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Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Division

Maternal Mental Healthā€‹

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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.ā€‹ā€‹

 
 

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 intervenesā€‹ā€‹

ā€‹ā€‹MCAH wants everyone to know that there is no shame in seeking heā€‹ā€‹lp, and most people experience full recovery when they get treatment. Hereā€™s what do if you need help:

  • Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). The Natioā€‹ā€‹nal Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy.

  • Call or text ā€œHELPā€ to 1-800-944-4773. The ā€‹ā€‹ā€‹Postpartum Support International Hotline provides information, encouragement, and names of resources near you.

  • Ask for help. Donā€™ā€‹ā€‹t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends, whether itā€™s caring for the baby or doing household chores.ā€‹

Printed Materials

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

Preview of Maternal Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet  

Maternal Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet 

Download in English and more languages.

Preview of Coloring Sheets Stress Relief 

Coloring Sheets Stress Relief

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

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

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

Download English (PDF)

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Maternal Mental Health Resources

Reference

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