Article Category: Highlights

Let’s Talk About Mom’s Mental Health

Dr. Joy Baker, Wellstar obstetrician and gynecologist

Published on September 16, 2025

Last updated 03:21 PM September 16, 2025

Person holding baby sitting and speaking with another person

Being a mom* is hard. From the moment your baby is born, everything changes. New moms often feel tired, worried and overwhelmed. But sometimes, the feelings go beyond just being tired. Some moms experience serious mental health concerns—and we need to talk about it.

Maternal mental health means how a mother feels in her mind and heart during pregnancy and after giving birth. Many moms go through things like depression, anxiety or even scary thoughts. This is more common than people think. 1 in 5 moms experience perinatal depression. Mental health disorders—including substance overdose and suicide—are now the No. 1 cause of maternal death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are some factors that can make it more likely for a mom to struggle with her mental health, including:

History of depression or anxiety
Difficult pregnancy or birth
Not having support from family or friends
Money problems or job stress
Feeling alone or not having time to rest
Race as a social construct (1 in 3 Black women may experience a mood disorder during or after pregnancy)

Even though many moms need help, it can be hard for them to access it. There are barriers to care, or things that can get in the way. Some moms are afraid to speak up because they worry people will think they are a bad parent. Others may not know where to go for help. Some moms don’t have health insurance or live far from a doctor. These problems can make it harder to get better. In addition, not all obstetrics clinicians have had sufficient training on the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and management of mental health medications during pregnancy and/or lactation.

The good news: Help is out there. Mental health challenges after having a baby are treatable. And there are options that really work. Talking to a therapist—virtually or in person—can help moms feel heard and understood. Sometimes medicine can help too. Support groups, where moms can talk to each other, are also helpful. Getting rest, eating healthy and having help with the baby can make a big difference.

It’s very important that moms—and the people around them—know the signs of a mental health concern. Some signs to look for include:

Feeling very sad, angry or empty for days
Not wanting to eat or sleep
Feeling like you can’t bond with your baby
Having scary thoughts or feeling like you might hurt yourself or others

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you love, speak up. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength to ask for help. Every mom deserves to feel well and cared for.

Let’s be honest: Moms are superheroes. But even superheroes need support. We need to make sure that every mom knows she’s not alone. We must make it easier to talk about mental health. We must listen without judgment. And we must make sure help is easy to find.Healthy moms mean healthy families. When we take care of mothers, we take care of our whole community.

If you’re a mom who’s struggling, please know this: You are not alone. You are not to blame. And you can get better. Speak up, reach out and know that there are people who care and want to help. Ask your obstetrics care team and see these resources for moms and families.

Resources for patients and families

1. Postpartum Support International (PSI)

PSI offers education, training and resources for professionals working with families during the perinatal period. They also provide a clinician directory, helpline and certification programs.

Helpline: (800) 944-4773 (Text “HELLO” to (800) 944-4773)

2. Shades of Blue Project

This project focuses on maternal mental health support for Black and brown birthing people. They offer culturally competent resources, education and support groups and provide training opportunities for clinicians looking to improve care for underserved populations.

3. MotherToBaby

This organization provides expert, evidence-based information about medications and other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Their team also offers live chat and phone consultations.

Helpline: Call or text (866) 626-6847

Resources for clinicians

1. PEACE for Moms

This is a free psychiatric consultation service for Georgia clinicians caring for pregnant and postpartum patients. They offer provider-to-provider support on screening, diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mental health conditions.

2. Postpartum Support International Professional Resources

This group provides clinician training, consultation and certification in perinatal mental health. They also offer a perinatal psychiatric consultation service.

3. LactMed (Drugs and Lactation Database)

This is a National Institute of Health resource for up-to-date, evidence-based information on medications and their compatibility with breastfeeding.

Find a Wellstar behavioral health specialist near you or find a Wellstar OB/GYN.

*Mom and mothers are used throughout this article. However, I recognize and respect that not all birthing parents identify as female. At Wellstar, we believe in honoring every voice.

Helpful foods

A balanced, plant-rich plate can support your body’s natural regulation and may ease symptoms. “Soy is a phytoestrogen that mimics estrogen in our bodies and helps to reduce hot flashes,” Hulon said. “Foods high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, such as seafood and green leafy vegetables, are also beneficial.”

Options include:

Mediterranean-style eating: plant-based foods, healthy fats
Soy-based foods: tofu, edamame, soy milk, tempeh
Phytoestrogen-rich foods: whole grains, seeds, legumes, berries
Omega-3: salmon, chia seeds, avocados, flaxseeds
Naturally cooling foods: apples, bananas, carrots, cucumbers, watermelon, pears, romaine lettuce

Mediterranean-style eating can be a practical place to start. “It encompasses plant-based foods and good fats such as avocado and olives, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, tofu, fruits and fish,” Hulon said. “Even if you do not fully adopt this approach, making some substitutions and adjustments can be helpful.”

Foods to limit or avoid

Certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen hot flashes, including:

Caffeine: coffee, energy drinks
Ultra-processed foods: baked goods, sugary drinks, fast food, fried foods
Alcohol: wine (especially red wine), beer, liquor
Spicy foods: hot peppers, jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauces
Nicotine: cigarettes, vaping, smokeless tobacco

“Women should avoid inflammatory foods—processed foods, fried foods, sugar, processed meats, canned foods and restaurant foods,” Hulon said. “Spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol also trigger hot flashes, so limit that intake as well.”

Supporting your well-being

Choosing nourishing foods, staying hydrated and noticing your personal triggers can help your body feel more balanced and comfortable.

Nutrition matters, but it is only one part of your overall health. “Lifestyle changes include smoking cessation, decreased alcohol consumption, exercise, dietary changes and weight loss,” Hulon said. “Decrease inflammation by eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, increasing sleep to seven to nine hours per night and reducing stress. Despite good lifestyle modifications, many women may still need menopause hormone therapy support.”

Wellstar offers resources to guide women through this transition. “At Wellstar, refer to the Center for Best Health, where practitioners are trained in helping patients achieve healthy goals and offer behavioral, exercise and nutrition counseling,” Hulon advised. “Additionally, a certified menopause practitioner can help patients navigate menopause hormone therapy.”

Our women’s health experts are here to support you with guidance, compassion and whole-person care. To learn more about menopause care at Wellstar, visit wellstar.org/menopause.

Keep reading

Highlights

Make Health Your Habit

The start of a new year is a great time to focus on your health. For many of us, that means setting resolutions to live a healthy, full life. While many people like to reset their health goals in January, Wellstar partners with patients year-round to help them feel their best.

By following tips from Wellstar health experts, you can create realistic resolutions and better your health—making healthy choices a lifelong habit rather than a short-term goal.

Partner with your Wellstar care team

When it comes to your wellness goals, staying healthy starts with a visit to your Wellstar primary care team.

“Your primary care provider will collaborate with you to create a customized care plan and recommend screenings based on factors such as your age, gender and family history,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Cristina Dasoveanu. “Regular screenings can help you stay ahead of issues and catch any health concerns early.”

Know Your Foundational 4

To check your health status and screen for potential medical issues, your clinician will take your Foundational 4 numbers, a few screenings that identify risk factors for some health conditions such as heart disease.

Blood pressure

A blood pressure test helps diagnose hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), heart disease and other conditions.

Blood glucose level

The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood can indicate the onset of diabetes or risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

Blood cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, can indicate clogged arteries, which may lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

Body mass index (BMI)

A higher level of body fat may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.

Personalized OB/GYN care for women

“Gynecologists partner with women in their healthcare across the lifespan,” said Dr. LeThenia “Joy” Baker, a Wellstar obstetrician and gynecologist. “The first gynecologic visit is recommended between 13 and 15, and the first exam between 18 and 21.”

Gynecologists are uniquely positioned to care for women from adolescence through menopause and beyond.

“We’ll make sure you are up to date on screenings like mammograms and Pap smears, help you make informed decisions about family planning and fertility, and provide medical and surgical treatment for a variety of conditions affecting the female reproductive system,” Dr. Baker said.

Primary care, anywhere

In addition to in-person primary care visits, Wellstar also offers virtual care options. Connect with your Wellstar clinician over the phone or with video on a computer, smartphone or tablet.

“While primary care physicians help patients meet long-term wellness goals, we’re also here for you when you’re sick,” said Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Georgia Forrest. “Your primary care provider is already familiar with your background and health needs, so we can seamlessly continue that care and help you get back on track when you’re ill.”

If you need to see a specialist such as a cardiologist, pulmonologist or neurologist, your primary care team will refer you for that specialized care while continuing to help you manage your overall wellness.

“Through our patient portal MyChart, specialists and primary care physicians can see test results and visit summaries and stay updated on how each of us is working with the patient,” Dr. Forrest said.

Virtual care made easy with Wellstar Care Now

When you need care quickly, Wellstar Care Now makes it easy to connect with a trusted clinician anytime, anywhere. Our 24/7/365 virtual care services allow adults and children to receive high-quality medical care from experienced Wellstar clinicians for common health concerns, without the need to schedule an appointment or visit a clinic.

With Wellstar Care Now, you can access care from your phone, tablet or computer whether you are at home, at work or on the go. This convenient and secure option is designed to fit into your life while delivering the same trusted care you expect from Wellstar.

Our team can evaluate symptoms, recommend treatment options and prescribe medication when appropriate. Virtual care is ideal for non-emergency medical needs and helps you get care faster, without waiting rooms or travel time.Wellstar Care Now supports a wide range of everyday health needs, including:

Upper respiratory infections (cough, cold or flu-like symptoms, sinus, ear issues)
Bladder infections or urinary tract infections
Minor burns, bites and cuts
Skin conditions
STD testing, prevention, treatment and counseling
Contraception and menstrual health
Mental and emotional health (depression, anxiety and stress management)
General questions and more

Whether you need same-day care or support outside traditional office hours, Wellstar Care Now helps you get the care you need, when you need it.

Getting started is simple. Visit the Wellstar Care Now page to begin a virtual visit or schedule a same-day appointment.

In an emergency, such as if you are having trouble breathing or experiencing chest pain, call 911.

Learn more about the different types of care Wellstar offers and where to go if you’re not feeling well.

Keep reading

A patient looks encouraged during a discussion with her healthcare provider

Highlights

Understanding Breast Cancer—And All Its Acronyms

By Dr. Nevin Wadehra, hematologist/oncologist with Wellstar and Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers

The world of breast cancer can be confusing, especially because of all the abbreviations and acronyms. Knowing these terms can help us better understand breast cancer.

What does BRCA or HER2 mean when it comes to breast cancer?

To doctors, they’re important pieces of information that can guide their treatment strategies. To patients, they can mean the difference between one treatment plan and another—or even between risk and prevention.

Understanding BRCA

The Definition: BRCA is short for “Breast Cancer Gene.” It includes two separate genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes have been found to impact a person’s chance of developing certain cancers.

The Explanation: In the past few decades, breast cancer research has advanced from general diagnosis to highly personalized treatment. For example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are associated with increased risk for several cancers including breast and ovarian cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. This is traditionally referred to as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome. However, there are other increased risks with BRCA, including prostate and pancreatic cancer.

Patients without cancer but who have a family history of these cancers should discuss BRCA testing with their physician and consider evaluation by a genetic counselor. For patients with cancer who are known to have the BRCA gene, this could affect their treatment choices with more targeted therapy.

Understanding HER2

The Definition: HER2 stands for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2. It is a protein found on the surface of breast cancer cells and plays a role in how the cells grow and divide.

The Explanation: Approximately 20% of female patients with breast cancer have tumors with high levels of HER2. Because HER2 is involved in the growth of cancer cells, this type of breast cancer can be aggressive. It's important that anyone diagnosed with breast cancer has their tumor tested for the presence of HER2.

In the past, HER2-positive tumors were associated with an increased risk of both recurrence and death from breast cancer. However, with the use of chemotherapy and targeted treatment against HER2, the prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer has improved substantially.

Treatment options may include surgery, HER2-directed therapy with chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and radiation therapy. The best combination of treatments and the order in which to receive them can vary depending on the situation. Most patients with HER2-positive breast cancer will receive one or more chemotherapy drugs plus trastuzumab, a HER2 antibody. Many studies have shown that these treatments dramatically improve survival for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Trastuzumab and chemotherapy are even recommended for patients with very small, HER2-positive breast cancers. Tumors as small as 0.5 centimeters often warrant such treatment.

Decisions must be individualized based on your unique risk. Talk to your doctor about whether you are a candidate for trastuzumab, especially if you have a small HER2-positive tumor.

How do you determine what treatment is best?

There are many options for the treatment of breast cancer, and deciding which is best can be confusing. Expert guidelines help clarify what treatments are most appropriate for large groups of patients.

However, individual factors—including your personal values and preferences, as well as your cancer stage and characteristics—are also important to consider. Talk to your care team about your treatment options and what is best suited to your individual needs.

Learn more about breast cancer care at wellstar.org/breastcancer.

Keep reading