Navigating the NICU: Mental Health Guide for Parents

Introduction: Your Strength Through the Storm

Having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is an experience few parents anticipate and one that brings a unique set of emotional hurdles. While your focus is naturally on your tiny fighter, it's crucial to acknowledge and address your own well-being. The journey through a long NICU stay often involves intense mental health challenges NICU stay experiences, ranging from overwhelming anxiety and profound sadness to feelings of guilt and trauma. You are not alone in feeling this way. Many parents describe the NICU environment—with its constant alarms, medical procedures, and uncertainty—as incredibly stressful, sometimes even comparing it to a warzone. This guide is here to validate your feelings, offer understanding, and provide practical strategies and resources to help you manage your mental health during this demanding time and as you transition home. We'll explore the common emotional struggles, effective coping mechanisms, the power of support systems, and how to navigate life after the NICU, always remembering your resilience and strength.

Understanding the Emotional Landscape of the NICU

The NICU experience fundamentally alters the expected path of parenthood, plunging families into a world of medical complexity and emotional turmoil. Understanding the specific mental health challenges is the first step toward navigating them.

Recognizing Common Mental Health Challenges

Parents navigating a long NICU stay frequently encounter a complex web of emotions and potential mental health conditions. It's not just about feeling stressed; the intensity and duration of the NICU experience can significantly increase the risk for specific challenges. Research shows that parents of infants hospitalized in the NICU are at a higher risk for mood and mental disorders compared to parents of healthy babies. Common challenges include:

Anxiety: Persistent worry, fear, and unease are pervasive. This anxiety can stem from concerns about the baby's health and survival, the unfamiliar and intimidating NICU environment (sights, sounds, equipment), feeling helpless during medical procedures, and uncertainty about the future and long-term developmental outcomes. Studies indicate high prevalence rates, with pooled data suggesting around 51% of mothers and 26% of fathers experience significant anxiety. Some estimates place anxiety prevalence at about 40% for NICU parents within the first month. This isn't just general worry; it can manifest as postpartum anxiety, characterized by intense fears, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms.
Depression: Feelings of deep sadness, hopelessness, detachment, and loss of interest are common. The unexpected nature of the NICU admission, the potential severity of the infant's condition, and the disruption to normal life contribute significantly. Prevalence rates for postpartum depression (PPD) are notably higher in NICU mothers (ranging from 20% up to 40-70% in some studies) compared to the general population (around 10-15%). Fathers also experience depression, though often at lower rates than mothers (pooled prevalence around 12%). Factors like a history of depression, a traumatic birth experience, and longer NICU stays can increase the risk. Persistent depression symptoms after discharge are also a concern, particularly for younger parents or those with less education.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The NICU experience itself can be traumatic. Witnessing life-threatening events, emergency procedures, or feeling intense fear for the baby's life can lead to PTSD symptoms. These symptoms might include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance (being constantly on edge), avoidance of reminders of the NICU, and intense emotional or physical reactions to triggers. Research suggests that clinically significant trauma symptoms affect 20-40% of NICU parents shortly after birth. One study found approximately 35% of mothers and 24% of fathers experienced Acute Stress Disorder soon after admission, with a subset developing ongoing PTSD. PTSD can also have a delayed onset, sometimes appearing months after discharge, particularly in fathers. First-time mothers may be particularly vulnerable.
Grief and Loss: Even when a baby survives, parents often grieve the loss of the expected "normal" birth and postpartum experience. They may grieve the loss of immediate bonding time, the inability to hold or feed their baby freely, and the loss of the anticipated early days at home. There's also the grief associated with the baby's health challenges and potential long-term implications.
Guilt and Shame: Parents, especially mothers, may grapple with feelings of guilt, wondering if they did something wrong during pregnancy or feeling responsible for their baby's condition. There can also be guilt about perceived inadequacies in fulfilling the parental role within the NICU environment or guilt about time spent away from other children or responsibilities. Shame can arise from feeling judged or stigmatized, particularly if substance use or pre-existing mental health conditions are factors. Acknowledging these feelings without judgment is crucial for healing.

Understanding the Unique Stressors of the NICU Environment

The NICU itself presents a unique and often overwhelming environment that significantly contributes to parental stress and mental health challenges NICU stay. The constant beeping of monitors, the sight of complex medical equipment attached to a tiny baby, the frequent alarms, and the overall clinical atmosphere can be jarring and anxiety-provoking. Parents often feel a profound sense of helplessness, unable to protect their child from painful procedures or comfort them in traditional ways. Witnessing near-death events or resuscitations is deeply frightening.

Beyond the immediate medical environment, several key stressors impact parents:

Altered Parental Role: Many parents struggle with feeling like they aren't truly "parenting" in the NICU. Medical staff often perform most care tasks initially, leading parents to feel sidelined, inadequate, or disconnected. This perceived loss of the parental role is a major source of distress. Interventions focusing on restoring this role, like Family-Integrated Care, can improve parental well-being.
Parent-Infant Separation: The physical separation from their newborn is profoundly difficult. Restrictions on holding, feeding, or even visiting can interfere with the natural bonding process and cause significant emotional pain. Stress related to this separation and the inability to provide direct care often outweighs stress about the infant's appearance or the NICU environment itself. Difficulty visiting due to distance, work, or childcare for other siblings exacerbates this stress.
Communication Challenges: Navigating communication with a large team of medical professionals can be intimidating. Parents may struggle to understand complex medical information, feel unheard, or receive inconsistent updates, leading to increased anxiety and frustration. Feeling abandoned by staff or lacking clear information are reported contributors to traumatic birth experiences for fathers. Conversely, clear, consistent, and compassionate communication is a key factor in alleviating anxiety.
Practical and Financial Burdens: The NICU stay brings practical challenges like managing time off work, arranging childcare for other children, travel costs, and the financial strain of medical bills and potential loss of income. These logistical hurdles add another layer of stress onto an already emotionally taxing situation. Families facing socio-economic hardships often have fewer resources to manage these burdens, which can hinder NICU visitation and early adjustment.

Understanding these specific stressors helps validate parents' experiences and highlights the need for targeted support systems within the NICU.

Coping Strategies and Self-Care in the NICU

Actively managing your mental health during a NICU stay is not a luxury, but a necessity. Implementing coping strategies and prioritizing self-care, even in small ways, can make a significant difference in your ability to navigate this challenging period.

Practical Coping Tips for Daily Stress Management

Surviving the day-to-day realities of the NICU requires practical tools to manage the intense stress and emotions. While it might feel impossible some days, small actions can build resilience.

Maximize Interaction with Your Baby: Whenever medically possible, engage with your baby. Ask the NICU staff how you can participate in care – changing diapers, taking temperatures, feeding (even through a tube), or providing "kangaroo care" (skin-to-skin contact). Skin-to-skin contact, in particular, has benefits for both baby and parent, potentially reducing parental stress and depression. If direct contact is limited, talk, read, or sing to your baby. Your presence and voice are comforting. Decorating their space with family photos can also help create a sense of connection. Being involved helps restore a sense of parental role and strengthens bonding.
Establish a Routine (As Much As Possible): While flexibility is key, having some structure can provide a sense of control. Try to establish regular visiting times, participate in care tasks at consistent times, and schedule breaks for yourself. Knowing when care times or rounds are can help you plan your day and feel more involved. However, be kind to yourself if the routine gets disrupted – the NICU is unpredictable.
Focus on What You Can Control: In an environment where so much feels out of control, focus on small, manageable actions. You can control learning about your baby's condition, asking questions, participating in care tasks you're allowed to do, bringing comforting items from home (like a blanket or small toy, following NICU rules), and taking care of your own basic needs. This shift in focus can reduce feelings of helplessness.
Journaling and Expression: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a powerful outlet, especially when talking feels difficult. It allows you to process the complex emotions – the fear, guilt, hope, and exhaustion – without judgment. Some parents find creative expression through art or music helpful as well. Find what works for you to acknowledge and release emotions rather than bottling them up.
Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: When feeling overwhelmed by the alarms and environment, simple grounding techniques can help. Focus on your breath (like box breathing), notice things you can see, hear, and touch in the present moment, or use guided imagery to picture a calm place. Even brief moments of mindfulness can interrupt the cycle of anxiety. Many hospitals or support organizations offer guided meditations specifically for NICU parents.

Prioritizing Self-Care Amidst the Crisis

It often feels counterintuitive or even selfish to focus on yourself when your baby is critically ill, but self-care is vital for sustaining your strength and presence. Neglecting your own needs can lead to burnout and worsen mental health challenges NICU stay.

Basic Needs First: Ensure you are eating regular, nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and getting as much sleep as possible. This sounds simple, but it's often the first thing to go. Pack snacks, accept meal deliveries, and try to rest even if you can't sleep soundly. Sleep deprivation significantly impacts mood and coping ability. If possible, coordinate with your partner or support system to ensure each of you gets breaks for rest.
Take Breaks from the NICU: Spending every waking moment at the hospital isn't sustainable or necessarily helpful. Step outside for fresh air, take a walk, or go home for a longer break. This separation, while difficult, is necessary to recharge. It allows you to return with more emotional energy. Remember, taking a break doesn't mean you love or care for your baby any less.
Move Your Body: Gentle exercise, like walking, can help alleviate stress and improve mood. Even short walks around the hospital grounds can make a difference. Physical activity helps process stress hormones and provides a mental break.
Accept Help: Allow friends and family to support you with practical tasks like cooking, cleaning, childcare for other siblings, or running errands. People often want to help but don't know how; be specific about what you need. Accepting help frees up your mental and physical energy to focus on your baby and your own recovery.
Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge that this is incredibly difficult. Avoid self-criticism or comparing your journey to others'. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend in the same situation. Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can in an extraordinarily challenging circumstance. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, scared, or sad.

Building Your Support System

Navigating the emotional rollercoaster of a long NICU stay is not something you should do alone. Building and leaning on a robust support system is crucial for maintaining your mental health and resilience. Support can come from various sources, each offering unique benefits.

The Role of Partners, Family, and Friends

Your immediate circle plays a vital role, though their support needs careful navigation.

Partner Support: Your partner is likely the only other person who truly understands the depth of this specific experience. Lean on each other, communicate openly about your feelings (even the difficult ones like guilt or fear), and try to support each other's coping styles. Recognize that you might cope differently, and that's okay. Mothers and fathers often experience NICU stress differently, with mothers frequently reporting higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Fathers may experience delayed PTSD symptoms. Make time to connect outside the NICU, even briefly. However, the NICU experience can also strain relationships; acknowledging the stress and seeking external support together, if needed, is important. Ensure both partners have opportunities for self-care and breaks.
Family and Friends: Loved ones want to help, but they may not know how or may inadvertently say unhelpful things. Be clear and specific about your needs – ask for help with meals, childcare for older siblings, household chores, or simply a listening ear. Set boundaries if certain interactions are causing more stress. Educate them gently about the NICU reality and what kind of support is most helpful (e.g., listening without judgment, practical help, continued check-ins). Encourage them to check in regularly, even if you don't always respond; knowing people are thinking of you can combat feelings of isolation. Remember, their support might taper off after discharge, but the need often continues.
Communicating Needs Effectively: Don't expect others to read your mind. Practice saying things like, "What would be most helpful right now is..." or "I appreciate the offer, could you possibly help with [specific task]?" It can feel vulnerable to ask, but it allows people to provide meaningful support and reduces misunderstandings.

Finding Strength in Peer Support

Connecting with other parents who have been through or are currently experiencing a NICU stay offers a unique kind of validation and understanding that family and friends often cannot provide.

Shared Experience: NICU peer support groups connect you with others who "get it" – the specific anxieties, the medical jargon, the emotional highs and lows. Sharing your story and hearing others' can reduce feelings of isolation and normalize your experience. Many parents find immense comfort and strength in these connections.
Practical Advice and Hope: Veteran NICU parents can offer practical tips, insights into navigating the hospital system, and, importantly, hope. Seeing families who have successfully transitioned home can be incredibly encouraging during dark times.
Where to Find Peer Support: Many hospitals offer in-person or virtual support groups facilitated by social workers or veteran parents. National organizations like Postpartum Support International (PSI), Hand to Hold, and Graham's Foundation offer online groups, peer mentor programs, and specialized resources specifically for NICU families. PSI, for instance, has dedicated online groups for NICU parents and specialized coordinators to connect families with resources. Hand to Hold provides peer mentors, often matching families with similar experiences. Don't hesitate to explore these options; finding the right fit can be transformative.

Seeking Professional Mental Health Support

Sometimes, self-care and informal support aren't enough to manage the significant mental health challenges NICU stay brings. Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

When to Seek Help: If you're experiencing persistent symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD (flashbacks, nightmares, severe avoidance), overwhelming guilt, thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or difficulty functioning daily, it's crucial to reach out for professional support. Subclinical symptoms that interfere with bonding or NICU visits also warrant attention.
Types of Professionals: Therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers can provide support. Many hospitals have mental health professionals embedded within the NICU team (social workers, psychologists) who are specifically trained to support NICU families. They can offer counseling, screening, coping strategies, and referrals. Psychiatrists can assess the need for medication.
Therapeutic Approaches: Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma, and mindfulness-based approaches can be very effective. Some programs offer dyadic (parent-infant) psychotherapy to support bonding.
Accessing Care: Ask your NICU social worker or nurse about available mental health resources within the hospital. Many offer telehealth options for convenience. Utilize resources like the PSI Helpline (1-800-944-4773) or Provider Directory to find perinatal mental health specialists in your community. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) also offers resources. Remember, screening for mental health issues should ideally be coupled with available treatment options. Early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes for both you and your baby.

The Importance of Family-Centered and Integrated Care

Recognizing the profound impact of the NICU experience on parents, many hospitals are adopting care models that place families at the heart of the process. Family-Centered Care (FCC) and Family-Integrated Care (FICare) are philosophies and practices designed to support not just the infant's medical needs but also the family's emotional well-being and involvement.

What are Family-Centered and Family-Integrated Care?

These models shift the focus from parents as visitors to parents as essential partners in their baby's care team.

Family-Centered Care (FCC): This is a widely adopted approach based on mutually beneficial partnerships between NICU staff and parents. Key principles include respecting families, sharing information openly, encouraging parental participation in caregiving and decision-making, and providing emotional and psychosocial support. It often involves creating a welcoming environment, offering educational resources, facilitating peer support, and planning for the transition home.
Family-Integrated Care (FICare): This model takes FCC a step further by fully integrating parents into the daily care team. Parents are educated and empowered to provide a significant portion of their infant's care, often attending clinical rounds, performing basic charting, and collaborating closely with nurses. The goal is to maximize parental presence and restore the parental role as much as possible within the NICU setting. Some programs, like mFICare, enhance this with mobile technology for support and education.

Benefits for Parental Well-being and Bonding

Implementing FCC and FICare principles has demonstrated significant benefits for parents facing mental health challenges NICU stay.

Reduced Stress and Improved Mental Health: Studies show these models are associated with decreased parental stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Feeling informed, supported, and involved can mitigate the sense of helplessness and anxiety common in the NICU. One study on the COPE program (an educational-behavioral intervention based on these principles) found mothers reported significantly less stress and depression. Another study suggested mFICare reduced PTSD and depression symptoms in mothers with high NICU stress.
Increased Confidence and Empowerment: Being actively involved in caregiving, receiving education, and having open communication with staff boosts parents' confidence in their ability to care for their fragile infant. This empowerment is crucial for transitioning home successfully.
Enhanced Parent-Infant Bonding: These models facilitate closer physical and emotional connection by encouraging skin-to-skin care, parental presence, and participation in daily care routines. This increased interaction is vital for strengthening attachment, which can be disrupted by the NICU environment. Studies link these approaches to improved attachment and bonding outcomes.
Improved Communication and Satisfaction: When parents feel like respected members of the team, communication improves, leading to greater satisfaction with care. Attending rounds, as in FICare, facilitates knowledge exchange and partnership.
Potential for Shorter Stays: Some evidence suggests interventions based on these principles, like the COPE program, may even lead to shorter NICU stays, benefiting both the infant and the family system.

Advocating for or seeking out NICUs that prioritize these family-involved models can significantly enhance the parental experience and support mental well-being during a difficult time. Ask staff about their philosophy on family involvement and how you can participate more fully in your baby's care.

Life After the NICU: Adjusting to Home

Bringing your baby home after a long NICU stay is a momentous occasion, but it often marks the beginning of a new set of adjustments and potential mental health challenges NICU stay experiences can linger or even emerge after discharge. The transition requires patience, support, and acknowledging the unique path your family is on.

Navigating the Transition Home

The shift from the structured, monitored environment of the NICU to the relative independence of home can be jarring and anxiety-provoking.

Mixed Emotions: Relief and joy are often mixed with nervousness, fear, and exhaustion. It's normal to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for your baby without constant medical backup. You might miss the NICU staff's reassurance or feel hypervigilant about your baby's health.
Continued Care Needs: Many NICU graduates come home with ongoing medical needs, such as oxygen, feeding tubes, medications, or frequent specialist appointments. Managing this care adds complexity and stress to newborn parenting. Feeling confident with technical skills and knowledge is key to discharge readiness, but emotional readiness is equally important.
Setting Realistic Expectations: Recovery and adjustment take time – for both you and your baby. Don't expect things to feel "normal" immediately. Allow yourself grace as you establish new routines and learn your baby's cues outside the hospital setting. The strict schedules of the NICU might linger, causing anxiety if routines are disrupted.
Practical Preparation: Before discharge, ensure you understand all care instructions, have necessary supplies and equipment, know who to call with questions (pediatrician, specialists, home health), and have follow-up appointments scheduled. Ask NICU staff for resources or suggestions for finding qualified childcare if needed.

Ongoing Mental Health Considerations Post-Discharge

Mental health challenges don't necessarily end when you leave the hospital doors. The post-NICU period is a vulnerable time.

Persistent or Delayed-Onset Issues: Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD can persist long after discharge, sometimes for a year or more. Some parents, particularly fathers or those whose initial focus was purely on survival, may experience a delayed onset of PTSD symptoms once the immediate crisis is over. The trauma response activated in the NICU doesn't just switch off.
Hypervigilance and Anxiety: It's common for parents to remain hyper-aware of their baby's breathing, feeding, and development, often leading to heightened anxiety. Fear of illness can be intense, especially given the baby's potential vulnerability, leading to social isolation or germaphobia. Worry about meeting developmental milestones is also a frequent concern.
Impact on Bonding and Parenting: Unaddressed parental mental health issues can impact ongoing parent-infant bonding and interaction patterns. Maternal depression, for example, is linked to less responsive parenting and potential long-term effects on child development. Feeling overwhelmed can make it harder to enjoy parenting or feel connected.
Shifting Support Systems: While support might be abundant during the NICU stay, it often diminishes after discharge, just when parents might be struggling with the adjustment. Friends and family may assume everything is fine now that the baby is home, minimizing the ongoing challenges.
Seeking Continued Support: It is crucial to continue monitoring your mental health and seek support when needed. Follow-up appointments with pediatricians or developmental clinics are opportunities to discuss concerns. Organizations like PSI and Hand to Hold offer post-NICU support groups and resources. Therapy focused on processing the NICU trauma can be very beneficial. Don't hesitate to reach out – adjusting to life after the NICU is a marathon, not a sprint.

Quick Takeaways: Your Mental Health Matters

Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's normal to experience intense anxiety, depression, guilt, grief, or trauma symptoms during and after a long NICU stay. Your feelings are valid responses to a stressful situation.
Prioritize Self-Care: Even small acts of self-care (rest, nutrition, breaks, gentle movement) are crucial for sustaining your emotional and physical well-being through the crisis.
Build Your Support Network: Lean on partners, family, and friends, but also connect with NICU peer support groups for unique understanding and validation.
Seek Professional Help When Needed: Don't hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals (therapists, social workers) if you're struggling. Early intervention improves outcomes.
Family-Centered Care Helps: Care models that involve parents as partners can reduce stress, improve bonding, and increase confidence.
Post-NICU Adjustment Takes Time: Be patient and compassionate with yourself during the transition home. Ongoing mental health challenges are common, and continued support is often necessary.
You Are Resilient: Navigating the NICU journey demonstrates incredible strength. Remember your resilience and focus on taking things one day at a time.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Strength, Finding Your Path

The journey through a long NICU stay is undeniably one of the most challenging experiences a parent can face, profoundly impacting mental and emotional well-being. The anxiety, fear, potential for depression and PTSD, and feelings of guilt or grief are not signs of weakness, but understandable reactions to an overwhelming and often traumatic situation. Recognizing these mental health challenges NICU stay brings is the first, vital step towards healing and coping.

Remember that prioritizing your own mental health through self-care strategies, even amidst the crisis, is essential not only for you but also for your baby. Building a strong support system—including your partner, understanding friends and family, and invaluable peer connections with other NICU parents—can provide comfort, validation, and practical help. Don't underestimate the power of shared experience and the strength found in community.

Furthermore, seeking professional mental health support is a proactive step towards recovery. Therapists, counselors, and hospital-based specialists can offer tools and strategies tailored to the unique stressors of the NICU and the often-complex transition home. Life after the NICU presents its own adjustments, and it's okay if challenges persist or new ones arise. Be patient with yourself, practice self-compassion, and continue to access support resources as needed.

Your journey as a NICU parent is unique, marked by incredible strength and resilience. Your call to action now is to honor that strength by continuing to prioritize your mental health. Reach out, connect, accept help, and remember that you are not alone. Resources like Postpartum Support International and Hand to Hold are there for you, long after you leave the hospital doors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it normal to feel guilty about my baby being in the NICU? Yes, feelings of guilt are very common among NICU parents, particularly mothers. You might question things you did during pregnancy or feel responsible for the situation. It's important to recognize these feelings are part of the complex emotional response to a difficult event and not necessarily based on reality. Talking about these feelings with a partner, support group, or therapist can help process them without judgment. Related term: coping with NICU stay.
My partner and I are coping very differently with the NICU stress. Is this normal? Absolutely. Partners often have different emotional responses and coping mechanisms when facing the mental health challenges NICU stay presents. One partner might be more outwardly emotional, while the other might focus on practical tasks or seem more withdrawn. Open communication about your needs and feelings, respecting each other's coping styles, and finding ways to support each other are key. Sometimes, seeking professional help together can be beneficial. Related term: supporting NICU parents.
I feel okay now, but I'm worried about falling apart after we bring the baby home. Is that common? Yes, this is a common concern and reality for many NICU parents. Sometimes the adrenaline and focus required during the NICU stay can mask underlying stress or trauma symptoms. The transition home, while joyful, brings new stressors and can be when feelings of anxiety, depression, or PTSD surface or intensify. Being aware of this possibility, having a support plan in place, and knowing where to turn for help (like PSI or a therapist) is important for adjusting to home after NICU.
How can I bond with my baby when they are covered in wires and I can't hold them much? Bonding can feel challenging, but it happens in many ways beyond constant holding. Talk, sing, or read to your baby – your voice is familiar and comforting. Participate in care tasks allowed by the medical team (diaper changes, temperature checks). Practice kangaroo care (skin-to-skin) whenever possible. Decorate the incubator with family photos. Let your baby grasp your finger. These small interactions build connection and are crucial for parent-infant bonding NICU.
Where can I find reliable mental health support specifically for NICU parents after discharge? Several organizations offer specialized support. Postpartum Support International (PSI) has online support groups for NICU parents (current and former) and specialized coordinators. Hand to Hold offers peer mentors, support groups, podcasts, and counseling resources. Your hospital social worker or pediatrician may also provide referrals to local therapists experienced with perinatal mood disorders NICU and NICU trauma. Related term: mental health resources NICU.

Share Your Strength

Your journey matters, and sharing your experience can help others feel less alone. Consider sharing this guide to support fellow NICU parents navigating their own mental health challenges. Use hashtags like #NICUStrong #NICUParent #MentalHealthMatters #PerinatalMentalHealth