With nearly 4 million babies born each year in U.S., hospitals and health care systems play a key role in improving maternal and infant outcomes.
Each year, more than 50,000 pregnant women are affected by severe maternal morbidity, 800 women die due to pregnancy-related complications and over 20,000 infants die.
Most of these adverse outcomes are preventable, according to the CDC
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can provide emotional support to pregnant and new moms. Please call or text 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA)
Both hospitals emphasized the need to partner with front-line providers to build their awareness of perinatal mental health needs and services. They need training to identify mental health conditions and establish systems for referrals and follow-ups with specialists and community resources as appropriate.
