You may already be familiar with the statistic that the United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the developed world, with Black and Brown women disproportionately being impacted. When U.S. Congresswomen Alma Adams and Lauren Underwood introduced the Momnibus Act in 2021 with the Black Maternal Health Caucus, it listed 13 individual bills that would address a number of the key factors in the crisis. One of these bills specifically focuses on Maternal Mental Health, an issue that often gets overlooked not only with regard to maternal health, but overall health.
The data shows that the need to address this issue is more urgent than ever, with the Momnibus Act outlining how “the maternal mortality rate in 2021 was 89 percent higher than the rate in 2018”, meaning the crisis is only worsening, and the status quo is clearly not doing near enough to stem the nearly 50% of these deaths which are said to be preventable.
As June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, an initiative that was established in 2010 by the United States Senate to raise awareness about PTSD and reduce stigma, there has never been a better time to share important information. One expert who has made it her life mission to raise awareness, change the stakes of the game, and ensure Black and Brown mothers are given the holistic support they need through their maternal mental health journey is Dr. Shaenor Ishmael, whose Inspired Counseling Center clinic serves clients in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
Dr. Ishmael, a dedicated maternal mental health therapist with a wealth of experience in supporting women during the perinatal period, has emerged as a distinguished expert in the field. Her commitment to providing compassionate and evidence-based therapy tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual has helped countless mothers navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, and other perinatal mental health conditions.
Dr. Ishmael’s holistic approach to maternal mental health, which emphasizes collaboration with healthcare professionals, partners, and support networks, underscores her dedication to ensuring comprehensive care for mothers. By equipping women with practical tools and strategies to manage stress and enhance their emotional well-being, she empowers them to develop effective coping skills and prioritize self-care practices.
Her expertise in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches, further solidifies her ability to provide tailored support to women during this critical period.
We were thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with her, sharing her unique perspective and commitment to maternal mental health with our readers. As we join the mission to raise awareness and promote well-being during National Maternal Mental Health Month, scroll on below to learn more about the urgency of this issue.
Can you first tell us about your health background and how you became a maternal mental health therapist?
My path to becoming a maternal mental health therapist began with earning my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work, a Ph.D. in Human Behavior, and additional training in perinatal mental health. I am a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in various settings, including medical and insurance social work. These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and the impact it can have on individuals and families.
My journey greatly influenced my decision to specialize in maternal mental health. Just a month before the pandemic hit and everything shut down, I welcomed a newborn. The sudden changes and uncertainties brought on by the pandemic had a profound impact on my mental health as a new mother. Navigating those challenging times further fueled my passion for supporting mothers facing similar struggles.
Moreover, my journey took an unexpected turn when my second child was born prematurely at 27 weeks, requiring an extended stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This experience exposed me to the unique emotional challenges that parents of premature babies face, including anxiety, guilt, and overwhelming stress. It deepened my responsiveness and understanding of the complexities of maternal mental health during such trying times.
Through my personal experiences and professional expertise, I bring a unique perspective to my work as a maternal mental health therapist. I am dedicated to providing compassionate and practical support to women as they navigate the joys and struggles of the perinatal period, helping them build resilience and find healing during challenging times.
What does your job involve day-to-day?
As a maternal mental health therapist, my day-to-day role involves providing support and therapy to women facing various mental health challenges during the perinatal period. I start each day by conducting individual therapy sessions with clients, offering a safe space for them to express their emotions, fears, and struggles related to their journeys and lived experiences.
I assess their progress, update treatment plans, and tailor interventions to meet their needs and circumstances, ensuring we are effectively moving toward their therapeutic goals. Additionally, I engage in professional development activities to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in maternal mental health.
I prioritize self-care practices to maintain my well-being, ensuring that I am in a good place to support others effectively. Each day brings new opportunities to empower and guide individuals on their journey to healing and resilience. I find great fulfillment in being a source of support during this transformative phase of their lives.
Who are the majority of your clientele, and how do they find out about your services?
I provide individual and couples therapy. The majority of my clientele consists of individuals who are navigating mental health challenges and life transitions related to reproductive and maternal health. Many of my clients discover my services through electronic marketing efforts and word-of-mouth referrals.
Through targeted digital marketing strategies, such as social media advertising, email campaigns, and online directories, individuals and couples seeking support for maternal mental health concerns can locate my services. These efforts help raise awareness about my practice and my specialized services, making it easier for potential clients to find me when searching for maternal mental health resources online.
For folks who aren’t familiar with what maternal mental health is, can you explain why this speciality is a very important aspect of maternal health overall?
It is crucial to emphasize the significance of mental health within the broader context of maternal health. Maternal mental health encompasses the emotional well-being of individuals during the perinatal period (before, during, and after pregnancy), addressing a wide range of psychological, emotional, and social challenges that can arise during this timeframe.
Maternal mental health is a critical aspect of overall maternal health for several reasons. Firstly, the perinatal period is a time of significant transition and adjustment, characterized by expectation challenges, hormonal changes, physical challenges, and various demands and sacrifices. The perinatal period can trigger or exacerbate mental health conditions such as perinatal depression, anxiety, and perinatal mood disorders, impacting not only the woman’s well-being but also her ability to care for herself and her baby.
Maternal mental health plays a critical role in shaping the mother’s self-esteem, confidence, and resilience as she navigates the challenges of motherhood. By providing support, therapy, and education tailored to the unique needs of mothers, we can empower them to cope with stress, build healthy coping mechanisms, strengthen their relationships, and foster a positive mother-infant bond.
The mental health of the mother is interconnected with the physical health of the mother and the well-being of the infant. Research has shown that untreated maternal mental health issues can have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes, infant development, bonding between mother and child, and long-term family dynamics. By addressing maternal mental health concerns proactively, we can promote better overall health outcomes for both the mother and her child.
By addressing maternal mental health concerns and promoting emotional wellness, we can enhance the overall health and quality of life for mothers, infants, and families, laying the foundation for a healthier and more nurturing start to parenthood.
Why do you think mental health is often overlooked in the spectrum of maternal health, as well as in policy-creation relating to healthcare?
Mental health conditions, especially those related to pregnancy and postpartum, have been stigmatized and misunderstood, leading to a lack of awareness and open discussion about these issues. Health systems and providers may focus more on monitoring and addressing physical health issues, such as prenatal screenings, vaccinations, and obstetric care, while mental health concerns may receive less attention or be deprioritized. Policies relating to maternal health may focus more on traditional medical interventions and preventive care measures, overlooking the importance of mental health promotion and support.
You have a holistic approach to your work and clients. What does this involve, and how does it differ from more traditional forms of care?
Having a holistic approach to my work as a maternal mental health therapist means that I view each client as a whole person, considering their physical, emotional, mental, social, cultural, and spiritual well-being in the context of their environment and relationships. This approach involves recognizing the interconnectedness of these aspects and understanding how they influence a client’s overall health and quality of life.
This entails addressing not only the psychological symptoms and challenges that clients present but also exploring the underlying factors that may be contributing to their distress. This includes considering their physical health, lifestyle factors, support systems, cultural background, and life experiences that shape their mental health and well-being. I work with clients to identify risk factors, build resilience, and develop coping strategies to prevent mental health issues from escalating or recurring.
By focusing on the whole person and their unique needs, I aim to empower clients to make positive changes in all areas of their life that contribute to their well-being. By integrating this approach into my practice, I aim to provide comprehensive and compassionate care that supports the long-term mental health and flourishing of mothers and families.
As June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, what should people know about this issue that isn’t talked about enough?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly impact individuals during the perinatal period, including pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This is an area that often isn’t talked about enough when discussing PTSD.
- Women can develop PTSD following a traumatic childbirth experience, which may involve complications during labor and delivery, feelings of loss of control, medical interventions, or emergencies. These traumatic events can lead to symptoms of PTSD that affect the mother’s well-being and ability to bond with her baby.
- Experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth can also trigger symptoms of PTSD. The loss of a pregnancy can be a deeply traumatic experience for individuals and may lead to feelings of grief, guilt, and anxiety that impact their mental health.
- Individuals struggling with infertility or undergoing fertility treatments may also experience trauma and develop symptoms of PTSD. The emotional toll of fertility challenges, repeated pregnancy losses, and the uncertainty of the process can contribute to significant distress and mental health concerns.
It’s essential for individuals experiencing perinatal PTSD to seek support from mental health professionals who specialize in maternal mental health. There is still a stigma surrounding mental health issues in the context of pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. It’s important to break this stigma and encourage open conversations about PTSD and trauma in these areas, so individuals feel empowered to seek help without judgment.
Many countries around the world understand the importance of mental health and holistic care after childbirth, whereas the United States is so behind in a number of ways. Can you talk about the direct impact and benefits of having this kind of ongoing care for a mother beyond birth?
It is essential to highlight that the majority of maternal mortality in the United States occurs between 7 days postpartum to 1 year, with mental health conditions being a leading cause, as reported by the CDC. This statistic underscores the critical need for comprehensive mental health care and support for mothers beyond the immediate postpartum period. The United States lags behind in recognizing the importance of mental health and holistic care after childbirth, and there is a significant opportunity to improve outcomes by prioritizing comprehensive care for mothers throughout the postpartum period and beyond.
The direct impact and benefit of providing ongoing care for mothers beyond birth include:
- Early Detection and Intervention: Ongoing mental health care can help in the early detection of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression and PTSD. By identifying these conditions early, appropriate interventions can be implemented to prevent escalation and improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby.
- Improved Maternal Health: Continuity of care beyond birth can help mothers address physical, emotional, and mental health concerns that may arise during the postpartum period. This holistic approach supports overall well-being and can reduce the risk of complications and long-term health issues.
- Enhanced Bonding and Parenting: Mothers who receive ongoing care and holistic support are better equipped to bond with their babies and navigate the challenges of parenting. Addressing mental health concerns can promote a positive parent-child relationship, fostering healthy development and emotional well-being for both the mother and the child.
- Reduced Maternal Mortality: By prioritizing ongoing care for mothers, particularly in addressing mental health conditions, the United States can work towards reducing maternal mortality rates during the postpartum period. Comprehensive care that includes mental health support is crucial for ensuring the well-being and safety of mothers after childbirth.
- Quality of Life: Providing ongoing care for mothers beyond birth can significantly improve their quality of life and overall satisfaction with the healthcare system. Mothers feel supported, validated, and empowered to prioritize their own well-being, leading to better outcomes for themselves and their families.
Investing in comprehensive care for mothers that includes ongoing mental health support is crucial for promoting the well-being of mothers and reducing maternal mortality rates in the United States. By prioritizing holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and mental needs of mothers beyond birth, we can create a healthier and more supportive environment for families to thrive.
As we approach another contentious election where reproductive health and rights are again being kicked around as political and media fodder, what message do you have about the importance of maternal mental health and why we need to prioritize it all the time?
As we navigate another contentious election cycle where reproductive health and rights are often politicized and debated, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of maternal mental health and why we need to prioritize it consistently, regardless of political agendas or media narratives.
Maternal mental health is not just a side issue; it is fundamental to the well-being of mothers, infants, and families as a whole. By addressing mental health concerns during the perinatal period, we can promote positive outcomes, nurture healthy relationships, and support the overall health and development of both mothers and their children.
Furthermore, the mental health of a mother can have enduring effects on future generations, highlighting the importance of investing in maternal mental health as a means of fostering emotional well-being and resilience in families and communities over time. By destigmatizing maternal mental health issues, we create a more inclusive and compassionate society where mothers feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment or shame.
Prioritizing maternal mental health not only prevents long-term consequences for both mothers and children but also empowers mothers to navigate the challenges of motherhood, advocate for their own mental health needs, and contribute to stronger families and communities.
Despite the political rhetoric surrounding reproductive health and rights, it is essential to consistently uphold and advocate for the importance of maternal mental health support to create a society where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and flourish, for comprehensive care that addresses the mental health needs of mothers and promotes the well-being of families across the perinatal period and beyond.
What are some actions you recommend to ensure mindfulness, mental health and self care are prioritized at home on a daily basis?
Creating a daily routine that incorporates mindfulness practices, mental health check-ins, and self-care activities is essential to prioritize mindfulness, mental health, and self-care at home on a daily basis. By setting aside specific times for activities like meditation, journaling, or exercise, you can establish a consistent practice that nurtures your well-being.
Engaging in mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises or mindful walking can help you stay present and reduce stress throughout the day. Additionally, taking regular mental health check-ins to assess your emotions, thoughts, and overall well-being can provide valuable insights into how you are feeling and what support you may need. Making time for self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or practicing a hobby, is also crucial for maintaining balance and replenishing your energy.
For those looking to deepen their mindfulness practice, you may consider exploring my mindfulness-based course https://www.inspiredcounselingcenter.com/challenges. By incorporating these actions into your daily routine, you can create a supportive environment at home that prioritizes mindfulness, mental health, and self-care on a consistent basis.
You can see more of Dr. Ishmael’s work by following her on Instagram. See more of the work she offers her clients over at the Inspired Counseling Center website.
