By Cathy Foreman, MS, RD
Motherhood is a joyful and fulfilling experience. But there is another reality too. Motherhood can be stressful and even trying at times, especially when there are other added life demands. There is no shame or anything wrong with saying that out loud. It’s important to acknowledge that truth.
To top it all off, although being a mother isn’t a unique experience, it is one of life’s most significant responsibilities. The physical, mental, and emotional energy of motherhood is huge, whether you are pregnant, a new first-time mom, or adding a new baby to your growing family. For many of us moms, it can be helpful to know that it’s normal to experience different emotions. Some of these emotions may feel uncomfortable, some of these emotions may be unfamiliar, and some of these emotions can even feel scary. Most importantly, there are people who understand what moms might be experiencing, and who can help when help is needed. One immediate way to get in touch with someone who can help is through a national hotline number that is dedicated just for moms.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), is a free, confidential number to call or text anytime for support and information. It is staffed by licensed health care providers and professional counselors as part of an outreach campaign to help pregnant and new moms.
Sometimes taking a new, unknown first step can be difficult. What actually happens when you call the hotline number? We personally called the hotline number to find out, and here is what we experienced:
First, there is a recorded greeting which asks whether or not you are in an immediate mental health crisis. If you are in danger of harming yourself, you are asked to call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The recording then directs you to choose one of two touchtone options: are you a pregnant/postpartum mom, or a loved one? We chose the “mom” option, which connected us immediately to a person working at the hotline number. It was great to immediately hear a caring human voice on the other end of the line: no transferring of calls, no more phone directory buttons to push.
She started by stating that she needed to ask a couple basic, non-identifying, and optional questions. Next, the conversation moved to what we wanted to talk about; and she listened. She was patient and non-judgmental throughout the call. Her goal was to be that listening ear and to provide direction towards further help and resources specific to the situation. Our call ended with that accomplished. The person we spoke with was impressively kind, knowledgeable, and understanding.
Calling this hotline number was reassuring. Mental health conditions are very common complications during pregnancy and after a baby’s birth. A mom’s well-being is important. It impacts not just her health but also the health and development of her baby.
This article, the first in Easter Seals Greater Houston’s series on maternal mental health, highlights an important and readily available resource for moms. Please consider sharing the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline number if someone you know or love may benefit from talking with an experienced health professional.