Prioritizing mental health for new moms from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

Guest post by Dr. Derek Robinson, VP and Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IllinoisWelcoming a child is a major life transition. In addition to preparing the home, family, labor and delivery plans throughout the pregnancy, this time includes frequent check-ins on the mother and baby’s physical health. However, it’s just as important that the family’s support network prioritizes the mother’s mental well-being.Mental health conditions are among the most common complications during the perinatal period, which begins with pregnancy and ends a year after delivery. Improving mental health conditions in this period requires addressing the root cause of the problem. In Illinois, 75 women die due to pregnancy complications every year, and 40% of these deaths are due to mental health conditions that include substance use disorders.Additionally, Black women are three times more likely to die from physical pregnancy-related conditions than White women, and White women and Latinx women were more likely to die from pregnancy-related mental health conditions than Black women. The state of Illinois was one of the first states to legislate a full 12 months of pregnancy care to reduce preventable causes of death.So-called “baby blues” are caused by hormonal changes. But this is different from postpartum depression. If a new mother is feeling depressed or sad more than two weeks after giving birth, contact her provider or seek the help of a mental health professional.Check in on mom. It’s vital that friends and loved ones monitor for warning signs, especially since a mother may not notice them right away. A proactive approach can ensure proper treatment to prevent severe distress or even death.Encourage communication with health experts. Request a screening for mental health disorders at primary care offices including OB, pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, as well as by social agencies such as Women Infant and Children, and care coordination. Screening should be performed in a culturally sensitive manner to reduce fear and stigma. Lastly, new models of maternal support can be employed such as Centering Pregnancy, doulas, health workers, and the use of technology.Develop a support plan. Consider what you can do to help – like babysitting to free up time for sleep, housework and errands, or providing balanced meals, all of which can reduce stress.Significant mental and emotional shifts are common for moms-to-be and new moms. The most important thing often is simply assuring them they’re not alone. Connect with a health care provider to learn more about the signs and mental health resources available to help new mothers be their best.ReferenceIllinois Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report 2016-2017. State of Illinois Department of Public Health 2021.Melissa K. Zochowski, Giselle E. Kolenic, Kara Zivin, AncaTilea, Lindsay K. Admon, Stephanie V. Hall, Agatha AdvinCula, and Vanessessa K. Dalton. Trends in Primary Cesarean Section Rates Among Women with and Without Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Health Affairs 40. No. 10(2021):1585-1591