A February 2024 research review in JAMA Psychiatry identified perinatal mental health and substance use disorders, namely suicide and opioid overdoses, as the cause of nearly one in four maternal deaths.

Reproductive psychiatrist, Dr. Emily Dossett, and executive director of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, Joy Burkhard, join this episode of the Business Group on Health podcast to broaden our understanding of this stunning, yet largely unrecognized, relationship. We also learn about other maternal mental health challenges, the impact social determinants of health have on perinatal mental health, and how employers can help support mothers and their families.

More Information:
Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health Reports and Fact Sheets:
https://www.2020mom.org/reports

JAMA Psychiatry Research Review:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2814936

Health Affairs Article on Perinatal Mental Health:
https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01455

Guests: Dr. Emily Dossett | Reproductive Psychiatrist; Founder & Director, Reproductive Mental Health Program at the LA General Medical Center
Joy Burkhard | Executive Director, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

Mindful of Motherhood: Prioritizing Maternal Mental Health