At the 2025 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) annual meeting, Dr. Joy Baker highlighted the urgent need for collaboration among healthcare providers to improve maternal mental health, particularly after childbirth. Dr. Baker emphasized that primary care clinicians must remain involved in postpartum mental health, especially when patients do not return to their obstetricians or gynecologists for follow-up care.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that nearly 25% of maternal deaths are associated with mental health issues, including suicide and substance abuse. Dr. Baker stated, “We really have to all be engaged,” stressing that the responsibility of managing postpartum depression (PPD) should extend beyond OB/GYNs to include primary care physicians, internists, family medicine providers, and pediatricians.
She urged these healthcare professionals to actively screen for, discuss, and refer patients dealing with postpartum depression. While formal training in mental health conditions is not always necessary, Dr. Baker pointed out that awareness and proactive measures are critical. Effective screening tools, open conversations about mental health, and seamless referrals to mental health specialists can lead to life-saving interventions.
For clinicians hesitant to manage perinatal mood disorders directly, Dr. Baker recommended ensuring patients receive the appropriate care they need, stating, “It’s important to get patients where they need to go.” This collaborative approach is essential; addressing postpartum depression is a shared responsibility among various medical disciplines, not limited to obstetrics alone. By fostering stronger partnerships and communication between specialists, healthcare providers can better support new mothers facing mental health challenges.
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