February Perinatal Mental Health Newsletter

Dear Reader,

Black History Month reminds us of the importance of equitable maternal care. Black women face greater risks for untreated mood and anxiety disorders, and OBs play a critical role in addressing these disparities.

FamilyWell, we’re here to support the efforts of OBs nationwide in advancing inclusive, evidence-based care. Together, we can build a future where every mother thrives.

Warmly,

Dr. Jess Gaulton, MD, MPH

Founder/CEO of FamilyWell

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According to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance:

• 40% of Black women experience maternal mental health symptoms, nearly twice the rate of all women.
• Black women are one of the most under-treated groups for depression in the U.S.
• Over 50% of postpartum depression cases in women of color go unreported.

Urgent: Congressional leaders are considering devastating cuts to Medicaid funding that would put access to mental health care at risk for millions of Americans receiving Medicaid.

If these cuts happen, it will be more difficult for many people to maintain coverage that includes maternal health and mental health care and will limit benefits.

Why is this important?

• Medicaid pays for nearly 50% of births in the United States.
• Pregnant and postpartum women's health and mental health are at risk of losing coverage.
• FamilyWell's mission is to provide high-quality, equitable, and affordable mental health care for perinatal individuals, and these funding cuts would directly impact our ability to care for a large number of our patients.?

Here are some easy ways to take action!?Post on social media, talk about this with your friends & family, and speak up!

What's the latest in perinatal mental health?

Traumatic Loss and Black Maternal Health

A study published this month in the Infant Mental Health Journal delves into the complex role of traumatic loss in shaping Black maternal mental health and maternal bonding. The findings indicate that unresolved trauma can disrupt the formation of secure bonds between mothers and infants, underscoring the importance of culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care for Black mothers.

Read More.

Fluctuation in Perinatal Emotion Dysregulation

A recent investigation reveals that emotion dysregulation during the perinatal period doesn’t follow a simple, steady progression. Instead, emotional challenges can fluctuate—sometimes intensifying and then easing—depending on a range of prenatal and birth experiences. This “nonlinear” pattern means that symptoms may not increase or decrease uniformly, underscoring the importance of early, proactive screening and tailored interventions. By recognizing these complex emotional trajectories, providers can identify critical moments of vulnerability and offer personalized care to better support expecting mothers.

Read More.

ACTION: The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline and the State-Based Perinatal Psychiatry Access Programs Need Your Help

Two important federally-funded programs — the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline and the state-based Perinatal Psychiatry Access Programs — are helping to address the maternal mental health crisis in the US. Help these programs continue to receive adequate funding. The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance is seeking stories of the positive impact that these programs are having on American mothers and families and on the healthcare providers who serve them. Do you or your patients have any experiences to share? Please take a few moments to fill out our surveys below.

DEADLINE for submission is Friday, March 7 at 5pm EST.

National Materinal Mental Health Hotline (Survey)

Perinatal Psychiatry Access Programs (Survey)

Resource Roundup

Our team’s favorites this month

• Prescribing Sleep for Postpartum Depression – A peer-reviewed study that explores how targeted sleep interventions can alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression, emphasizing the role of sleep management in enhancing maternal mental health outcomes.
• Empowering Texas Moms with Doulas – A report detailing how doula support can enhance maternal care and improve outcomes, advocating for broader access to these essential services.
• Hear it From Her - Beyond the Status of Health compiles diverse maternal narratives to highlight the multifaceted challenges of postpartum mental health and the need for timely support.
• CANMAT 2024 Clinical Guidelines – Comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for assessing and managing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, providing actionable recommendations for providers.

Team Spotlight

Meet Shandelle Jefferson, Partner Success Manager

Shandelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Partner Success Manager passionate about perinatal mental health. With a background in solutions architecture and care navigation, she bridges behavioral health with patient-centered care. Her personal experience with hyperemesis gravidarum drives her commitment to raising awareness about pregnancy-related PTSD—especially in marginalized communities. In her role as Partner Success Manager for FamilyWell, Shandelle works to strengthen partnerships that enhance behavioral health services for perinatal individuals, ensuring providers have the tools they need to support patients holistically.

Shandelle's Thoughts About Mental Health in the Black Community

"Mental health in the Black community isn’t just about access—it’s about trust, cultural competency, and breaking generational cycles of silence. Every conversation, every resource, and every act of advocacy brings us closer to healing."

FamilyWell Blog

Gabriela Almeida Altamirano: A Journey in Perinatal Behavioral Health Coaching

Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Gabriela Almeida Altamirano shares her transformative path in perinatal behavioral health coaching. Her story illuminates the profound impact of compassionate support and innovative care, inspiring OBs to enhance the mental well-being of the families they serve.

Learn More

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