Mother’s Day may be behind us – but there are so many more reasons to continue celebrating women this month. May is also Women’s Health Month and Maternal Mental Health Month. Join Maryvale in sending love to all of the amazing mamas and girls in our community as we work to raise awareness about key women’s health issues and to support women and girls in living happy, healthy, positive lives.
Maternal Mental Health Month, observed globally in May, shines a spotlight on the mental well-being of mothers before, during, and after childbirth. Pregnancy and early motherhood can bring a myriad of emotions, challenges, and adjustments, making it crucial to prioritize maternal mental health.
Maternal Mental Wellness is a Community Issue
The foundation young mothers are able to create at the outset of their newborn’s lives will affect their children throughout their early development. Did you know that maternal mental health conditions, including perinatal depression and anxiety, affect approximately 1 in 5 women during pregnancy or the first year postpartum? Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbirth, impacting around 10-15% of mothers. Maternal mental health plays a vital role in the mother-infant relationship and early childhood development. Untreated maternal mental health issues can affect bonding, caregiving practices, and children’s health. A newborn is extremely vulnerable to adverse experiences – which is to say, mothers’ well-being in the immediate aftermath of giving birth should be prioritized for the better of children and families for years beyond the baby's days.
If you are asking yourself how you can support women who might face maternal mental wellness – it starts with helping young mothers and pregnant women understand the resources that they have available to them. If you know a young woman who is at risk of a mental health condition, encourage her to seek routine screenings for maternal mental health during pregnancy and postpartum visits. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for mothers and their children. Whether a new mother is suffering from a brief period of baby blues or a more severe case of postpartum depression, it is critical for her to rest, seek support from family and friends, have conversations with other new mothers, and steer clear of alcohol and drugs. Healthy meals with plenty of iron, protein, and vitamins will help restore a new mother’s hormones. Mothers with postpartum depression can experience relief through psychotherapy and, in some cases, medication.
Through our Seton House program at Maryvale, we provide transitional housing to young mothers and their children. We also offer support groups, educational workshops, and resources to empower mothers with knowledge, coping skills, and a supportive community.
Women's Health Month: Empowering Wellness Across the Lifespan
Beyond maternal mental health, Women's Health Month encompasses a broad spectrum of health issues and priorities, from reproductive health to chronic disease prevention and mental well-being for girls and women of all ages. It celebrates women's resilience, strength, and contributions to health and wellness. Women – especially those with stressful lives – are at risk for various uniquely female issues, such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, complications related to menstruation and pregnancy, and autoimmune diseases. Heart disease, hypertension, high stress, depression, and anxiety are also issues that are common among women.
The first step in addressing healthcare issues is awareness. Women have unique needs to care for their reproductive health, including family planning, prenatal care, and screenings for cervical and breast cancer. There are also several particular mental health challenges faced by women, such as mood disorders, trauma, and eating disorders.
See a medical professional immediately if you, your sister, mother, or aunt display symptoms of a women’s health issue. If you are not experiencing symptoms, let Women’s Health Month be your inspiration, and make an appointment for a women’s health checkup. Throughout a woman’s life, various screenings and health exams can detect serious issues early. Don’t miss these – they might just save your life.
Women’s Health Month is also a great time to assess your diet and stock up on healthy foods. Are you and your family eating enough whole grains, vegetables, and fruits? The better you eat, the better you’ll feel. Balance your diet with healthy physical activity to counteract your risk of heart disease. Don’t overthink it – exercising doesn’t require a gym or access to special clothing or equipment. Keep it simple by taking a brisk walk, dancing to your favorite songs, or playing with your children.
Celebrating Wellness and Empowerment
As we celebrate Maternal Mental Health Month and Women's Health Month, join Maryvale in embracing a collective commitment to nurturing wellness, resilience, and empowerment for women across generations. By prioritizing mental health, advocating for comprehensive healthcare, and fostering supportive communities, we can create a brighter, healthier future for women and their families. Together, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and boundless potential of women's health and well-being.
Maryvale is the oldest children’s charity in Los Angeles, CA. Since 1856, Maryvale’s San Gabriel Valley location has been committed to the needs of underserved children and families, offering services such as mental health services, community-based services, early education services, wraparound services, teen and family services, and after-school programming.
From our Rosemead and Duarte campuses, our senior leadership team seeks to foster hope, empowerment, and change for vulnerable children and families. Maryvale’s staff includes numerous MSW, MAEd, LMFT, and MBA qualified members uniquely qualified to deliver a continuum of services designed to help families in need grow and stay together. Maryvale is a 501(c)(3) charity organization and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and has earned a Guidestar Seal of Transparency.
