Maternal Mental Health
Maternal Mental Health starts when you discover you are pregnant! This is a very exciting time
for most women but can also be a one of uncertainty, increased anxiety, confusion, and
unforeseen challenges. Brain Health is often overlooked when preparing to be a parent.
Women have unique issues and needs during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This may
have you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, unhappy, feeling guilty and like you are failing at
motherhood. You are not alone in these feelings. You need to take care of you while taking
care of your family. Your anxiety level may increase prior to or after delivery with feelings of
restlessness, negative thoughts, and trouble falling asleep. Sometimes new mothers may feel
the “baby blues.” Baby blues may present as tearfulness, and low mood for one to two weeks
after delivery. Some women experience postpartum depression or anxiety after having a baby. Many new
moms struggle during the first few months of motherhood.
Some Symptoms of Post-Partum Depression (PPD) include:
Withdrawing from friends or family
Feeling disconnected from your baby
Feelings of anger
Guilt feeling over not being a good enough mother
Feeling you may not be able to care for your baby
Post-partum depression may require working with your medical provider and a counselor.
There are physical and psychological changes and challenges during and after pregnancy.
Counseling can provide important strategies and coping mechanisms or an outlet to talk
through this life transition. The thought of counseling may seem overwhelming to a new
mother, but your well-being is most important