In Episode 18 of the podcast, Drs. Brandi and Nirmaljit talk about how the partner and loved ones of a pregnant person can support her mental health journey by creating a safe space for her to express her needs and advocating for her when possible.
If your loved one is pregnant or recently gave birth and you’re wondering how, exactly, to do this, here are 4 things you can do to support them and their mental health throughout the transition:
- Pay attention to her behavior. Observe any changes in your loved one’s behavior, habits, or self-talk. Navigating pregnancy and postpartum is often overwhelming and disorienting. Your loved one may say they’re “fine,” but their actions can provide more insight. In the event there’s a drastic change, determine how and where you can offer them assistance.
- Help where you can. Ask your friend where you can help – making meals, cleaning up, running errands, etc. Some perinatal women may decline the offer because they don’t want to feel like a burden. Assure them that you want to have a role in their new life phase, and you’re happy to lend a hand.
- Be patient. Demonstrating compassion and patience to your perinatal loved one is one of the most helpful things you can do. Letting her know that you are there and being grounded enough to support her transition lets her know she isn’t navigating the new challenges of motherhood alone.
- Offer resources. If you suspect your loved one could benefit from outside support for their mental health, share resources they can explore. As a starting point, below is the list of resources Dr. Nirmaljit shared during the podcast:
Resources for Perinatal Women
For emotional support:
Reach the National Suicide Prevention Line (USA) by dialing 988 on your phone or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
Contact the Trevor Project (for suicide prevention and overall mental well-being of young LGBTQ lives) or call 866-488-7386.
For anyone outside the USA, see https://befrienders.org/
Postpartum resources for mental health:
Postpartum.net
Marce Society
MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health
The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale
Inpatient Perinatal Hospitals
Perinatal Psychiatry Inpatient Unit – Center for Women’s Mood Disorders (unc.edu)
Perinatal Psychiatry services – Obstetrics and Gynecology | Northwell Health
Women’s Specialty Unit | El Camino Health
Hotline for El Camino Hospital Inpatient Perinatal Mental Health for providers and families (anywhere in the US): 650-988-8468.
