Reports
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The Role of Medicaid in Advancing Obstetric Provider Maternal Mental Health Screening and Treatment
Untreated maternal mental health (MMH) disorders are a leading cause of preterm birth and maternal mortality, making obstetric providers essential to early intervention. In 2023, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released guidelines for MMH screening, diagnosis, and treatment. With 40% of births covered by Medicaid — and most enrollees in Managed Care…
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Childbirth-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CB-PTSD): A critical maternal health issue that must be addressed systemically
Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD — yet birth-related PTSD (CB-PTSD) remains underdiagnosed. This brief explores prevalence, risk factors like obstetric complications, and the need for routine screening with tools like the PCL-5 to ensure timely, specialized care.
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The Role of Birth and Postpartum Doulas in Improving Maternal Mental Health
This report explores how doulas support maternal mental health through education, advocacy, and referrals — and recommends updates to doula training standards.
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The Interconnection of Paid Family and Medical Leave and Maternal Mental Health
In this issue brief, explore how the absence of national paid family and medical leave in the U.S. worsens maternal mental health outcomes — increasing postpartum depression risks — and discover key policy recommendations to ensure all families, especially those with preterm or medically fragile infants, receive the support they need.
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Substance Use Disorders and Maternal Mental Health
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) during pregnancy — including alcohol, tobacco, and opioids — poses serious risks to both mother and baby. Co-occurring mental health conditions are common, with over 30% of pregnant women in SUD treatment screening positive for depression. Alcohol and marijuana use remain prevalent, while opioid misuse has fueled a rise in Neonatal…
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Diaper Need and Maternal Mental Health
Diaper Need (DN) is an escalating issue in the U.S., affecting nearly half of families. It undermines maternal competence, heightens stress, and significantly increases the risk of maternal mental health disorders. DN also jeopardizes infant and child health, exacerbating maternal distress and impeding healthy child development.
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2024 Annual Impact Report
It has been an extraordinary year for the Policy Center. We are proud to continue serving as a recognized “system orchestrator” and “field catalyst,” driving transformative change and offering critical insights across sectors.
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One Year Later: How Insurers Are Covering Zurzuvae, the First Postpartum Depression Pill
It’s been a year since Zurzuvae™, the first oral postpartum depression drug treatment, became FDA-approved. Initially, very few insurers/payers had published coverage guidelines. Now nearly all have published guidelines, and most provide reasonable access to Zurzuvae.
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2024 State Maternal Mental Health Legislation Report
This second annual state legislative report tracks the legislative actions states took in 2024 including states that introduced legislation, states that passed legislation including a summary of this legislation, and an assessment of alignment with our model legislation and our interpretation of the law’s likely impact.
