Mental Health Matters

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Mental Health Matters

September 14, 2026

September is Suicide Prevention awareness month. Many changes occur during and after pregnancy to women’s bodies, minds, and lifestyles. Some changes are normal and expected as your body changes and you adjust to life with a new baby.

Perinatal depression/anxiety affects approximately 1 in 5 pregnant women and partners. It is important to know what to expect and when to reach out for mental and emotional help during these times. Symptoms can start anytime during the perinatal period and they may differ for each person and potentially worsen in the postpartum period. They might include the following:

• Feelings of anger, irritability and/or rage

• Lack of interest in the baby

• Disturbances of sleep and appetite

• Crying and sadness

• Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness

• Loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

• Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

Iberia Medical Center’s Obstetrics and Behavioral Health Services teams work together to maintain the mental health of moms during such a vulnerable time.

Please reach out to the National Maternal Health Hotline (For emotional support and resources, call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) 24/7), your provider, or our Behavioral Health Services team if you ever have any of these signs and symptoms. You are not alone. We are here to help.

Behavioral Health Services at Iberia Medical Center – 337-376-5713

Obstetrics Clinic at Iberia Medical Center – 337-256-8779

Need a provider? https://www.iberiamedicalcenter.com/find-a-provider

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Maternal Health Awareness: Doing Our Part

Jan 14, 2025

1 min read

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognizes January 23, 2025 as Maternal Health Awareness Day. Government data shows that the maternal mortality rate in the United States remains unacceptably high. With roughly 80% of deaths considered preventable and nearly half of maternal deaths occurring between seven to 365 days post-partum, patient education is critical.

Pregnancy-related complications result in approximately 700 deaths in the United States each year. For every pregnancy-related death, there are 70 severe maternal morbidity events, or unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant short- or long-term consequences to someone's health.

IMC Obstetrical Care

As a Birth Ready Designated facility, we continue to place mom and baby patient outcomes and safety as top priorities. The Birth Ready Designation, awarded by the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC), places our obstetrical services in an elite category as only one 14 hospitals statewide with this honor.

Learn more about our Maternal / Child Care services https://www.iberiamedicalcenter.com/services/obstetrics