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Technological advances have contributed to improvements in outreach for and treatment of maternal mental illness. These new tactics are specifically targeting the prevention of dire consequences associated with untreated maternal mental illness, like postpartum suicide.
Technology-based programs like PPD ACT, launched in March by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (
covered in a previous  issue of Pregnant Pause), and an initiative at NorthShore University Healthsystem and the University of Chicago which electronically screens new moms for maternal mental illness while offering messages of hope and support are altering the landscape of maternal mental health care for the better. These approaches address barriers that may prevent new moms from seeking out mental health services, like having to drive to a hospital or a clinic.
Similarly, hotlines and warmlines for new moms and their loved ones have been integral in appropriate resource linkages. Women and their support systems are able to contact trained staff who provide immediate assistance as well as connect callers with much needed referrals. These novel support mechanisms have been instrumental in increasing access to maternal mental health care and preventing maternal-related deaths.
As noted by many researchers and clinicians in the field, recent technological advances coupled with increased training of healthcare providers in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders have shown meaningful gains in promoting maternal mental health.
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