We get it. This doesn’t have to be your go-to or your first step in getting care.

    Taking medication does not mean you lack strength. Mental health conditions cannot be separated from your physical health.  There are many chemicals and hormones that impact our brain and then influence how we experience the world and can impact your mental and physical health. 

    Medications are generally considered safe in pregnancy and during breastfeeding.  Mother To Baby is a trusted resource to learn more about how medications may interact with your pregnancy or breastfeeding. 

    Never start or stop a medication without first talking to your obstetrician or a reproductive psychiatrist.

Resource page