Maternal Mental Health
Treatments and Intervention
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
Prevention and Early Intervention
Facts
100

What is the most common mental health disorder experienced by women during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Depression 

100

This medication type is often prescribed to treat postpartum depression, but it requires careful monitoring in breastfeeding mothers.

Antidepressants 

100

This term refers to the mental health of women during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth.

Perinatal Mental Health 

100

Early identification of these issues can reduce the severity of postpartum depression, especially in at-risk mothers.

mental health screenings

100

This organization launched the “Momnibus” bill to address disparities in maternal health care and improve mental health services for mothers.

Congress

200

What is the type of depression that happens after birth that is more severe than baby blues and can involve feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts?

Post Partum Depression 

200

This form of therapy helps individuals focus on changing negative thought patterns, often used for treating anxiety and depression in mothers.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

200

These are the common “baby blues” symptoms experienced by many women in the first few days after childbirth, which usually resolve within a few weeks.

mood swings, tearfulness, and irritability

200

This type of counseling or therapy involves a mother and her partner working together to improve their relationship and mental health during the perinatal period.

couples therapy

200

This is the estimated percentage of new mothers who experience postpartum depression in the United States.

10-20%

300

This is a common hormonal change that may contribute to mood swings and emotional instability during and after pregnancy.

a drop in estrogen and progesterone

300

This type of therapy emphasizes building strong relationships and can support a mother in strengthening her emotional bonds with her baby

attachment-based therapy

300

This is a serious, rare condition that can occur during the first month after childbirth, involving hallucinations and extreme confusion.

postpartum psychosis

300

This community professional can help women during pregnancy and after childbirth, focusing on emotional well-being, parenting, and mental health.

A Doula

300

This is the main reason many women with perinatal mental health conditions may not seek help, which highlights the importance of education and support.

the stigma surrounding mental health

400

This sleep-related problem, which is common in new mothers, can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression.

Sleep Deprivation

400

This is a key practice that can help improve maternal mental health, involving regular physical activity to boost mood and reduce stress.

Exercise 

400

This term refers to the mental and emotional process of bonding with a new baby, which can be affected by maternal mental health disorders.

maternal-infant bonding

400

This practice, involving relaxation techniques and mindfulness, can help reduce stress and prevent anxiety in pregnant and postpartum mothers.

Mindfulness Meditation 

400

This percentage of new mothers experience some form of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD).

1 in 7 

500

What is the percentage of new mothers who breastfeed may experience a decrease in the risk of developing postpartum depression due to the bonding and hormonal effects of breastfeeding?

60-80%

500

This support group can offer new mothers a space to share their experiences and receive emotional support from others in similar situations.

peer support or postpartum support groups

500

This is a common symptom of perinatal depression, often characterized by feelings of exhaustion, sadness, and a lack of interest in both the baby and daily activities.

anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure)

500

This type of therapy focuses on strengthening a mother's emotional and psychological well-being, helping her adjust to motherhood and reduce the risk of developing mental health issues

Interpersonal Therapy

500

This is the typical duration for postpartum depression to last if left untreated, though it can vary.

Several Months to a year