Celebrating Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month: Supporting parents for a healthier tomorrow

What is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month?

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the emotional well-being of parents before, during, and after pregnancy. This observance highlights the importance of mental heal care for parents, as well as the need for support and resources to ensure their well-being.

Maternal mental health is essential, as it directly impacts the parents and the child. Mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum can affect a parent’s ability to bond with their baby, impacting the child’s development and well-being. Additionally, untreated maternal mental health issues can have long-term effects on both the parents and child’s mental health.

Why is it important?

It is key to recognize the signs of maternal mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis, and to provide parents with the support and resources they need. By raising awareness and providing education, we can help ensure that all parents receive the car and support they need for a healthier tomorrow.

Want to learn more?

Information for Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) clients

• Pregnancy Services
• Pregnancy Care resources
• Postpartum and Newborn resources

Making the case for policy change

• Extended Postpartum Medicaid In Colorado Associated With Increased Treatment For Perinatal Mood And Anxiety Disorders
• Racial And Ethnic Inequities In Postpartum Depressive Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Care In 7 US Jurisdictions
• Perinatal Depression Associated With Increased Pediatric Emergency Department Use And Charges In The First Year Of Life

Promising programs

• Text And Telephone Screening And Referral Improved Detection And Treatment Of Maternal Mental Health Conditions
• Increasing Access To Perinatal Mental Health Care: The Perinatal Psychiatry Access Program Model

Unique perspectives

• Perinatal Mental Health: Father Inclusion At The Local, State, And National Levels
• A Strategy To Support Perinatal Mental Health By Collaborating With Tribal Communities In Montana
• Integrating Mental Health In Perinatal Care: Perspectives Of Interprofessional Clinicians