Maternal Mental Health& Wellness
Comprehensive mental health support for pregnancy and postpartum. Understanding, resources, and professional guidance for emotional wellness during your maternal journey.
Crisis Support Available 24/7
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
988 or 1-800-273-8255
Postpartum Support International:
1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please reach out immediately. You are not alone, and help is available.
Understanding Maternal Mental Health
Mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum are common and treatable. You're not alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength.
Common Symptoms:
- • Mood swings
- • Crying spells
- • Anxiety
- • Difficulty sleeping
- • Feeling overwhelmed
Common Symptoms:
- • Persistent sadness
- • Loss of interest
- • Fatigue
- • Difficulty bonding
- • Feelings of guilt
Common Symptoms:
- • Racing thoughts
- • Panic attacks
- • Excessive worry
- • Physical tension
- • Intrusive thoughts
Risk Factors & Prevention
Understanding risk factors helps with early identification and prevention strategies for maternal mental health challenges.
While anyone can experience maternal mental health challenges, certain factors may increase risk.
Personal History:
- • Previous depression or anxiety
- • Family history of mental health conditions
- • Previous pregnancy loss
Current Factors:
- • Lack of social support
- • Relationship problems
- • Financial stress
- • Unplanned pregnancy
- • Pregnancy or birth complications
Building resilience and support systems can help protect your mental health during this transition.
Build Support:
- • Connect with other new mothers
- • Maintain relationships with friends/family
- • Join support groups
Self-Care:
- • Prioritize sleep when possible
- • Eat nutritious meals regularly
- • Engage in gentle exercise
- • Practice mindfulness or meditation
- • Ask for help when needed
Treatment & Support Options
Effective treatments are available for maternal mental health conditions. Recovery is possible with the right support.
Available Options:
- • Individual therapy
- • Group therapy
- • Couples counseling
- • Cognitive behavioral therapy
- • Support groups
Available Options:
- • Antidepressants
- • Anti-anxiety medications
- • Psychiatric consultation
- • Medication monitoring
- • Breastfeeding-safe options
Available Options:
- • Exercise programs
- • Nutrition counseling
- • Sleep hygiene
- • Mindfulness practices
- • Peer support groups
Available Options:
- • Crisis hotlines
- • Emergency services
- • Mobile crisis teams
- • Inpatient care
- • Intensive outpatient programs
Available Options:
- • Perinatal mental health clinics
- • Mother-baby units
- • Postpartum support groups
- • Online therapy
- • Telehealth services
Available Options:
- • Partner education
- • Family therapy
- • Childcare assistance
- • Household help
- • Communication strategies
Support Resources
Connect with professional organizations and support networks dedicated to maternal mental health.
Postpartum Support International
1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
24/7 helpline and online support
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988
Crisis support and intervention
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
24/7 text-based crisis support
Support Groups
Virtual and in-person support groups
Therapy Apps
Specialized apps for maternal mental health
Educational Resources
Webinars, articles, and self-help tools
Peer Networks
Connect with other mothers with similar experiences
You Are Not Alone
Seeking help is a sign of strength. Explore our comprehensive resources for pregnancy, postpartum care, and overall maternal wellness.