Mom & Mind Podcast | Postpartum | Birth | Pregnancy | Maternal Mental Health |

Today’s episode focuses on a recent article in JAMA Internal Medicine regarding maternal mental health in the United States. I’ll explain and summarize the study and results, and discuss the most appropriate next steps. Since I’m presenting the information in summary form, please read the article for yourself by clicking the link in the Resources section for this episode.  Show Highlights: The findings of this study are sobering and validating. Scope and value of research findings like this to “fill the gap” in maternal mental health The details of the study subjects: 198,000+ US mothers from 2016-2023 who self-reported their physical and mental health The key findings: The percentage of mothers reporting a rating of “excellent” mental health dropped dramatically during the time frame, the percentage reporting “fair” or “poor” mental health increased, and the trend of declining maternal mental health crosses through all socio-economic groups. The key factors contributing to mater