Welcoming a new baby can be one of the most joyous times in a new mother's life, but one in seven postpartum women might disagree. That's how many new moms struggle with postpartum depression, a devastating maternal mental health diagnosis.
If you don't know much about this pervasive problem, you aren't alone. The Maternal Mental Health Act, or TRIUMPH for New Moms Act, seeks to change the understanding of maternal mental health. This piece of legislation will help guarantee that all women receive the care they need when struggling with a postpartum diagnosis.
You might wonder what this act aims to accomplish and how it might impact your access to maternal health programs. We've created this guide to show how this bill might affect the average American mother. One day, these services might become a lifeline that allows you or a mother you know to persevere over PPD.
Read on to learn all there is to know about the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act.
What Is the Maternal Mental Health Act?
An act is a piece of written legislation that ensures something will happen. Bill HR 4217 and HR 7666 of the Maternal Mental Health Act seek to form a new federal task force. This quorum will meet to discuss and advocate for maternal mental health care at the federal level.
The bills have moved on to the senate as of late June of 2022. Advocates hope their incredible work will soon begin.
The task force's primary goal will be to find ways to meet mothers where they are. They will begin with the knowledge that mothers are busy and have little free time.
The group will prioritize mothers from marginalized communities. These women historically live with obstacles that prevent them from seeking specialized care.
Ideally, the task force will succeed by forging connections at the community level. If accessible community programs employ state-certified specialists, they can provide services where they're needed most.
There will also be a focus on working with insurance companies to make mental health care more affordable.
Common Perinatal Mental Health Conditions
One of the most common maternal mental health conditions is postpartum depression. Some call this "the baby blues," and many cases resolve within two weeks post-birth. For other women, the depression worsens and makes it nearly impossible to care for themselves or meet their baby's needs.
PPD is only one such mental health condition plaguing new moms in our country. Several other equally devastating diagnoses become obstacles in mothers' lives. Because we don't discuss other issues as frequently, women are less likely to recognize a problem and pursue help.
The TRIUMPH for New Moms Act will offer support for the following conditions (among others):
- Postpartum Depression
- Postpartum Psychosis
- Postpartum Anxiety
- Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Postpartum Stress Syndrome
- Postpartum Addiction
If left untreated, many perinatal mental health conditions become more severe. For example, you may have heard about postpartum depression devolving into postpartum psychosis. This escalation is a tragedy only because efficient, high-quality treatment effectively mitigates symptoms.
The good news is that, with treatment, every diagnosis on the list has excellent outcomes. Still, education and affordable access to care are critical to the fight.
How Can the Act Help Mothers?
The Maternal Mental Health Act begins with the understanding that great inequity exists in our country. It recognizes that many women from marginalized populations, especially women of color, lack access to essential mental health services. Legislators have identified this as a public health emergency.
Another focus is on quality of care. Many legislators have recognized that not all mental health care is evidence-based or trustworthy. They seek to create a higher standard of care so that every woman will see results after taking steps to pursue help.
In other words, the plan is to create equity at the federal level. Ideally, any mother from any community will be able to access affordable care in her own neighborhood.
Furthermore, it acknowledges that motherhood can be isolating. Many women feel alone during the early days of parenting and have guilt about their negative feelings. The pervasive nature of care will eliminate the stigma of seeking help.
Part of the act also allocates funds for the new Maternal Mental Health Hotline. The hotline provides access to free mental health counseling. Struggling women will not need to leave home to connect with someone who can help.
The Need for Mental Health Care for Moms
Mothers are essential. Not only do they birth the future generation of leaders, but they raise them to be good people.
Studies suggest a direct link between maternal mental health and children's overall health. Unfortunately, mothers who don't receive health for perinatal mental health disorders often continue to struggle. The sooner they gain access to services, the more their children will thrive.
In other words, when America's mothers are healthy, our country becomes healthier, too.
Join the Fight for Maternal Well-Being
When you are struggling with postpartum depression or another maternal mental health diagnosis, it's challenging to be the best parent to your sweet baby. The Maternal Mental Health Act will make it possible for generations of new mothers and their children to thrive. We encourage you to do all you can to advocate for this significant piece of maternal health legislation.
In the meantime, it's okay to prioritize your own peace of mind by using a parenting tool like Pixsee. Your Pixsee smart baby monitor makes it possible for moms to feel comfortable and confident stepping away from their babies if they need a breather.
Visit our Amazon online store and Pixsee Shop to learn how Pixsee keeps babies safe, from the next room or anywhere.
