Maternal Wellness Program
Women face unique challenges and experiences as they transition into motherhood. Maternal mental health refers to a mother’s emotional and psychological well-being, both during and after pregnancy. It also includes preventing, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions impacting pregnant individuals and new mothers.
One in seven mothers experience mood and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy (perinatal) or after childbirth. This is often referred to as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). PMADs can arise from a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, biological vulnerability, psychological stressors, physical health issues, social isolation, past trauma and more.
At Atrium Health’s Maternal Wellness Program, we offer compassionate mental health care during and after your pregnancy. Our specialized services are designed to help improve your mood, reduce depression or anxiety, and strengthen your connection with your child.
If you’re experiencing mood and anxiety symptoms during or after pregnancy, seek help right away. Untreated PMADs may affect your well-being and your baby’s.
Join our Maternal Wellness Program
For more information or to schedule a pregnancy-related mental health consultation, call 704-801-9200.
Conditions treated
Mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy or after childbirth include:
- Perinatal depression and postpartum depression (PPD)
- Anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychosis
- Grief and loss
- Trauma
When should you seek help?
If you find yourself nodding along to any of the following questions, it’s a good idea to have a chat with your doctor or give us a call.
- Is it difficult for you to enjoy yourself?
- Are you more irritable or tense?
- Are you worried, panicky or sad?
- Do you feel as if you are “out of control” or “going crazy?”
- Are you having difficulty bonding with your baby?
- Have you had thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby?
Common symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)
Another way to see if you might be experiencing a PMAD is to cross-check your symptoms with this list:
- Feeling like nothing holds your interest
- Feeling lonely, like no one understands
- Sadness and crying
- Guilt
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in appetite
- Poor focus and concentration
- Excessive worry
- Scary or intrusive thoughts
- Confusion
- Anger
- Thoughts about harming yourself or someone else
Emergency evaluation
If you or someone you love experiences psychosis, please call 911 immediately and request an emergency evaluation.
Typical psychosis symptoms include a severe change in behavior, confusion, and thoughts about harming oneself or others.
Services and support
Our devoted team of psychotherapists and psychiatrists have specialized training and extensive experience in providing care during and after pregnancy. Your recommended treatment plan will be based on your specific symptoms. Here are some of the services we offer:
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Psychiatric assessments (virtual and in-person) including preconception consultations: You’ll speak with a psychiatrist about your symptoms, receive a diagnosis and work together to develop the best treatment plan for you.
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Individual therapy: You’ll meet with a therapist to discuss your symptoms, create a treatment plan and work on developing coping skills. Virtual and in-person sessions are available for 30 to 60 minutes.
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Group therapy: During weekly virtual group therapy sessions, you’ll be able to engage in meaningful discussions, share your experiences and find support from women facing similar challenges.
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Medication management (virtual and in-person): You’ll speak with a psychiatrist to determine the most effective medication for relieving your symptoms. The latest medication guidelines for pregnancy and postpartum care, including safety during breastfeeding, will also be discussed.
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Inpatient psychiatric services: If your symptoms become severe and pose a risk to yourself or your baby, intensive 24/7 monitoring and support may be recommended. At our lower acuity (less severe) unit, you’ll have access to nurses, therapists and psychiatrists with specialized training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. There are also flexible visiting hours for seeing your baby, as well as easy access to breast pumps.
How to join our Maternal Wellness Program
To schedule a pregnancy-related mental health consultation, call 704-801-9200. You can also receive a referral from your primary care doctor, OB/GYN or pediatrician.
Patient resources
- Postpartum Support International: Online support groups, postpartum forum and more
- 4th Trimester Project - A Village for Mothers: Expert-written resources and info for families
- MotherToBaby: Pregnancy and breastfeeding exposure information in English and Spanish
- Mind Body Baby NC: Education, resources and social-emotional support for those in the Charlotte area
- KinderMourn: Counseling and support for pregnancy and infant loss
- 24/7 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (call or text): 1-833-943-5746
- Postpartum Support International Helpline (call or text): 1-800-944-4773
Maternal Wellness Program Shines Light on Postpartum Depression
Kionna Dockery was completely in love with her newborn son, but she couldn’t shake feeling sad, irritable and anxious. Thankfully, Atrium Health’s Maternal Wellness Program provided the support she, and her son, needed.
Frequently asked questions
Perinatal depression is one of the most common conditions of pregnancy and the postpartum period. It is estimated that 1 in 7 women will experience mood and anxiety symptoms during this important phase of their lives.
It is characterized by symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns. It can significantly impact a woman’s emotional well-being during a time when she is transitioning to motherhood. Seeking timely support and treatment is vital for the well-being of the mother and the baby.
Several factors can increase the risk of perinatal depression. These include:
- A personal or family history of depression
- Experiencing high levels of stress during or after pregnancy
- A lack of social support
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Pregnancy or birth complications
These risk factors don’t guarantee depression will occur, but they can make it more likely, and seeking help early is essential if you or someone you know is at risk.
PMADs are more severe and persistent than the “baby blues.” The baby blues are common and typically involve mild mood swings, tearfulness, and emotional ups and downs that many new mothers experience in the first week or so after childbirth.
In contrast, PMADs cover more intense and longer-lasting mood disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, which can last for weeks or months and often require medical treatment and support to manage.
Yes, there can be potential complications for the baby if a mother experiences perinatal depression. Babies born to mothers with untreated depression may have a higher risk of low birth weight and premature birth.
Additionally, maternal depression can affect the mother-infant bond and the baby’s emotional and cognitive development. It’s important to seek help to minimize these risks and ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
If left untreated, PMADs can vary in duration. Symptoms can last for weeks, months or even longer, and the longer they go untreated, the more they can impact a woman’s overall well-being and her relationship with her child.
Atrium Health Behavioral Health Psychiatry & Counseling
16740 Davidson-Concord Road (Hwy. 73), Suite 200
Davidson, NC 28036
Maternal mental health services are offered both in person and virtually. (You must live in North Carolina to receive virtual care.)
Our Providers
We look forward to meeting and caring for you.