In the tapestry of parenthood, maternal mental health forms one of the most intricate and vital threads. The mental well-being of a mother not only shapes her own experience of motherhood but profoundly influences the development and future of her child. In recent years, the spotlight on maternal mental health has intensified, revealing its far-reaching effects on both individuals and society as a whole.

What is Maternal Mental Health?

Maternal mental health encompasses a spectrum of emotional, psychological and social well-being factors that affect women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Just like every woman is unique, so too is every pregnancy experience, and the mental health journey of a mother is complex and multifaceted. Even if the pregnancy itself is smooth sailing, which isn’t always the case, then there are the challenges and adjustments of postpartum life to contend with.

Pregnancy itself can act as a magnifying glass, amplifying pre-existing mental health conditions or triggering new ones. The Maternal Mental Health Alliance states that 1 in 5 women will develop a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the year following birth (1). 25% of women still experience symptoms after their baby’s first birthday (4).

Conditions like depression, anxiety and stress can manifest or exacerbate during this period. While hormonal changes certainly play a significant role, a woman’s overall well-being during pregnancy is influenced by many internal and external factors. These include physical discomfort, quality of sleep, income status, altered relationships, changes in diet and exercise levels, and anticipation of the upcoming life changes. Left unidentified and unaddressed these conditions can cast a shadow over the pregnancy experience and have lasting effects on both maternal and child health.

The post-partum period, often referred to as the fourth trimester, is a particularly vulnerable time for mothers marked by sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations and the demanding responsibilities of newborn care. Post-partum depression in particular can strike during this time affecting 1 in 10 women according to the NHS (2). Research by the University of Central London found that mothers were twice as likely to have post-natal depression during the COVID-19 epidemic, brought about by long periods of social isolation, increased anxiety and grief for the time lost to lockdown (3). Post-partum depression not only affects the ability to bond with baby, but can also impair daily functioning affecting relationships, work and overall quality of life.

It’s important not to forget that parents come in all shapes and sizes. Some don’t experience a natural birth, some don’t give birth at all. This does not make them immune to perinatal mental health problems. Research suggests that 1 in 10 fathers for example also experience post-partum depression (2) particularly if their partner is diagnosed (4). There’s even research to suggest adoptive parents experience post-partum depression (4).

Navigating parenthood

During our research into the motherhood penalty it was found that ‘guilt’ was a significant factor when it came to maternal mental health. Women often experience pressure to prove themselves as parents and professionals simultaneously, at a time when they are already re-evaluating their whole identity. Societal perceptions also impose powerful limitations on parents, such as the misconception that childbearing years are incompatible with career growth and that only the mother can be the primary caregiver.

Our research found that guilt often contributed to poor mental health outcomes for parents. The lack of accessible support and properly paid shared parental leave exacerbates the issue. However, countries like Sweden have demonstrated that adequately paid parental leave reduces healthcare needs and increases a mother’s preparedness to return to work (6).

Furthermore, the economic burden of untreated maternal mental health issues is substantial, encompassing healthcare costs, lost productivity and social services. According to a report by LSE and the Centre for Mental Health, perinatal mental health problems cost the UK approximately £8.1 billion every year, a fifth of which falls on the NHS (5).

What actions can we all take to support parents at work?

However, amidst the challenges, there is hope and opportunity for support and intervention. Some of the recommendations from our whitepaper: “Navigating Parenthood” are:

Enhanced parental leave:

Employers can contribute by implementing family-friendly policies that facilitate shared responsibilities, particularly those targeted at fathers, co-parents and non-birthing parents.

Establish employee networks:

Employee network groups offer a safe space for parents to connect, share their experiences, and receive support from others who understand their journey. This will also provide a forum to advocate for policy changes that address key pain points.

Combat burnout:

Implement mental health support strategies and resources that destigmatise mental health issues and promote well-being initiatives in the workplace. Education and awareness play a crucial role in changing attitudes toward mental ill health, especially that associated with motherhood

Implement flexible working:

Employers can also contribute by adopting flexible working arrangements to accommodate the unique needs of new parents, promoting a healthier work-life balance. For example, annualised hours, job sharing, or term-time contracts.

Leadership role models:

Empowering leaders to role model good wellbeing behaviours particularly those that encourage work-life balance.

Shireen Ali-Khan, Intersectionality Lead at Women in Transport, said:

“As we navigate the complexities of maternal mental health, it’s essential to recognise that supporting mothers is not only a matter of individual well-being but a collective responsibility. By investing in maternal mental health resources, and prioritising the mental well-being of mothers, we not only nurture healthier families but lay the foundation for a brighter, more resilient society.”

Maternal mental health is the cornerstone of maternal and child well-being, with far-reaching effects that extend into every aspect of society. By fostering awareness, compassion and support we can empower mothers to navigate their mental health journey with resilience and ensure a brighter future for everyone.

For more recommendations about this and other factors associated with the motherhood penalty, sign up to receive our exclusive white paper.

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The whitepaper delves into the phenomenon of the motherhood penalty and the experiences of our members. It offers a roadmap for employers to navigate these changes effectively.