The US Health and Human Services Launch New Maternal Mental Health Hotline

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline launches

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS

It is available 24/7

Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many new moms feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after the baby is born.

Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But if these feelings last for more than two weeks, and make it hard to carry out daily tasks, like caring for themselves or their family, a mom may have perinatal depression or anxiety. These are common and treatable health conditions during or after pregnancy. And that’s why new moms, or those supporting them, should reach out right away for help.

According to the CDC, one in nine new mothers has postpartum depression and one in eight will have baby blues. Postpartum depression also affects 10% of fathers.

That’s almost every new mom who will experience feelings of hopelessness, who might feel inadequate or unequipped to take care of their baby. It is a severe condition that can last more than a year postpartum.

Those who contact the hotline can receive a range of support, including brief interventions from trained counselors who are culturally and trauma-informed, as well as referrals to both community-based and telehealth providers as needed. Callers also will receive evidence-based information and referrals to support groups and other community resources.

“Today, we are creating a safe space for expecting and new moms who are experiencing maternal depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns to have confidential conversations and get the support they need,” said Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Administrator Carole Johnson. “Moms can call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS and connect with a counselor at no charge. We are going to continue to grow our investments in this resource, as we know it’s what women need.”

Laura Shelton is the Perinatal Health Nurse Educator at Novant Health. She explained the difference between baby blues and Postpartum depression (PPD) and when you should seek help.

“Symptoms of the baby blues can include mood spells, crying spells, anxiety, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much,” Shelton said. “When those symptoms continue past two weeks and become worse than we’re looking at that postpartum depression.”

Mental health resources available for pregnant women and new mothers

Several risk factors can lead to PPD, including caring for multiples, or a baby who needs special care. Moms who have trouble breastfeeding, have difficulty delivering, or lack support can also increase their risk.

Shelton not only helps parents experiencing postpartum depression. She also suffered from it with both of her children.

“People are talking about it more, my goal is to decrease that stigma that comes along with mental health help as many new parents navigate the beginning of their parenting journey. I had postpartum depression with both of my kids and didn’t speak up and I really wish that I had,” Shelton said.

Shelton said one of the best ways to work through postpartum depression is by talking through your feelings. Either with family, friends, or other parents who are in the same situation.

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