The Urgency of Addressing Maternal Mental Health: Key Approaches for Healing

Addressing the national crisis in maternal health involves re-thinking approaches to care and developing a continuum of care from prevention to crisis care and intervention.  Developing this continuum of care involves understanding the unique needs of pregnant women and their families, ensuring access to essential medical services, screening and support for mental health and substance us challenges, and access to community resources. This care continuum must be trauma informed and delivered by an interdisciplinary team, including whenever possible, peer support providers.  By fostering collaboration among healthcare providers and community organizations, health systems can enhance maternal outcomes, address maternal mortality and ensure that mothers receive the support they need. Prioritizing maternal health during crises not only safeguards the well-being of mothers but also positively impacts the health of infants and families. Join the National Council for Mental Wellbeing for an insightful webinar that addresses the critical intersection of maternal care and crisis response. Understanding how to effectively support expectant and new mothers during times of crisis is vital for ensuring both maternal and infant health.

Learning Objectives:

• Articulate the nature of the current crisis in maternal care.
• List 2-3 prevention measures that can be employed in any healthcare or community setting.
• Describe three core elements of effective crisis care for pregnant and/or postpartum mothers including those with SMI.