Pregnancy is often both a source of happiness and stress for many expecting mothers. In the journey towards childbirth and motherhood, mental health problems such as anxiety and depression are more common than realised. Tending to a mother's mental health is beneficial in ensuring long-term well-being for the mother as well as the child.
A wellness based approach during the 1000 day period from conception till the child is 2 yrs old, can reduce the risks of poor birth and health outcomes (WHO). In fact, it can benefit the infant's cognitive, motor-neuron and emotional development. Thunai's approach is preventive care and pre-emptive screening. Awareness, self-monitoring, family support and addressing high risk mothers can help lay the foundation for a healthy future generation.
Sharing your feelings especially when you are feeling low with someone who cares, learning to ask for help, learning to care for yourself, lowering your expectations and learning to use breath for lowering your stress - these are simple tips for your mental health!
This American NGO offers inclusive messaging to all ethnic groups and to dads as well on maternal and paternal distress.
Besides helpful information on general mental health, this site has lot of information on maternal mental health. It also has clinically validated tools that could be of use for clinicians/practioners.
This is a Californian think tank working on standards of care and policy in the area of maternal mental health.
This website is a general resource for parents who are interested in their children's mental health and well being.
March of Dimes is an organisation dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies globally. It is involved in both physical and mental aspects of wellness.
This organisation works towards better mental and physical health for mothers, fathers and babies. There are resources for everyone in their website.
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