Feel Empowered to Talk With Your Provider

Do you ever go to a visit with your OB or midwife and feel like you suddenly forget everything you wanted to talk about as soon as you’re in the exam room? 

Pregnancy and the months after birth can bring unexpected emotional changes – changes you don’t have to navigate alone. Talking with your doctor early can help you get the support you need for both you and your baby and prevent worsening of symptoms.

Our Perinatal Mental Health Discussion Guide empowers you to have an informed conversation with your healthcare provider. It’s designed to empower parents who are pregnant or recently gave birth and want to address mental health concerns openly and confidently.

A woman with curly hair holds a baby dressed in white and wearing a white headband. The woman is looking down at the baby, who is resting her head on the womans shoulder. Both are indoors in a softly lit room.
A woman sits and breastfeeds a baby, holding the child close. Both appear calm and focused on each other. The background is softly blurred, drawing attention to the mother and baby.

Quick Conversation Tips

Bring this guide and notes with your questions so you don’t forget anything during the appointment. If possible, consider bringing a trusted support person along—they can offer emotional support and help you remember information shared during your visit.

A woman with curly hair and a headscarf is breastfeeding a baby while sitting in a chair, both wrapped in a light blue knitted blanket. The background shows a white bed and framed pictures.

How It Helps

  • Identify Risk Factors – Highlights factors that can increase your chances of experiencing mental health challenges, such as past mental health concerns, trauma, or lack of support.
  • Spot Common Symptoms – Lists experiences during pregnancy and postpartum, like sadness, anxiety, or changes in sleep and appetite, so you can share with your doctor more about what you’re experiencing.
  • Start Conversations – Provides questions and prompts so you can talk openly with your healthcare provider about how you’re feeling.

How to Use It

  1. Check In With Yourself – Look over the symptom list regularly and notice how your mood, energy, and thoughts are feeling.
  2. Bring It to Appointments – Take the tool with you to your doctor, midwife, or therapist to guide the conversation.
  3. Speak Up – Use the prompts to share your experiences, ask questions, and explore support options.
A woman with long dark hair kisses a baby with light brown hair on the head. The baby, dressed in a peach outfit, sits on a bed with gray and blue bedding, looking directly at the camera.
A man sitting on a couch holds a baby who is standing on his lap. Both are wearing white clothing. The man is smiling at the baby. There is a patterned pillow, books, and plants in the background.

Feeling emotional ups and downs during pregnancy and postpartum is very common, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Take the first step toward support—download the guide and prepare for a confident conversation with your healthcare provider.

Download the Discussion Guide

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