TLC Moms - Louisiana’s Maternal Mental Health Campaign

Louisiana’s Maternal Mental Health Campaign

Feeling overwhelmed by welcoming a new baby? Too many mothers and families are not receiving the care they need when they need it. TLC Moms, a Louisiana Department of Health initiative, offers support, resources, and a path to mental and emotional wellness for moms, families, and caregivers facing pregnancy or postpartum depression and anxiety.

About TLC Moms

Louisiana moms, families and caregivers, we're here for you!

TLC Moms — for Talk, Listen, and Care — is an initiative of the Louisiana Department of Health's Office on Women's Health and Community Health (OWHCH). Established in June 2022 by a bill passed by the Louisiana Legislature and signed by Governor John Bel Edwards, OWHCH prioritizes improving women's health outcomes throughout the state. This includes integrating mental health into the physical health of mothers and their babies and understanding that moms’ voices matter.

Encouraging the power of talking, listening, and caring, TLC Moms embodies this commitment by providing resources and support for those navigating the emotional ups and downs of parenthood, from expectant mothers to those caring for newborns. If you or someone you know are experiencing depression or anxiety related to pregnancy or a recent birth, TLC Moms can help you mentally and emotionally on your parenting journey.

 

What is Perinatal Depression?

Perinatal depression includes depression that occurs during pregnancy and in the weeks after childbirth. Most episodes of perinatal depression begin within four to eight weeks after the baby is born.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications that occur in pregnancy or in the first 12 months after delivery. Approximately 20% of women experience clinical depression during and/or after pregnancy. Up to 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mental health disorder like perinatal depression.

Is it the baby blues or postpartum depression?

Pregnant and Postpartum Women

  • You may be experiencing extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that may make it difficult to carry out daily tasks, including caring for yourself or others.
  • Mood changes and feelings of anxiety or unhappiness after childbirth are normal. If they last longer than two weeks or get worse, you may have perinatal depression.

Families and Caregivers

  • Partners and family members are often the first to see signs of depression or anxiety during a loved one's pregnancy or after the baby is born.

Know the Symptoms

A person experiencing perinatal depression usually has several of these symptoms. The symptoms and their severity may change:

  • Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Loss of energy or increased fatigue
  • Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to be still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech — these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Crying for no reason
  • Lack of interest in the baby, not feeling bonded to the baby, or feeling very anxious about or around the baby
  • Feelings of being a bad mother
  • Fear of harming the baby or oneself 

Messages for Moms

Take Care of Yourself

  • Connect with other moms through moms’ groups in your community or online.
  • Make time for yourself. Do something you enjoy.
  • Be realistic. You don’t have to do everything. You don’t have to have a perfect home. Just do what you can and leave the rest.
  • Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends, whether it’s caring for the baby or doing household chores.
  • Rest when the baby rests.
  • Be with others.
    • Seek out other adults who can provide comfort and company.
    • Regularly create a special time for you and your partner or you and a friend to be together.

Avoid Substance Use: Healthier You, Healthier Family

Your health and well-being are essential, not just for you, but for your child. By staying substance-free, you're creating a healthier and brighter future for both of you.

Stay committed to your goals. We believe in your ability to achieve your long-term goals. Every day you stay substance-free is a step closer to realizing your dreams and providing the best life for you and your child.

We understand that the journey to stay substance-free can be challenging. Remember, you are not alone. Many people care about you and are here to support you every step of the way.

Messages for Caregivers

Show Your Support

  • Reassure them: This is not their fault. They are not alone. They will get better.
  • Encourage them to talk about their feelings and listen without judgment.
  • Help with housework before they ask you.
  • Encourage them to take time for self-care.
    • Breaks are a necessity. Fatigue is a major contributing factor to worsening symptoms.
  • Don’t expect them to complete all household tasks just because they are home all day.
  • Be realistic about what time you’ll be home, and come home on time.
  • Help them reach out to others for support and treatment.
  • Schedule some dates with them and work together to find a babysitter.
  • Offer simple affection and physical comfort. Understand it is normal for them to have a low sex drive with depression.
  • Do what you can to make sure they eat regularly throughout the day.
    • Low blood sugar results in low mood and frustration.
    • Have healthy and easy snacks on hand.
  • Keep lines of communication open. Verbalize your feelings instead of distancing from them.
  • Ask them how you can help right now. If they don’t know, make some suggestions.

Start the Conversation

  • Identify an appropriate time and place. Consider a private setting with limited distractions such as at home or on a walk.
  • Express your concerns. Ask how they are feeling and describe the reasons for your concern.
  • Acknowledge their feelings and listen openly, actively and without judgment.
  • Offer to help. Provide reassurance that mental disorders are treatable. Help them locate and connect to treatment services.
  • Be patient. Recognize that helping your loved one doesn’t happen overnight.
  • What to say:
    • "I know everyone is focused on the baby; I want to hear about you."
    • "I notice you are having trouble sleeping, even when the baby sleeps. What's on your mind?"
    • "I know a new baby is stressful, but I'm worried about you. You don't seem like yourself. Tell me how you are feeling."
    • "I really want to know how you're feeling, and I will listen to you."

Be a TLC Moms Champion!

Share our resources, talk openly about maternal mental health, and help us create a nurturing and supportive space for mothers and those caring for moms and babies. Here is how you can get involved:

  • Promote the TLC Moms campaign and its resources to families and providers in your community.
  • Link to our campaign webpage at ldh.la.gov/TLCMoms.
  • Share your local community resources with us at OWHCH@la.gov.

Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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