It’s time to invest in Maternal Mental Health!
[ [link removed] ]Take Action Now
[ [link removed] ]TAKE ACTION

Dear Friend,

“Without diagnosis and treatment of my postpartum depression I don’t know
what would have happened – I was losing the ability to take care of my
daughter and was struggling with suicidal thoughts.” --Kristin 

[ [link removed] ]Kristin is not alone. So many moms struggle. We can and we must do
better. Click here and add your name to our letter calling on Congress to
support critical funding for maternal mental health.

We hear from so many moms like Kristin. In fact, right now up to 1 in 5
women suffer from maternal mental health disorders like depression or
anxiety in the U.S. and research shows that this number has more than
doubled during the pandemic. [1] When maternal mental health disorders are
not diagnosed and not treated, these conditions can lead to more serious
health issues for the birthing person, their infant, and family. [ [link removed] ]
Besides worsening health problems there is also a national economic cost
of $14.2 billion when these disorders are left untreated. [ [link removed] ]
Horrifically, maternal mental health disorder is the leading cause of
preventable maternal deaths. [ [link removed] ]

As the call for more mental health services intensifies in the United
States, in light of recent acts of mass violence, it’s important that we
urge our leaders to remember that maternal mental health care is part of
that urgent need.

[2]Urge Congress to ensure that all moms have access to the mental health
resources they need. 

Maternal mental health disorders like postpartum depression are so common,
yet 1 in 5 women report NOT being screened for maternal depression despite
universal screening being recommended. [ [link removed] ][ [link removed] ] Historical inequities,
implicit bias, lack of cultural competency and lack of access to providers
means that women of color face even higher barriers to seeking treatment.
[ [link removed] ]

There is legislation pending before Congress that would effectively
address the maternal mental health crisis and we must urge our leaders to
support it! 

The Into the Light for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Act would provide state funding for maternal mental health programs and
for a dedicated national hotline providing 24/7 voice and text support in
English and Spanish. The TRIUMPH for New Moms Act would help improve
coordination around maternal mental health efforts including the
establishment of a national task force to streamline existing programs.
And finally, the Moms Matter Act would invest in prevention, intervention,
and treatment as well as help grow and diversify the maternal mental
health workforce. 

The United States is the most dangerous place to give birth among
industrialized nations. [ [link removed] ] Black and Indigenous women suffer the most due
to widespread inequities and racism throughout the healthcare system. [ [link removed] ]
That is why we must also work to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus,
a comprehensive package of bills that includes significant investments in
community-based programs to diversify the maternal health workforce,
provide funding for tech to address racism and biases in screening and
treatment, and expand mental health treatments and supports. 

[3]Add your name now so I can make sure your voice is heard too, and be
sure to share the link below with your friends and family so they can also
take action.

Together we can, and must, do better for moms, babies, families and our
communities.

- Gina, Tina, Monifa, and the whole MomsRising.org & MamásConPoder Team

P.S. Did you recently give birth? Please [4]share your postpartum
experience with us? 

 

References:

[1] [5]California’s Strategic Plan: A catalyst for shifting statewide
systems to improve care across California and beyond
[2] [6]The Maternal Mental Health Crisis Undermines Moms' and Babies'
Health
[3] [7]Societal Costs of Untreated Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in
the United States
[4] [8]Maternal suicide still a leading cause of death in first postnatal
year
[5] [9]Perinatal depression: a systematic review of prevalence and
incidence. Gavin NI, Gaynes BN, Lohr KN, Meltzer-Brody S, Gartlehner G,
Swinson T.  Obstet Gynecol[ [link removed] ], Advancing Racial Equity in Maternal Mental
Health Policy, CLASP
[6] [ [link removed] ]Vital Signs: Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Provider
Discussions About Perinatal Depression — United States, 2018, CDC
[7] [ [link removed] ]Advancing Racial Equity in Maternal Mental Health Policy, CLASP
[8] [ [link removed] ]Visualizing the stark maternal health inequities in the United
States 
[9] [ [link removed] ]U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis Hits Black Women Hardest


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