Each year in May, Maternal Mental Health Month calls upon us to acknowledge and address a silent crisis impacting the lives of countless mothers and birthing people: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). These are not fleeting emotions or “just hormones.” PMADs are serious, often debilitating mental health conditions that demand clinical attention, timely intervention, and comprehensive support.
And yet, too many new and expecting mothers fall through the cracks, undiagnosed, untreated, and unheard.
What Are PMADs?
PMADs encompass a spectrum of mental health disorders that can develop during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Common diagnoses include:
- Perinatal Depression
- Perinatal Anxiety
- Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Perinatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Postpartum Psychosis
Despite being commonly referred to as “Postpartum Depression,” PMADs often begin during pregnancy and impact as many as 1 in 5 mothers/birthing people. Left untreated, PMADs can profoundly impair daily functioning, erode the parent-infant bond, and place the entire family system at risk.
The Difference Between the “Baby Blues” and a PMAD
While it is common for up to 80% of birthing people to experience temporary emotional “ups and downs” following childbirth, commonly known as the “baby blues,” these symptoms generally subside within two weeks. When they persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life, a PMAD may be present.
Symptoms of PMADs vary but may include:
- Sadness, guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Constant worry or racing thoughts
- Panic attacks or obsessive fears of harm
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or hallucinations
These are not signs of weakness or failure. They are symptoms of a medical condition that is treatable.
Why Early Recognition and Referral Matters
Every provider who interacts with a pregnant or postpartum patient, OB/GYNs, midwives, pediatricians, nurses, doulas, lactation consultants, has a role in identifying PMADs. These conditions often go undetected due to stigma, misinterpretation of symptoms, or lack of training. The consequences of untreated PMADs can be devastating, including:
- Increased risk of obstetric complications
- Reduced adherence to medical care
- Impaired mother-baby attachment
- Elevated risk for suicide and infanticide in severe cases
PMADs are common. They are real. And they are 100% treatable. But only when they are recognized.
Treatment at The Motherhood Center
At The Motherhood Center, we specialize exclusively in the diagnosis and treatment of PMADs. We offer a full continuum of care tailored to symptom severity and individual needs:
- Perinatal Day Program (Partial Hospitalization): For individuals with moderate to severe symptoms. Includes group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, and onsite nursery support.
- Outpatient Services: Includes evaluation, individual therapy, reproductive psychiatry, and trying-to-conceive consultations.
- Support Groups: Virtual groups offering community, education, and peer support across the spectrum of perinatal experiences, and all FREE for the month of May!
Dismantling Stigma, One Story at a Time
We must begin to dismantle the myths and misconceptions that surround maternal mental health. The idea that every moment of motherhood should be joyful and natural sets countless women up to suffer in silence. Many fear being judged or misunderstood if they express how they really feel.
We must shift the narrative from “you’re fine” to “we see you, and we’re here to help.” That begins with informed providers, empowered patients, and systems of care that center maternal mental health not sideline it.
This May, Let’s Make Maternal Mental Health Everyone’s Job
As we observe Maternal Mental Health Month, we invite you to join us in our mission to close the gaps in care for perinatal people experiencing PMADs.
- Educate your teams on the signs and symptoms of PMADs
- Normalize screening throughout the perinatal period
- Refer patients to specialized care when symptoms arise
- Remind families that they are not alone and that help is available
Because no mother should have to navigate a mental health crisis on her own.
What We’re Doing This May
To celebrate Maternal Mental Health Month, we’re hosting a series of free events, expert trainings, and community conversations to raise awareness, increase access to care, and offer support for every stage of the perinatal journey:
- Instagram Live with Solid Starts: May 12 | 12:00 PM ET
- Join us for a live chat all about the intersection of baby feeding and maternal mental health with Dr. Catherine Birndorf and Jenny Best, founder of Solid Starts.
- Medication in Pregnancy Training with Catherine Birndorf, M.D: May 13 | 9:00 AM ET
- “Managing Psychiatric Illness with Medication Training” led by Catherine Birndorf, M.D., this provider training covers safe medication use in pregnancy and postpartum.
- The Village: Rebranding Motherhood Keynote with Tina Cartwright: May 16 | 12:00 PM ET
- Exploring modern motherhood and redefining what support really means with Tina Cartwright of Rebranding Motherhood. Join The Village “Wellness Experience” membership using code “TMC80” to receive $80 OFF the monthly membership price! Offer ends May 31st, 2025.
- “Beneath the Surface: A Conversation About Maternal Anxiety and the Body” Webinar with Dr. Alexandra Shaker: May 19 | 1:00 PM ET
- Dr. Catherine Birndorf will sit down with Dr. Alexandra Shaker, author of The Narrowing: A Journey Through Anxiety and the Body, for a timely and intimate dialogue about the intersection of anxiety, the body, and the maternal experience. Free and open to the public with RSVP through the link above!
If You’re Struggling
If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a PMAD, don’t wait to seek help. At The Motherhood Center, we provide compassionate, specialized care designed to meet you exactly where you are.
Call to speak with a Care Coordinator at 212-335-0034 or visit our website here to complete a new patient inquiry form.
Together, we can ensure that every new and expecting parent gets the care they need and the life they deserve.