Perinatal Mental Health

Get Help

It's More than Just the Baby Blues

Perinatal depression is common and it is treatable. The quicker you get help and the support you need the better it is for you, your baby, and your family. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

Learn about maternal mental health and get help

Perinatal means the time around when a baby is born. It includes pregnancy and the time after the baby is born.

It can be hard to talk about mental health, especially when you're pregnant or caring for a new baby. Here are some ways to start the conversation.

  • Connect with other moms and/or start a mom’s group in your community.
  • Connect with the Iowa Chapter of Post Partum Support International for information and support at: 1-800-944-4773 on online.
  • Call the Postpartum International helpline, which provides a consultation service at: 1-800-944-4773
  • To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicidal, crises or emotional distress dial 988. It will route callers to call, text, or chat.
  • Iowa Resource for Mental Health Professionals by County
  • Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746.) This hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during and after pregnancy. Information is available in English and Spanish. 

About Perinatal Mental Health

The 2021 Maternal Health Strategic Plan provided insight into significant gaps in understanding perinatal mental health and how to successfully provide resources and support to those in need.  This process set out to address that challenge by capturing relevant trends, research, and perspectives to inform modern strategies to bring more attention to this critical issue.