Here are five ways hospitals can support maternal mental health, according to the American Hospital Association:
- Hospitals should incorporate measures to address mental health concerns, such as screening, referrals, medication, education and follow-up appointments.
- Providers should discuss and address mental health concerns with their patients early on to build trust.
- Hospitals should diversify the workforce with a variety of providers such as doulas, social workers, community health workers and psychiatrists.
- Hospitals should train perinatal nurses and providers on mental health conditions to best support their patients.
- Hospitals should establish a referral process to connect their patients with postpartum providers.
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