Maternal Mental Health

Maternal mental health refers to a person's mental wellbeing during the early stages of motherhood. Welcoming a child is a big life transition and with that comes a lot of changes both physically and emotionally. Navigating this new transition can be challenging and mental health struggles are very common. In fact, 1 in 5 birthing women in the US are affected with a mental health condition.

Regardless of your pathway to parenthood, mental health challenges can arise during this time of intense change. While many experience mild, short-term shifts when welcoming a new child, others may experience symptoms that are more persistent and significantly impact daily life, bonding, and wellbeing.

Despite how common these conditions are, 75% of individuals impacted do not receive treatment. Stigma, lack of access to care, and fear of judgment or involvement from outside systems can all prevent mothers from seeking support. When left untreated, maternal mental health conditions can have serious consequences for mothers, infants, and families.

The hopeful truth is that these challenges are temporary and highly treatable, and with the right mix of care, support, and resources, most people see real, lasting improvement.

Find resources at Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance.