Moms' Mental Health Matters

Maternal mental health is the range of feelings you can have during and after pregnancy.

 

Pregnancy and the postpartum period (time after delivery) can bring on lots of strong emotions. For many individuals, these feelings go away on their own. But, for some, these emotions are more serious and may stay for months. If you’re not feeling yourself for more than two weeks, make sure to reach out and find help. Difficulties such as depression and anxiety around pregnancy and after the baby is born are common and treatable. They affect new parents of every culture, age, gender, race, and income level.

Bookmark these critical resources for urgent warning signs and mental health concerns:

Module 1: Pregnancy Health Essentials

This module reviews weight gain recommendations, nutrition basics, standard physical activity recommendations, and the importance of good dental care during pregnancy.

 

There’s a lot to know about having a healthy pregnancy. Find course resources for a healthy pregnancy journey below, as well as the American Pregnancy Association.

Healthy Weight Gain During Pregnancy

Nutrition Basics

Physical Activity

Module 2: Trimesters 1, 2, & 3

This module explores the intricate stages of each trimester, what to expect during these stages, and practical self-care advice.

Module 3: Complications in Pregnancy

This module covers some of the most common conditions and complications that can arise during pregnancy and includes a list of resources shared throughout this course related to:

 

  • Preeclampsia
  • Pregnancy & Diabetes
  • High BMI in pregnancy

Module 4: Preparing for Baby's Arrival

This module covers preparing for childbirth, including the key roles of the people you choose for your birth team and how to draft a birth plan to help you make key decisions about your delivery so that you can express your wishes clearly. 

  • Breastfeeding is a special gift that only you can give your baby. But there’s a lot to learn, and it may take some time to get the hang of it. Breastfeeding 101 from the USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children offers a host of helpful resources. 
  • Get tips on Kangaroo Care, a method of holding your baby to your chest for skin-to-skin contact.

Module 5: Budgeting for Baby

This module covers all things financial when it comes to planning for baby: budgeting and planning, baby expenses, the costs and other considerations of choosing childcare providers, savings plans, and even preparing for when money is tight. Find more resources on Making a Budget here.

 

Please note that most benefit plans require you to act within 30 days of delivery to enroll your new baby in healthcare benefits – don’t forget to add your little one as a dependent! Contact your benefits department for details.

Module 6: Bringing Baby Home

This module offers insights and tips on welcoming baby home, reviewing safe sleep, feeding baby, and baby necessities that will help support your new addition safely at home. 

 

Module 7: Working Mom

This module covers managing your leave from work and preparing for a new routine for a successful return when it’s time to go back to work.

 

Module 8: The 'Fourth Trimester'

This module reviews the normal signs and symptoms after birth and what to do if your physical or emotional health is not optimal. It also offers tips on how to navigate the evolving relationships that come with a newborn.