MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH MONTH: AFTER YOU HAVE YOUR BABY
- Shantay Davies-Balch
- May 23
- 5 min read
Updated: May 27
Maternal Mental Health Month, observed every May during Mental Health Awareness Month, raises awareness about the emotional and mental health challenges commonly experienced during pregnancy and the first year after birth. This month is dedicated to breaking the silence surrounding postpartum depression, anxiety, and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) which affect 1 in 5 new mothers.
Black mothers and birthing people are at even greater risk. Studies show Black women are nearly twice as likely to experience maternal mental health conditions compared to white women. Yet they are significantly less likely to receive a diagnosis or access treatment. This disparity is driven by a combination of structural and social factors.
Risk factors for adverse maternal mental health in Black communities include:
Higher rates of pregnancy complications and maternal mortality
Chronic stress caused by racism and discrimination
Financial insecurity and inadequate access to paid leave
Increased exposure to community violence and housing instability
Lack of culturally competent mental health providers
Barriers to care include:
Medical racism and provider bias that leads to symptoms being dismissed or minimized
Limited access to mental health screenings during and after pregnancy
Lack of insurance coverage or underinsurance
Stigma around mental health in the Black community and fear of child protective services involvement
These factors not only impact mental health but can also negatively affect birth outcomes, child development, and overall family well-being. For Black moms, the expectation to be “strong” often adds an emotional burden and can discourage seeking help or open conversations around mental health.
Why It Matters
About 1 in 5 women experience a maternal mental health condition during or after pregnancy.
Depression can be a risk factor for preterm birth and babies with low birth weight.
Maternal mental health conditions are a leading cause of preventable maternal death.
Common Maternal Mental Health Conditions
Postpartum depression
Perinatal anxiety
Postpartum PTSD
Perinatal OCD
Postpartum psychosis – this condition is rare but serious
What to Expect After You Have the Baby
Postpartum Checkup. After you have the baby, you will need a six-week postpartum visit. This checkup is about more than just physical recovery. It is a chance to talk with your provider about how you are feeling mentally or emotionally, finalize your family planning choices, and make sure you are healing well. Please call your provider to schedule an earlier visit if needed.
It’s Okay to Not Feel Okay! Sometimes, new moms don’t feel like themselves after delivery and that’s okay! What’s important is recognizing the signs and reaching out for help. Remember you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Understanding Baby Blues
Some new moms may experience a condition called baby blues. Baby blues is a period of mood swings, irritability, and emotional ups and downs that usually starts within the first few days after birth.
Symptoms can include:
Crying for no clear reason
Restlessness or anxiety
Trouble sleeping (even when the baby is sleeping)
Sadness or mood changes
Trouble concentrating
These feelings are common and usually go away within a few weeks after birth. Baby blues are not the same as postpartum depression. The exact cause of baby blues is unknown, but it is believed to come from hormonal shifts
Here are some ways to manage baby blues:
Build your circle of support. Lean on the people closest to you whether it is help with meals, errands, with the baby, or simply sitting with you.
BLACK Pregnancy Care Support groups at BWPC will be starting soon! Join us for a 10-session cohort led by a Certified Nurse Midwife, doulas, and community health advocates. Each session includes interactive discussions covering various pregnancy topics, health assessments, resources and a chance to connect with other moms in the community.
Learn more about BLACK Pregnancy Care Support groups and submit your interest here
Eat a healthy well-balanced diet. Food is fuel, and sometimes when you eat too much sugar or processed foods it can impact your mood. Make sure you incorporate whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Learn more about nutrition here
Go outside. Getting some fresh air and sunshine can boost your mood. When it is safe and you are healed, you can start to do light activities and exercises you find enjoyable.
Be patient with yourself. Your body, mind, and life are adjusting to childbirth. Give yourself grace and time as you transition into motherhood.
Connect with a mental health professional. You can find a therapist by contacting your insurance provider or using websites that show providers who accept your insurance like:
Postpartum Depression
Depression after you have your baby is called postpartum depression, however depression can happen even earlier (during your pregnancy) or later (up to a year after you give birth). Postpartum depression can be mistaken for baby blues however; postpartum depression is different because symptoms last longer than two weeks and are more severe.
Signs of postpartum depression can include:
Severe mood swings or depressive mood
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Withdrawing from family and friends
Unable to sleep
Hopelessness
Less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Feeling worthless, shame, or guilt
Learn more about after you have the baby here
If your Baby Blues are not going away after two weeks and you think you may have postpartum depression talk to your provider as soon as possible. Postpartum depression is usually treated with psychotherapy (mental health counseling), medication, or both.
Here are some ways to begin feeling better or getting more rest, in addition to talking to a health care professional:
Rest as much as you can. Sleep when the baby is sleeping.
Don’t try to do too much or to do everything by yourself. Ask your partner, family, and friends for help.
Make time to go out, visit friends, or spend time alone with your partner.
Talk about your feelings with your partner, supportive family members, and friends.
Talk with other mothers so that you can learn from their experiences.
Join a support group. Ask your doctor or nurse about groups in your area and reach out to a Community Health Advocate at BWPC to get connected to resources. Call (559) 767-1756.
Don’t make any major life changes right after giving birth. More major life changes in addition to a new baby can cause unneeded stress. Sometimes big changes can’t be avoided. When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time.
It can also help to have a partner, a friend, or another caregiver who can help take care of the baby while you are depressed. If you are feeling depressed during pregnancy or after having a baby, don’t suffer alone. Tell a loved one and call your doctor right away.
You Are Not Alone
If you or someone you love is experiencing signs of postpartum depression or any mental health challenges, there is help:
Call 988 - The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 hotline for people who are in a crisis, have thoughts of suicide, or just need someone to talk to. Call or text 988. You can also chat at 988lifeline.org
Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides support before, during and after pregnancy and is: - 24/7 - Free! - Confidential - Offers 60+ languages
More resources from the BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center's Community Health Library:
YOGA - We offer free yoga sessions for the community. Check our events page to sign up for an upcoming session.
