Maternal Mental Health
"Motherhood has taught me the meaning of living in the moment and being at peace. Children don’t think about yesterday, and they don’t think about tomorrow. They just exist in the moment.”
—Jessalyn Gilsig
WHAT IS MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH?
Maternal mental health, also known as perinatal mental health, refers to a mother’s overall emotional, social, and mental well-being, both during and after pregnancy.
Mental Health Status During Pregnancy
As many as 1 in 5 women will have mood and anxiety disorders while pregnant, with the most common being depression.
Only about 10% of pregnant women will seek treatment for these concerns.
Motherhood is not about perfection.
Your body is a powerhouse. Look at all it’s done and continues to do.
Your baby loves you whole-heartedly.
You will always be learning and growing.
You will get through this.
Struggling does not mean failing.
You are worthy of love and praise.
Motherhood is not the end of self.
Four Tips to Help Destress Pregnancy
Meditation
Do you ever find yourself caught up in your thoughts and worries? Or maybe you’re just going through the motions of the day and have forgotten to enjoy the little things around you? Pause for a moment and focus on your feelings, body sensations, and the world around you. Meditation can include mindfulness, breathing exercises, and visualization. It can help you live in the present moment and block out worries (like the endless ‘to-do’ list in your head). It can also help reduce stress and boost morale that might occur during pregnancy.
2. Pregnancy yoga
Yoga is based on mental and physical well-being. Look for classes specifically geared for you and take it slow. Yoga in pregnancy is a great way to stay active, strengthen your body, and ease aches and pains through stretching. Yoga can improve your mental health and may even help with labor. Consult your healthcare provider or obstetrician to inquire about available classes at their medical center.
3. Give yourself grace
Even small changes can add up to help you feel more relaxed. Try to take time for yourself each day to rest and free your mind of worries. Set a timer for 15 minutes to do something that brings you joy. You might want to go for a walk or sit down with a book and a cup of tea. Writing down your thoughts may help you work through your feelings. Do what works for you. Some people like to listen to calming music or a hypnobirthing CD at bedtime to aid in falling asleep.
4. Keep an open line of communication with loved ones
Many people say that talking helps to lower their anxiety and stress levels. Having a chat with someone you trust can help. This could be a friend, family member, or a healthcare professional. Have you thought about joining mom support groups? You might want to look into support groups, whether they are in person or online. Facebook can also be a useful resource for finding these groups.
Postpartum Support Resource
Vroom (An app designed to involve children in activities that support early brain development)
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
24/7, free, confidential hotline for pregnant and new moms. Available in English and Spanish.
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many new moms feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after the baby is born.
Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But if these feelings last for more than two weeks, they make it hard to carry out daily tasks, like caring for oneself and family. Prenatal depression or anxiety are common and treatable health conditions during or after pregnancy. That is why a new mom, or those supporting them, should immediately reach out for help.
About the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers:
Phone or text access to professional counselors
Real-time support and information
Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
Culturally sensitive support
Counselors who speak English and Spanish
Interpreter services in 60 languages