Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division

Maternal Mental Health

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MCAH 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.

1 in 3 pregnant people experience anxiety or depression symptoms during or after pregnancy ¹

Between 5% and 14% of pregnant and postpartum people have thoughts or intentions of self-harm, or suicidal ideation

Suicide among pregnant or recently pregnant people can sometimes be prevented when someone intervenes

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.

Printed Materials

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

Maternal Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet

Download in English and more languages.

Coloring Sheets Stress Relief

Download in English (PDF, 1.6MB) or
Spanish (PDF, 3.5MB)

Data Brief Maternal and Child Health Assessment: Symptoms of depression during and after pregnancy

Download English (PDF)

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Video Library

Share these videos on your website and in social media posts.

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

Maternal Mental Health Resources

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.

Information and Training for Health Professionals

Reference

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

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