Maternal Mental Health

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are assumed to be the most beautiful time in a women’s life. Baby snuggles, newborn photos, soaking up the new baby smell and showing off the new bundle to family and friends are just a few of the highlights people envision. New moms are expected to be all smiles, look beautiful on two hours of sleep and love breastfeeding. Cooking meals, keeping the house clean and managing a new family unit is supposed to look effortless. But those high expectations and misrepresentations of motherhood can also lead to feelings of failure, loneliness, anxiety and depression. Many may feel shame and hide their pain with a smile and laughter.

One in five women will experience a maternal mental health disorder. A maternal mental health disorder can take place during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. It is the #1 complication of pregnancy. It is more common than Gestational Hypertension, Preeclampsia and Gestational Diabetes combined.

Although maternal mental health disorders are the #1 complication of pregnancy, they often go undiagnosed and untreated. Many women are afraid to ask for help or may not realize they are suffering from a maternal mental health condition. Many times, it is downplayed as the “Baby Blues.” A big misconception is that it is only postpartum depression. Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder (OCD) and Postpartum Psychosis are all maternal mental health conditions that are not often discussed. Depression and anxiety during pregnancy are also quite common.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression: Clinical Depression impacts up to 20% of women during or after pregnancy. Symptoms typically include sadness, feeling overwhelmed, trouble concentrating, irritability and difficulty bonding with the baby.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Generalized Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects up to 15% of women during pregnancy or postpartum. Symptoms frequently include racing heartbeat, insomnia, restlessness, low appetite, extreme worry about the “what if’s” - like what if my baby falls, what if my baby experiences SIDS, etc.; extreme worry about not being a good mom.

Pregnancy and Postpartum

Obsessive-

Compulsive Disorder: Maternal ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder (OCD) affects 2-3% of women. OCD includes obsessions (an unwanted feeling or thought) that a person has an urge to alleviate through an action or a “compulsion.” Around 50% of women with OCD have intrusive, repetitive thoughts usually about harm coming to their baby.

Postpartum Psychosis: This rare maternal mental health condition occurs in approximately 1-2% of births or roughly 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries. The onset is usually sudden, generally within the first 2 weeks postpartum. Personal or family history of bipolar disorder, or a previous psychotic episode are the most significant risk factors for postpartum psychosis. It is considered a medical emergency due to the possibility for a mom to harm her baby or herself.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A real or perceived traumatic delivery or postpartum period is usually the cause of birth related PTSD. 3.1% of women may experience postpartum PTSD. Flashbacks and intrusive memories are some of the symptoms women may experience.

“For me it was extremely difficult to ask for help” said NAMI Northeast Region PA NAMI Services Leader, Katie Spencer. “I knew something was wrong, but couldn’t put into words what I needed or how I was feeling. I had extreme guilt and thought I was a terrible mother.”

NAMI Northeast Region PA recognizes the impact of maternal mental health disorders and is here to help. NAMI created a maternal mental health education program for the whole community, providers and pregnant and postpartum women. Individuals who participate in this education program will gain:

• Knowledge about the many different • types of maternal mental health disorders.

• Awareness of the risk factors and the signs • and symptoms in yourself and/or family • or friend.

• Knowledge about who is affected by a • maternal mental health condition and what • local and national resources are available

• Awareness of how to help a family or • friend in need of support

NAMI Northeast Region PA provides a free peer support group called “Momma Bears.” The program is held the first and third Tuesday every month at 7 p.m. via Zoom and facilitated by women who have experienced maternal mental health conditions.

“I want all moms and families to know that there is support available and they are not alone,” said Katie. “Momma Bears is a safe place for moms to feel connected with other moms and know they are not alone in their struggles. I’m a firm believer that sharing stories and peer support saves lives.”

Experiencing a maternal mental health disorder can be very scary and lonely. NAMI Northeast Region PA wants moms and families to know they are not alone, and help is available.

If you or someone you love is experiencing a maternal mental health crisis, call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-943-5746.

For more information about NAMI Northeast Region PA visit www.naminepa.org or call (570) 342-1047. H