Reports
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2025 Maternal Mental Health State Report Cards
In 2025, the overall national grade improved slightly from a D+ to a C- as state grades inched upwards. Twenty-six states’ scores improved in 2025: 19 states earned Ds and Fs, compared to 29 in 2024.
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Fact Sheet: Maternal Mental Health
Recommended Citation: Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. (2025, May). Maternal Mental Health[Fact Sheet]. https://policycentermmh.org/maternal-mental-health-fact-sheet/ Take it To Go Prevalence…
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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.
