Suicide Prevention Month Highlights the Urgent Need to Support Maternal Mental Health—Especially After Birth

During Suicide Prevention Month, Family Connects International (Family Connects) is recognizing the power of early connection, compassionate support, and community-based care to prevent suicide—while drawing attention to an often-overlooked risk period: the months following childbirth.

Suicide prevention is rooted in one central truth: connection saves lives. For new mothers, the postpartum period can bring profound physical, emotional, and social changes. While many families experience joy during this transition, others face isolation, anxiety, depression, and overwhelming stress—often without adequate follow-up or support.

National data show that mental health conditions are among the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths, with risk extending well beyond delivery. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing maternal mental health support during the postpartum period, when families are most vulnerable—and most receptive to help.

“Suicide prevention begins long before a crisis,” said Jade Woodard, Executive Director of Family Connects. “For new mothers, prevention means being seen, supported, and connected during the months after birth—not left to navigate challenges alone.”

And the postpartum period provides a critical opportunity to address mental health challenges before they worsen. Challenges include: 

• Hormonal shifts and physical recovery
• Sleep deprivation and caregiving demands
• Changes in identity, relationships, and support systems
• Increased risk for postpartum depression and anxiety

When mental health needs go unrecognized or unmet during this time, risks can escalate. Conversely, early screening, trusted relationships, and timely connection to care are proven protective factors.

Family Connects Supports Maternal Mental Health and Suicide Prevention by provide the right support at the right time through:

• Screening for postpartum depression, anxiety, and emotional distress.
• Connecting mothers directly to behavioral health care, primary care, and community support systems.
• Providing universal access, reducing stigma, and ensuring support reaches families regardless of income, race, or background.
• Strengthening protective factors, including social support and continuity of care.

Research on the Family Connects Model shows that mothers were significantly less likely to experience possible postpartum depression or anxiety when supported early, key risk factors associated with suicidal ideation.

“Prevention is about building protective systems around families,” said Kim Friedman, Chief Program Officer at Family Connects. “When mothers feel supported and connected, the risk of crisis decreases.”

Suicide prevention is not solely an individual issue—it is a public health and systems responsibility. For mothers, this means ensuring that mental health support begins early, continues beyond a single postpartum visit, and is accessible, culturally responsive, and family centered.

This September, Family Connects joins partners nationwide in honoring prevention efforts and reaffirming a commitment to early, compassionate support for mothers and families.

“Every mother deserves to feel supported, valued, and hopeful,” said Woodard. “When we strengthen maternal mental health, we strengthen families—and we save lives.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7 by calling or texting **988**, or via chat at 988lifeline.org. Support is available in English and Spanish, with translation services for other languages.

• Category: FCI News, Press Clips