Practice 16: Maternal Mental Health and Wellbeing

Seek appropriate care and social support during perinatal period to manage maternal mental health.

• Ask if the mother has any signs of feeling sad or irritable feelings/mood that affects handling of daily routines.
• Ask who she talks to about her mental health (feelings/moodiness) and if she has gone for any counselling if needed or talked with someone.
• Listen attentively.

• Appreciate if the family is aware of mental health issues and are taking care of the mother.
• If not, try to understand the root of the problem. For example, is talking about mental health a stigma or is it that there are no services to help in this area of health.
• Brainstorm and come up with some possible solutions.

• Identify the problem, discuss a joint solution and coach the mother.
• Help her understand how to talk to the family about mental health issues and where to seek support and care.

• Pregnant women go through several changes like gaining weight, swollen feet, losing self-confidence; or they can go through some emotional and psychological changes. It is normal to talk about mental illness.
• It is important that the family understands what a woman goes through and supports them through the pregnancy, delivery and postnatal period.
• When a mother is healthy and happy, the child and family will also be healthy and happy.
• There is no shame in seeking help.
• It is also important that they seek medical care as early as possible should the need arise, as it helps in identifying a problem and treating it on time.