Perinatal Mental Health Policy

Perinatal depression (or maternal depression) is a significant public health concern affecting countless women, infants and their families in Los Angeles County. Given L.A. County’s vast size and large population, there is a high prevalence of perinatal depression. Unfortunately, resources are limited for providing treatment to women suffering from maternal depression.

Improving mental health before, during and after pregnancy is an important component in generating positive birth outcomes. While national studies indicate that perinatal depression affects roughly 10% of women during both pregnancy and in the postpartum period, it is likely that this percentage would be higher if universal screening were in place.

All women should be screened for perinatal depression every trimester and in the postpartum period and should have access to culturally competent perinatal mental health services. Prenatal care providers need to be equipped with the knowledge and resources to appropriately screen patients and refer them to the appropriate level of care.

The LA Best Babies Network partners with the LA County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force formed in 2007 in raising awareness of perinatal depression. The Perinatal Mental Health Task Force is a network of public and private agencies and organizations, community leaders, consumers, and health care providers dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pregnant and post-partum women, their children, and their families through the effective prevention and treatment of perinatal mood disorders. The Network coordinates the policy and advocacy component of the Task Force’s activities and supports programs and policies aimed at:

• Promoting universal depression screening
  
• Increasing access to mental health services
  
• Increasing education and training for prenatal car e providers
  
• Increasing education and training of Mental Health Providers
  
• Increasing perinatal mental health resources
  
• Increasing public awareness of perinatal depression
  
• Increasing psychosocial support services
  

For more information on these policy recommendations read the Network’s policy statement
Access to Quality Care for Maternal Depression: Meeting the Challenge

and its Landscape Report
Maternal Depression in Los Angeles County: Current Screening Practices and Recommendations

For more information and background on the Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force and for a list of members.