Maternal Mental Health: A Qualitative Interview Study of Maternal Health Providers in the United States

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Maleeha Shah

Abstract or Description

Abstract: 

Background: One in five individuals suffer from a mental health disorder during pregnancy or in postpartum in the US, yet few have their mental illness identified or treated. Research reveals that individuals of color, particularly Black and Indigenous people, and the under- and uninsured are at greater risk of experiencing untreated perinatal mental illnesses.  

Methods: This paper presents interview data with 20 individuals who provide maternal healthcare and/or birth and postpartum support in the US regarding their experiences with maternal mental healthcare in the US. 

Results: Nearly 40% of the women experienced perinatal mood disorders that were never identified or treated by their healthcare providers. This lack of treatment stemmed from a combination of factors including the women’s failure to honestly report mental health concerns alongside ineffective mental health screening protocols administered during newborn pediatric visits. These experiences differed from maternal health providers’ perspectives, which assumed that failure to identify and treat mental health conditions were largely tied to lack of insurance, which notably none of the women in the sample lacked. Providers also noted that insufficient resources for mental health support was another crucial problem, as it impacted the types of treatments and support available during pregnancy and in postpartum.  

Conclusion: These interviews reveal a disconnect between the women’s experiences navigating mental health issues, especially in postpartum, and providers’ understanding of the persisting maternal mental health crisis in the US, pointing to areas of practice and policy that should be targeted for improved maternal health. 

Mentor

Dr.Hyeyoung Nelson