Supporting Moms, Saving Babies: Why Maternal Mental Health Matters

May is Maternal Mental Health Month—a time to raise awareness about the emotional and psychological well-being of new moms. At First Candle, our mission is to save babies and support families. That includes addressing a critical but too-often overlooked issue: postpartum depression (PPD).

 

Through our Let’s Talk Community Chats, we meet with families in communities across the country—especially those most affected by health disparities. We don’t just speak with moms. We engage dads, grandparents, and caregivers to recognize the signs of postpartum depression and understand why early intervention matters.

 

Postpartum depression is not just “the baby blues.” It’s a serious medical condition that affects up to 1 in 7 women after childbirth. When left untreated, it can put both mom and baby at risk.

 

One of the dangers? A mom experiencing PPD may unintentionally make unsafe decisions—like choosing to sleep with her baby in bed—because she’s exhausted, overwhelmed, or seeking comfort. While her intentions come from a place of love, the outcome can be tragic. Bedsharing increases the risk of accidental suffocation, which is now the leading cause of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).

 

We’ve seen firsthand how education and support can make a life-saving difference.

 

That’s why our Community Chats don’t just hand out brochures. We listen. We create safe spaces where families can ask questions, share fears, and learn the “why” behind safe sleep guidelines. We also connect them with mental health resources so that moms aren’t left to struggle alone.

 

This Maternal Mental Health Month, let’s change the conversation.

Let’s normalize asking, “How are you really doing?”

Let’s equip dads and caregivers to spot warning signs.

Let’s ensure that no mother has to choose between her well-being and her baby’s safety.

 

When we support moms, we protect babies. And at First Candle, that’s what we’re here to do—every day, in every community.