Each May brings a celebration of Mothers’ Day, and it is also Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. While motherhood certainly brings joy, the perinatal period — the time from conception to a year after birth — can also be an exceedingly difficult time due to hormonal changes, lifestyle adjustments, and the immense amount of work that goes into caring for an infant and maintaining the household. There hasn’t been enough awareness or support for those who are struggling with these changes, and lives are being lost as a result.
In Arizona, the maternal mortality data from 2018-2019 paints a concerning picture: an average of 71 pregnant or birthing individuals died within 365 days of pregnancy each year, with a staggering 87% of these deaths being preventable. What’s particularly alarming is that pregnancy-associated deaths disproportionately affected individuals covered by Medicaid.
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As Directors of the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line (APAL), we must underscore the urgency of addressing this crisis. Arizona needs to increase access to high-quality mental health services and resources that are affordable, trauma-informed, and supportive of the family unit. These services should be prioritized for those who are pregnant or postpartum and facing additional challenges like lack of transportation, unstable housing, and substance use disorders.
APAL is working to bridge the gaps in education and support. An important aspect of maternal support is highlighting the division of household labor. To that end, we are hosting a free screening of the documentary “Fair Play” on May 19. This film illuminates the significant domestic and career challenges mothers face. The goal is to inspire conversations during the post-film panel discussion around creating more domestic equality.