Maternal Mental Health- and the systems we face

Something I’ve been thinking more about recently is the struggle many women face within systems. Systems impact us all, especially within the landscapes of maternal mental health and reproductive health.

First, we need some context as to what a system is and what it does.

Systems Definition: What is a system? A group of interrelated elements or parts forming a unified whole to achieve a specific function or goal.

Some of the systems I see women most often impacted by are healthcare, social supports, and socio economic structures. This may look like insurance issues and financial barriers or lacking efficient social supports during pregnancy and postpartum. These gaps often lead to frustration, overwhelm, and depleting your nervous system and sense of self.

Because systems are so prevalent to how we feel and how we manage our lives, I make it a priority to thoroughly explore with you - your own world of systems.

Where do you feel supported within your life and where are the gaps?

We want to take inventory of these various facets - social, medical, financial, physical, emotional, and begin to get curious.

From here, I often encourage us to look at the stuck points - Let’s be real and name them and exactly what the barriers are. Perhaps there is a barrier in accessing resources for family planning or- Maybe- there is a need for sleep support after your new born has arrived… We start to look at how to bridge these gaps collectively, so you are not alone in the process.

This allows for our nervous system to shift-

Where you can begin to listen to your inner voice and self advocate for your needs, receive support from loved ones, and providers you truly trust. From this space, we begin to bridge the gaps we often feel within the commotion of systems that - let's face it- are not always designed for what women need.

Then our mind and body can take a breath -

leading you to feel more nourished, validated, and whole.

Key takeaway -

If there is one thing I have learned, it’s that support is so vital to our Mamas to- be, to our new Moms, and the Women walking through there own maternal and reproductive journeys. You were never meant to do this alone and you don’t have to.