I read the tragic story over the weekend about a prominent oncologist and new mom who killed her four-month-old baby and turned the gun on herself. Did you know that suicide accounts for up to 20% of postpartum deaths? Or that suicide is a leading cause of maternal death in the first year following childbirth? (Maternal+Suicide+Fact+Sheet+August+2021+(1))
At the conclusion of the article was information about the new National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – 1-833-852-6262 or 1-833-TLC-MAMA. I was not aware of the hotline and was thankful the number was included in the article along with #988 our national suicide hotline.
The content of this blog post was taken directly from HRSA: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Celebrating our first anniversary
Mother’s Day marks the first anniversary of this Hotline. Read what people are saying and get data about the Hotline’s use.
24/7, free, confidential hotline for pregnant and new moms in English and Spanish
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline can help. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262.
If you are in a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many new moms feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or exhausted at different times during their pregnancy or after the baby is born.
Sometimes these feelings go away on their own. But if these feelings last for more than two weeks, and make it hard to carry out daily tasks, like caring for themselves or their family, a mom may have perinatal depression or anxiety. These are common and treatable health conditions during or after pregnancy. And that’s why a new mom, or those supporting them, should reach out right away for help.
About the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. The Hotline offers callers:
- Phone or text access to professional counselors
- Real-time support and information
- Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Resources
- Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
- Culturally sensitive support
- Counselors who speak English and Spanish
- Interpreter services in 60 languages
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
Use our Partner Toolkit to promote the Hotline or order promotional materials.
Facts about maternal suicide. Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health – Formerly 2020 Mom. (n.d.). https://www.2020mom.org/facts-about-maternal-suicide#:~:text=Suicide%20Rates%20as%20Compared%20to%20Other%20Maternal%20Deaths&text=Suicide%20accounts%20for%20up%20to%2020%25%20of%20postpartum%20deaths.&text=Suicide%20is%20a%20leading%20cause,the%20first%20year%20following%20childbirth.
HRSA: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Maternal+Suicide+Fact+Sheet+August+2021+(1)
I read about the death but missed the info on post partum depression. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Meg, I was not familiar with the specific number for postpartum depression, that’s why I thought it was important to share! Thanks for your comment