Maternal Mental Health

The ​Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division believes all mothers, parents, babies, and families deserve to live their best lives. However, many pregnant people and new parents experience mental health challenges. Mental health support is an important part of dealing with life challenges and taking care of yourself. An emotionally healthy parent can have a stronger relationship with their baby, which supports healthy child development and family bonds.

It is common to experience mental and emotional health struggles as a new parent.

MCAH wants everyone to know that there is no shame in seeking help, and most people experience full recovery when they get treatment. Here’s what do if you need help:

• Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy.

• Call or text “HELP” to 1-800-944-4773. The Postpartum Support International Hotline provides information, encouragement, and names of resources near you.

• Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends, whether it’s caring for the baby or doing household chores.​

Maternal Mental Health Resources

 

Share these materials to mothers, parents, and families in your community.

• Is your loved one showing signs of distress during or after pregnancy? 
  

• In her words: Essence of the Mother of Mental Health (YouTube) 

• Coloring Sheets Stress Relief —​ English (PDF) | Spanish​ (PDF)
  

Resources Individuals and Families

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline : If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

• Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health fact sheets and issue briefs about Maternal Mental Health in Native, Latina, and Black populations.

• Postpartum Support International (PSI) Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders 

• PSI free online support meetings led by a trained facilitator. For days and times please visit PSI Online Support Meetings .

• Free psychiatric consult line: Your medical provider can call (877) 499-4773 and speak with a reproductive psychiatrist to learn about medications commonly used in the perinatal time period. For more detailed information please visit Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line .

• Mental Health America’s free mental health screening tool : Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

• MCAH Preconception Health offers information and resources to improve mental health.

Resources for Health Professionals

• International OCD Foundation Perinatal OCD Resource Center 

• Maternal Mental Health NOW 

• Maternal Mental Health Dashboard | CDPH

• Symptoms of Depression During and After Pregnancy | CDPH (PDF)

• Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health 

• SAMHSA Mental Health Awareness 

• Supporting Maternal Mental Health in Public Health Nutrition Practice (PDF, 2.8MB) 

Reference

1. Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (MIHA) Survey, 2020-2021. Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division, California Department of Public Health