Motherhood Matters

Supporting Maternal Mental Health

Pregnancy and early parenthood are times of intense joy, excitement, and anticipation — and major life changes. For many mothers, the happiness outweighs other emotions. But about 20% of new moms will experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder or PMAD.

Holly Kralj, a certified nurse midwife with Enloe Health Obstetrics & Gynecology, has been affiliated with Enloe since 2002. She said maternal mental health has “gotten worse.”

“The leading cause of death used to be postpartum hemorrhage for new mothers nationally, but now it’s overdoses and suicide for mothers who’ve given birth during the previous 12 months,” Kralj said. “Ten years ago, 15% of women suffered from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, but now it’s 1 in 5.”

Luckily, there is hope, she said. When moms share their feelings and seek care, their mental well-being can improve.

“Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are completely treatable,” Kralj said.

Disasters Take a Toll

Butte County has been particularly hard-hit when it comes to PMAD, Kralj said. “First it was the 2018 Camp Fire, and then with COVID and the stress and isolation related to that, it has increased mental health issues,” she added.

Perhaps the best-known disorder in this category is depression during pregnancy and after delivery, Kralj said. Women who suffer from this may feel sad, anxious, irritable, guilty and hopeless. They may also have trouble concentrating and feel ashamed they are depressed during a time that is supposed to be joyous.

The condition is more severe than the “baby blues,” which typically are mild and resolve themselves about two weeks after a mother gives birth. Kralj said about 700 Butte County women every year suffer from PMAD, and if the condition is not addressed, it can become a long-term problem.

“It typically does not go away on its own,” she added.

Providing Hope

Several resources in the North State can help moms, said Kralj, including Mothers Strong, an organization she and others founded that “brings together concerned people from the community to address maternal mental health issues.”

The group helps connect moms with online and local therapists, support groups, and resources.

She adds that Enloe Health is also doing its part to help mothers. Its caregivers screen expectant moms for symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during their first prenatal visits, then screen them again before mothers leave the hospital after giving birth. Later, moms are screened once more at their postpartum office visit. The health system also offers a monthly Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Group that takes place the first Friday of every month on Zoom.

Kralj encourages mothers who are struggling to talk to their provider. They can help moms get treatment and find the resources they need.

“We just want to raise awareness so that women know it’s not their fault, and they did nothing wrong,” Kralj said. “There are people who can help them through it.”

Show Your Support

Help bring awareness to maternal mental health. Attend Enloe Health’s annual Mothers Stroll. This free event takes place Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon at DeGarmo Park in Chico.

The event aims to empower, uplift and encourage families. Participants will enjoy a variety of community resources, family activities, breastfeeding information, a group stroll, prizes and more. Visit www.enloe.org/stroll for complete details.