Episode 16: Maternal Mental Health Awareness

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. This month we direct awareness and recognition to those affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

When discussing maternal health, the conversation tends to focus on postpartum depression. However, mood disorders can happen well before the post-birth period. For some, depression and anxiety may begin during pregnancy. Those with a history of depression and anxiety before pregnancy are at an increased risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Approximately 20% of those who have given birth recently, or 1.3 million individuals each year, will suffer from a postpartum mood disorder, according to Postpartum Progress.  In fact, postpartum anxiety may be more common than postpartum depression among pregnant and newly delivered individuals as reported by The Journal of Affective Disorders.

Balanced mental health is not only important for the wellbeing of the birthing person it is also important to the health and wellbeing of the baby.

Join us as we explore how maternal mental health can impact your pregnancy, birth, and post-birth experience.