Maternal Mental Health

Learn about resources to support maternal mental health and well-being for UC San Diego staff.

Pregnancy and family planning can be one of the most exciting yet emotionally and physically draining of human experiences. We hope you are already enjoying some moments of joy and wonder during this time. We also hope that if you experience any emotional difficulties related to pregnancy and/or family planning, you will consider reaching out for support. Heightened emotions and concerns are normal reactions to the sometimes overwhelming experiences of becoming and/or being a parent. The UC San Diego campus Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is here for you and your co-parent. Our licensed counselors provide individual, couples and group therapy for every stage of adult life, and can help you find many local resources.

Below you will find a list of several resources (articles, books, websites). Please explore this list at your leisure and/or consider reaching out to a trusted medical provider, therapist or one of the FSAP counselors, if needed, as these resources are not a substitute for professional assistance.

Wishing you and your family all the best.

If you need support related maternal mental health, contact FSAP Counselor Izabel Caetano Francy, LCSW, PMH-C, CEAP »

Perinatal & Postpartum Resources

International Resources

• Postpartum Support International (PSI): Online national provider directory, crisis line, helpline and text support, online/remote support groups, mentor program
  • Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color: A program within PSI, including an online directory of mental healthcare providers of color
• The Blue Dot Project: The Blue Dot is the national symbol for maternal mental health survivorship, support, and solidarity.

National Resources

• Postpartum Stress Center: Pennsylvania-based treatment center founded by maternal mental health expert and author Karen Kleinman 
• 2020 Mom: California-based advocacy & policy program, education, legal information, screenings
• The Seleni Center: New York-based treatment program, professional trainings, articles and general information.
• The Emily Effect: Utah based awareness, advocacy, education, story sharing, resources.
• Postpartum Progress: Awareness blog, articles, questionnaires, downloadables, resources.

Local (San Diego)

• Postpartum Health Alliance: Perinatal mental health awareness, education, and referrals to San Diego providers and community resources

UC San Diego Resources 

Support Groups

• Remote Working Moms of 0-5 Year Olds Support Group, facilitated by Izabel Caetano Francy, LCSW, PMH-C, CEAP  
  • Fourth Wednesday of the month from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. 
  • Geared towards Moms of 0-5 year-olds
  • All Moms are invited to join the UC San Diego Moms listserv to receive meeting details each month »

• Remote Working Parents of Elementary and Middle Schoolers Support Group, facilitated by Izabel Caetano Francy, LCSW, PMH-C, CEAP
  • First Wednesday of the month from 12 - 1 p.m.
  • Geared towards parents of elementary and middle school children
  • All parents are invited to join the UC San Diego Moms listserv to receive meeting details each month »

• Remote Working Parents of Teens Support Group, facilitated by Izabel Caetano Francy, LCSW, PMH-C, CEAP
  • Second Thursday of the month from 1 - 2 p.m.
  • Geared towards parents of tweens, teens and young adults
  • All parents are invited to join the UC San Diego Moms listserv to receive meeting details each month »

Connecting

• Join the UC San Diego Working Moms Network Group on Facebook »
• Get involved with the Parents, Guardians and Caregivers Association »

Information for New Parents on Blink

• Resources for Expectant Parents 
• Lactation Support Services 

Miscarriage Resources

Online Resources

• Articles related to miscarriage from the Postpartum Stress Center
• Emotional support after miscarriage
• Miscarriage-specific support 
• Explore supportive stories and resources on Facebook
• Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support: Find community and support 
• ‘When my wife miscarried, I didn't know if I was allowed to grieve’ (Washington Post)

Books

From Three Heartbeats to One: A Gentle Companion Offering Hope in Grieving Pregnancy and Infant Loss by Keisha M. Wells

 Perinatal/Postpartum Book List