/ en Fri, 25 Apr 2025 21:02:10 -0500 Tue, 08 Apr 25 09:34:58 -0500 /bhmb/issue-brief Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:34:58 -0500 Maternal Mental Health /news/blog/2025-01-23-meeting-patients-perinatal-mental-health-needs <p><em>When I delivered my first baby in 2016, I did not understand how I would feel postpartum. Though I had many family members who had experienced birth and postpartum before me, they did not share their challenges, fears and emotions. Their stories revolved around the demands of caring for a newborn.</em></p><p><em>I fell into the same pattern. Like so many women before me, my own feelings remained unspoken. It was never about me, Aisha. I did not realize how common my struggles were nor how isolating postpartum would feel.</em></p><p><em>Nine years and a few kids later, I know that I was not alone. </em><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/depression/index.html"><em>1 in 8 women</em></a><em> report symptoms of postpartum depression after birth, and </em><a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/anxiety-and-pregnancy"><em>1 in 5</em></a><em> pregnant or postpartum women experience anxiety. The most startling statistic: </em><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality/php/data-research/index.html"><em>65%</em></a><em> of pregnancy-associated morbidity and mortality happens during the postpartum period and are primarily caused by mental health conditions.</em></p><p><em>Through my role at the ���������� Association, I have witnessed the transformative changes hospitals and health systems are implementing to improve maternal mental health. They are offering access to resources and creating unique and tailored approaches for postpartum support to best meet the needs of their patients and communities. And at the AHA, we will continue to elevate the importance of postpartum mental health so that no mom feels alone.</em></p><h2>The Role of Hospitals in Optimizing Postpartum Mental Health <a><span>Support</span></a></h2><p class="text-align-center"></p><p>Hospitals can play a key role in building holistic treatment and support for perinatal mental health disorders during this critical period. Last year, the <a href="https://policycentermmh.org/">Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health</a> and the AHA cohosted a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zl_e-ZnASM">panel discussion</a> with leaders from Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, La., and the University of Colorado Hospital on providing maternal mental health care. The panelists discussed the clinical and operational considerations of their programs as well as topics ranging from respectful maternity care and multidisciplinary team-based care to peer support and integration with community-based partners.  </p><h2>Programming and Practice</h2><p><a href="https://www.womans.org/inpatient-behavioral-health-care" target="_blank"><strong>Woman’s Hospital Inpatient Program</strong></a></p><p>Woman’s Hospital is the newest of a handful of inpatient perinatal mental health treatment programs. Their 10-bed perinatal mental health unit opened in September 2024 and had served 43 patients by mid-October. Their team specializes in caring for high-risk pregnant women and those who have experienced a pregnancy loss, supporting women up to one year postpartum.</p><p>Patients receive team-based care from psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, nurses skilled in both obstetrical and psychiatric care, specialty-trained mental health technicians, maternal fetal medicine specialists, onsite OBGYNs and lactation consultants. The unit also provides group therapy, which helps patients feel a sense of support in shared experiences.      </p><p>Woman’s Hospital has built partnerships with nearby clinics and community-based organizations to expand reach, raise awareness and gather resources to better support women when they are admitted. The aim is for this integrated approach to help women build trust with the inpatient hospital program and ensure they can access the support they need.</p><p><a href="https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/psychiatry/Healthyexpectationsiop" target="_blank"><strong>The University of Colorado Hospital Anschutz Medical Campus, Intensive Outpatient Program</strong></a></p><p>The University of Colorado’s Healthy Expectations Perinatal Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides care for individuals with moderate to severe perinatal mood and anxiety disorders or related conditions. The program provides a higher level of treatment than traditional outpatient therapy. The IOP runs nine hours weekly over an eight-week curriculum, focusing on three key components: skill-building and coping strategies for managing mental health symptoms, promoting secure parent-child attachment, and developing wellness strategies and routines.</p><p>The program prioritizes connecting families to community-based resources that reduce isolation, foster connection and validate the challenges of parenthood. Collaborations with local organizations, such as doula programs for individuals with substance use behaviors, as well as community parenting interventions, provide support beyond traditional maternal mental health support. The hospital also provides home visits, parenting workshops and peer-led groups to ensure families receive care that meets their unique needs and empowers them to thrive.</p><h2>Key Takeaways</h2><p>Both hospitals emphasized the need to partner with front-line providers to build their awareness of perinatal mental health needs and services. They need training to identify mental health conditions and establish systems for referrals and follow-ups with specialists and community resources as appropriate. Hospitals also can play a role in providing clinicians with additional trainings, such as <a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/professional-interests/integrated-care/get-trained">behavioral health integration training through the American Psychiatric Association.</a><u> </u></p><p>Clinicians and mental health professionals in hospitals can register for the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health’s <a href="https://policycentermmh.org/certificate-training/">Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training for Mental Health and Clinical Professionals</a> to gain knowledge and insights on strategies and interventions to increase awareness, screening and treatment of perinatal mental health conditions. Hospitals also can connect patients and their families to the <a href="https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline" target="_blank" title="(opens in a new window)">National Maternal Mental Health Hotline</a>, 1-833-TLC-MAMA, which offers 24/7 support and resources via call or text to pregnant women and new mothers and their families. These resources help ensure front-line providers have the tools necessary to respond to mental health needs.     </p><p>By normalizing conversations about mental health across the perinatal care continuum, bringing awareness of its impact, supporting obstetric providers to screen and educate, and creating new hospital treatment programs, we can create a culture where new moms feel empowered to seek help and are supported when they do.</p><p><em>Aisha Syeda, MPH, senior program manager for AHA’s Strategic Initiatives</em></p><p><em>Regan Moss, MPH, policy and programs analyst with the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health </em></p> Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:08:22 -0600 Maternal Mental Health /bhmb/discussion-guide Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:30:52 -0600 Maternal Mental Health /news/chairpersons-file/2024-11-04-chair-file-transforming-maternal-health-care-and-outcomes <p>Ensuring all women have the care they need during and after pregnancy is a priority at U.S. hospitals and health systems.</p><p>You likely know the impetus behind this priority. While the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/provisional-maternal-deaths-rates.htm" target="_blank" title="CDC.gov National Vital Statistics System: Provisional Maternal Mortality Rates">maternal mortality rate has decreased</a> the past year, the U.S. still has the highest rate of maternal deaths of any industrialized nation. And Black women die from pregnancy and childbirth complications at a higher rate than white women. Given that reality, many local, state and national efforts are now focused on transforming maternal health care and improving outcomes.</p><p>Across the country, hospitals and health systems are addressing all aspects of maternal care, including access, disparities, the social drivers of health, and mental health concerns. Here are just a few examples:</p><ul><li>Northwell Health in New York launched a Center for Maternal Health, part of the Katz Institute for Women’s Health, in 2022 to improve maternal care inside and outside the hospital and address “complex risk factors from preconception through the first year after delivery” and social drivers of health that “raise the risk” of those issues among Black women. The health system’s <a href="/2022-05-25-members-action-case-study-care-navigation-high-risk-moms-combat-disparate-outcomes">Maternal Outcomes and Morbidity (MOMS) Collaborative Navigation program</a> focuses on providing the best possible outcome and safe delivery for mom and baby.</li><li>St. James Hospital in Butte, Mont., part of Intermountain Health, developed the <a href="/advancing-health-podcast/2024-04-03-first-1000-days-life-creating-brighter-futures-new-moms-and-babies">“First 1,000 Days of Life” initiative</a> to provide wraparound services for at-risk pregnant women. These moms receive care, guidance and support throughout their pregnancy and also during the first two years of their baby’s life. Care coordinators at the hospital connect moms and families to community resources as needed.</li><li>Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, La., recently opened a Perinatal Mental Health Unit to provide specialized treatment for women experiencing mental health challenges and who are pregnant, up to one year postpartum or have suffered a pregnancy loss within the previous year. It will be one of the hospitals featured in a <a href="/education-events/role-hospitals-optimizing-postpartum-mental-health-support">Nov. 21 AHA webinar on optimizing postpartum mental health support</a>.</li></ul><p>Dartmouth Health, the system I lead, worked with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to launch the <a href="https://www.dartmouth-health.org/about/news/article/dartmouth-health-and-new-hampshire-department-health-and-human-services-launch-initiative" target="_blank" title="Dartmouth Health: Dartmouth Health and New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services launch initiative to improve maternal and infant health">New Hampshire Perinatal Quality Collaborative</a> to improve maternal and infant health care outcomes across the state.</p><p>Many states have established a Perinatal Quality Collaborative that brings together clinical teams, public health leaders and other organizations and individuals — including patients and families — to ensure quality of care for moms and their babies. Hospitals and health systems are key partners in PQCs, which review data, track progress, share best practices and discuss opportunities for improvement.</p><p>The AHA is committed to driving improvement in maternal health. <a href="/advocacy/maternal-and-child-health">Newly designed webpages dedicated to maternal and child health</a> highlight case studies, podcasts, infographics and action plans. The AHA also <a href="/advocacy/2024-09-28-federal-public-policy-and-legislative-solutions-improving-maternal-health">advocates for policies aimed to improve maternal health</a> across the continuum of care and to include government and community partners in this effort.</p><p>Quality, equitable, maternal health care is vital to mothers, their babies and families — and our communities. Healthy pregnancies and a strong start for children are part of the foundation for advancing the nation’s health.</p><p><span><strong>Election Day:</strong></span><strong> With Election Day tomorrow, I want to encourage everyone who hasn’t voted yet to do so. Please see the </strong><a href="/news/perspective/2024-11-01-exercise-your-right-vote-nov-5"><strong>Nov. 1 column from AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack on the importance of voting</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p> Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:27:26 -0600 Maternal Mental Health /education-events/role-hospitals-optimizing-postpartum-mental-health-support <p><a class="btn btn-md btn-secondary btn-" href="https://youtu.be/4Zl_e-ZnASM" data-view-context="top-level-view"><strong>View Webinar</strong></a></p><p>The postpartum period is a dangerous time for new moms; nearly 63% of pregnancy-related deaths occur in this time. Postpartum depression and anxiety are the most common complications of birth and maternal suicide and overdose are the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths.  <br><br>Co-hosted by the ���������� Association and The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, this webinar explores the role hospitals can play to build up treatment and support for maternal mental health disorders during this critical period. <br><br>Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, La. dive into the development of its newest 10-bed perinatal mental health unit, dedicated to creating a safe space for those with diagnosed perinatal mental health conditions. Mental health leaders from University of Colorado Hospital will share the programs they have developed to support mothers through their intensive outpatient programs, focused on support, therapy and medication management. <br><br>Speakers emphasize strategies and action steps hospitals and health systems can take to prioritize mental health, especially for high-risk pregnancies, and improve postpartum experiences and outcomes.  </p><p><strong>Speakers:</strong></p><ul><li>Cheri Barker Johnson, MSN, RNC-OB, executive vice president and chief nursing officer, Woman’s Hospital</li><li>Jessalyn Kelleher, Psy.D., clinical director, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry</li><li>Melissa Kwitowski, Ph.D., program director, University of Colorado Hospital</li><li>Moderator: Aisha Syeda, MPH, senior program manager, ���������� Association</li></ul> Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:49:23 -0500 Maternal Mental Health /role-hospitals-women-infants-hospital-rhode-island-warm-line-offers-postpartum-support-new-moms <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-5"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-10/ths-women-infants-rhode-island-new-moms-warm-line-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Women & Infants Hospital. Stock photo of a mother talking on the phone while holding a newborn" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>Care that mothers receive after a baby is born is just as crucial as prenatal care. New motherhood is physically and emotionally taxing, and all new parents need “a baseline of support — sleep, healthy food, time to yourself,” advises the <a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/5-reasons-why-you-need-a-postpartum-support-network" target="_blank">American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists</a>. Postpartum support from family, friends and health care professionals is particularly important during the first 12 weeks after birth, though the whole first year is a high-risk time for new moms.</p><p>To help support moms and dads with newborns, Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, R.I., part of Care New England, established <a href="https://www.womenandinfants.org/warm-line" target="_blank">The Warm Line</a>. It’s a toll-free telephone support system staffed by professional nurses. Parents can call, ask questions and get helpful information on everything from breastfeeding to managing postpartum issues.</p><p>The Women & Infants Hospital website provides additional support to new moms, including <a href="https://www.womenandinfants.org/services/pregnancy/feeding-your-baby" target="_blank">comprehensive information on breastfeeding</a>: how and how long to breastfeed, how to know if a baby is eating enough, what foods to eat and what foods to avoid while breastfeeding, and links to lactation consultants and breastfeeding support services. If a new mother prefers not to breastfeed, the hospital website offers guidelines on bottle-feeding and safely preparing formula.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.womenandinfants.org/warm-line" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/center/population-health">Improving Health and Wellness</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 11:43:46 -0500 Maternal Mental Health /role-hospitals-dartmouth-health-co-leads-new-hampshire-perinatal-quality-collaborative <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-5"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-10/ths-new-hampshire-perinatal-2-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Dartmouth Health. A new mother in hospital gown kisses her newborn" width="700" height="532" class="align-left"></p></div><p>Maternal and infant health has become a national concern. The U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income countries worldwide. Also in the U.S., Black women, Native American women and women in rural communities experience higher maternal mortality rates than white women or women living in urban areas. New Hampshire is taking action to address similar health concerns and inequities across the state.</p><p>Launched in February 2024 and led by teams from Dartmouth Health and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the <a href="https://www.nnepqin.org/home/new-hampshire-perinatal-quality-collaborative-nhpqc" target="_blank">New Hampshire Perinatal Quality Collaborative (NHPQC)</a> is a statewide network working collaboratively to improve maternal and infant health care and outcomes. Recognizing that poor outcomes “disproportionately impact individuals based on race/ethnicity, rurality, income level and insurance status,” the NHPQC aims to bridge those gaps.</p><p>The core co-design team includes ob-gyns, doulas, a quality improvement specialist, community health workers and parenting community members, all of whom guide the collaborative’s strategic direction. The NHPQC prioritizes reaching out to moms and members of local organizations to share their experience and perspective, bolstering efforts to advocate for improved maternal health care.</p><p>Overarching goals of the collaborative are:</p><ul><li>Developing a sustainable infrastructure that supports ideal birth conditions for everyone.</li><li>Ensuring equitable, safe and inclusive practice and care in all New Hampshire communities.</li><li>Supporting women/birthing people and making sure they have the power to make informed decisions.</li><li>Collecting and evaluating data to continuously improve perinatal health outcomes in the state.</li></ul><p>Central to the NHPQC’s work is building local perinatal coalitions across New Hampshire to address the needs of each regional birthing community, giving “voice to all people with a stake in perinatal health care who may not be traditionally represented in spaces where these change efforts occur.”</p><p>The NHPQC has a dedicated webpage to share resources and publicize webinars that cover everything from maternal nutrition to maternal mental health. Monthly newsletters spotlight coalition partners, provide helpful information and resources for community outreach — including suggested “elevator speech” templates — and track the progress of coalition-building across the state.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.nnepqin.org/home/new-hampshire-perinatal-quality-collaborative-nhpqc)/">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/advocacy/access-and-health-coverage">Access to Care</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Thu, 17 Oct 2024 15:30:48 -0500 Maternal Mental Health /news/headline/2024-10-10-hrsa-awards-nearly-19-million-states-maternal-health-programs <p>The Health Resources and Services Administration Oct. 9 <a href="https://www.hrsa.gov/about/news/press-releases/maternal-health-innovation-awards-oct-2024">announced</a> it will award nearly $19 million to 15 states for identifying and implementing maternal health strategies. The funds are part of HRSA’s Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative and will support State Maternal Health Innovation programs to help identify key drivers of maternal mortality in each state, develop strategies and implement new interventions to address those issues. The state programs have implemented a range of interventions to address maternal health challenges, which include early identification and treatment of hypertension to reduce preeclampsia and other risks, providing mobile simulation trainings to prepare health care providers for a range of adverse labor events, expanding access to trainings to rural and frontier hospitals that do not have a dedicated obstetrics department, and creating resources to improve first responders’ ability to respond to patients with substance use disorder during and after pregnancy.</p> Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:15:10 -0500 Maternal Mental Health /bhmb/infographic Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:23:36 -0500 Maternal Mental Health /bhmb/action-plan Fri, 27 Sep 2024 09:23:12 -0500 Maternal Mental Health