Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Our Story
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the most common—and often the most under diagnosed—complication of pregnancy. Between 15–21% of pregnant and postpartum women experience PMADs, including perinatal depression (affecting 1 in 7) and perinatal anxiety. These conditions increase the risk of neuro-developmental delays, behavioral issues, attachment challenges, and long-term mood disorders for both mother and child.
Black women face disproportionately higher risks, experiencing PMADs more often than white women and postpartum depression at rates exceeding 40%. Despite state-mandated screenings, Black women are still screened less often, leading to undiagnosed and untreated symptoms. They are also less likely to receive follow-up care. Historical and cultural pressures to appear strong, combined with stigma around mental health, further contribute to under diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
Below are resources and tips related to PMADs. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, contact 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Kindred Cradle is not an emergency mental health resource.
Support Services for Mental Health
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7. Please call or text 988 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and 1-888-628-9454 for Español.
Postpartum Support International
The Postpartum Support International offers an online directory that helps individuals find qualified perinatal mental health professionals and groups in the United States and Canada. You can access this resource here:
Health Resources and Services Administration
The Health Resources and Services Administration Maternal and Child Health offers the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. This hotline is free confidential and here to help 24/7 in English, Spanish, and offer interpreters who can support over 60 languages. You can access this resource by calling: 1-833-943-5746
Therapy For Black Girls
Therapy for Black Girls is a welcoming online community designed to uplift the mental health of Black women and girls. You’ll find therapists, podcasts, and resources created with Black women and girls in mind.
Loveland Therapy Fund
The Loveland Therapy Fund provides financial assistance for therapy to Black women and nonbinary individuals, aiming to improve access to mental health services across the United States.
Return to Zero: HOPE
RTZ HOPE is a national non-profit organization that provides holistic support, resources, and community for all people who have experienced unimaginable loss during the journey to parenthood. No matter if your loss is recent or in the past, RTZ HOPE is dedicated to empowering parents to seek whatever paths to healing are right for you.