Moving Beyond the Baby Blues: Supporting Maternal Mental Health in Minnesota

Authors

Rileigh Kronmiller, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mary Montero, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Sarah Nelsen, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Timothy Taggart, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Author Affiliation

Department of Social Work, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Document Type

Policy Advocacy Brief

Publication Date

3-2025

Issue Statement/Executive Summary

Untreated mental health challenges are the second leading contributors to perinatal and postpartum deaths in the U.S. as well as Minnesota. There are many barriers for mothers and trans/nonbinary birthing parents to receive the care they need, including social stigma, inadequate prenatal and postpartum screening, and a lack of resources and access to integrated, research-informed care, especially for BIPOC and rural communities. While awareness of this troubling issue has risen in recent years, so too have deaths and other adverse outcomes. Addressing maternal mental health concerns will reduce involvement in the child protection and judicial systems, reduce deaths, and improve social determinants of health for mothers, children, and families.

Department

Social Work

Recommended Citation

Kronmiller, R., Montero, M., Nelsen, S., & Taggart, T. (2025). Moving beyond the baby blues: Supporting maternal mental health in Minnesota. MSW Program Policy Advocacy Briefs, Minnesota State University Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/msw-student-policy-advocacy-briefs/62