08/04/2026
Recent events have brought perinatal mental health into the national conversation. While these discussions can be difficult, they remind us why it is so important to talk openly about mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
This conversation is especially meaningful to me as a midwife and birth center owner. My commitment to midwifery and su***de prevention is also shaped by personal experiences that have shown me the profound impact of mental health struggles and the importance of support, connection, and compassion.
Throughout my career, I have seen how important it is to care for the whole person during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—not only the physical changes, but also the emotional and mental challenges that can come with this transition.
This season can bring incredible joy, but it can also bring unexpected challenges. Anxiety, depression, birth trauma, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and other perinatal mental health conditions are more common than many people realize—and they are treatable. No one should have to navigate these experiences alone.
One of the most important things we can do is keep talking. By reducing stigma, recognizing when someone may be struggling, and encouraging families to seek support early, we can create a community where parents feel supported, not judged.
Please know this: asking for help is a sign of strength. There is hope, and support is available. It is an honor to walk alongside families through some of life’s most transformative moments, and I remain committed to caring for both the body and the mind.
— Marie 💙
