Historically, access to maternal mental health care has posed significant challenges. The mental well-being of mothers should be of paramount concern for both healthcare professionals and families to prevent the onset of depression. To empower mothers to effectively care for their families, it is crucial that they have the confidence in their ability to access the essential resources needed for self-care. Fortunately, there is encouraging news: a multitude of resources are available to provide support to mothers during the perinatal period.
Helplines
Hotlines and helplines stand as some of the most effective means to provide urgent support during the perinatal period. Hotline support becomes crucial when new parents find themselves in immediate crisis, while helplines are valuable when the situation requires non-emergency assistance. Below, we list some of the most widely recognized hotlines available for perinatal support:
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Number: 988. The suicide hotline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
- Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Number: 1-833-852-6262. The Maternal Mental Health Hotline offers free, confidential mental health support for moms and their families before, during, and after pregnancy. English- and Spanish-speaking counselors are available.
- National Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741 anytime, anywhere in the United States for any crisis.
Postpartum Support International (PSI) has established a helpline dedicated to granting access to maternal mental health resources.
- PSI HelpLine. Number: 1-800-944-4773, calls and texts will be returned within business hours 8 am-11 pm EST. Professionals will connect parents in need with local resources, offer encouragement, and provide confidential support.
Online Resources
Reputable online resources, housing valuable information on maternal mental health, play a vital role in helping women discover the support they require. The following are meticulously researched websites that can assist in locating providers, support groups, and other resources tailored to maternal mental health:
Postpartum Support International (PSI): www.postpartum.net
- Support groups. PSI offers support groups that focus on topics including loss and grief, post-abortion, termination for medical reasons, and perinatal mental health.
- Provider resources. PSI offers an online directory for all caregivers to search for mental health providers by specialty and specific location.
- Language-specific support. PSI offers mental health support for mothers in over 60 languages including Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, and more.
Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health: www.2020mom.org
- Screenings. Various forms of screenings are available, including paper questionnaires, web-based assessments, or questions administered by healthcare providers. These tools serve to guide mothers in the appropriate direction when seeking assistance with mental health screening.
- Additional resources. Mental health resources are invaluable in providing guidance and support. The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health offers a range of articles designed to assist mothers in finding the right avenues for help. These articles cover specific topics related to maternal mental health, such as pregnancy loss and infant death, maternal OCD, and Adverse Childhood Events, all aimed at improving care for mothers.
- Awareness materials. The website offers printable resources including posters, flyers, and cards that can be utilized within facilities to raise awareness about maternal mental health.
National Maternal Mental Health Organizations
As advocates for the well-being of all individuals, it is crucial to draw attention to both local and national maternal mental health organizations. These dedicated organizations commit themselves to offering support and resources for women facing mental health challenges during the perinatal period. By raising awareness and supporting these organizations, we contribute to a world where maternal mental health receives the attention and care it rightly deserves. Below, you'll find trusted resources to aid in maternal mental health support:
- Postpartum Support International. PSI offers support groups, helplines, local support, peer mentor programs, provider directory, and more.
- Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. Offers mental health screening, awareness materials, and other resources to advocate for maternal mental health issues.
- Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. MMHLA is dedicated to improving the mental health of mothers in the United States by providing resources on where to find help.
- Mental Health America. Mental Health America works to promote the mental health and overall well-being of all individuals residing in the United States. Their efforts are focused on providing public education, conducting research, advocating for public policy changes, and offering direct services to those in need.
- Mother to baby. MotherToBaby is a nonprofit organization that helps mothers with breastfeeding and pregnancy-safe mental health medications.
Support Groups
New mothers who may be struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety often discover solace and reassurance through community support groups. These groups offer a secure and inviting environment where women can openly share their experiences, receive valuable support, and connect with individuals who truly comprehend their journey. By participating in these support groups, new mothers can build a strong network of help that assists them in dealing with the many challenges of motherhood and improving their mental well-being. Here are a couple of examples of such community support groups:
- MOPS - MOPS, short for "Mothers of Preschoolers," is a nationwide group that originated in 1973, offering local mothers a platform to unite, provide support, and create an open space for discussion and sharing of their parenting experiences.
- Perinatal Support of WA - Perinatal Support of Washington provides an extensive list of online and in-person support groups.
In conclusion, maternal mental health resources play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of both the mother and the child. Healthcare providers must be vigilant in identifying the signs and symptoms of maternal mental health disorders, while also offering timely support and resources. By addressing these concerns proactively, we can empower mothers to overcome these challenges, ultimately enhancing outcomes for both maternal and child health.
