Maternal mental health disorders remain common and often overlooked

Maternal and perinatal mental health disorders are significant public health concerns that often go untreated due to stigma, limited access to specialized care, or concerns regarding breastfeeding and pregnancy. Research indicates that nearly one in five birthing parents experiences a perinatal mental health disorder, making it the most common complication of childbirth.

These conditions encompass a range of issues including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and, in rarer cases, postpartum psychosis. Such disorders can develop during pregnancy or following delivery and can impact the well-being of the parent, the child, and the entire family unit.

Support for new mothers involves both emotional and practical assistance, such as help with meals, childcare, or uninterrupted sleep. Specialized programs, such as the Alexis Joy D’Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health at AHN West Penn Hospital, have been established to provide integrated care from pregnancy through the postpartum period to improve outcomes for families.