AB 3032 – Maternal Mental Health Conditions Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act

Background:  Although perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy, not all families receive the education and information they need to get help.  This, in addition to the social stigma of mental health conditions, prevents parents from being empowered advocates for their own care. Evidence-based, culturally-appropriate education initiatives that include a social support component can bring pre- and postnatal parents out of isolation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental and physical health — particularly during the first year postpartum.

What does this bill do?  

1. It requires all birthing hospitals in California to provide education and information to postpartum people and their families about maternal mental health conditions, post-hospital treatment options, and community resources;
2. All regular staff in labor and delivery departments (e.g. registered nurses and social workers) must receive education and information about maternal mental health disorders; and
3. Hospitals must develop an additional service (to be determined by the hospital) to ensure optimal care

When does the rule become effective?  January 1, 2020

Where can I find educational and information materials?  In addition to the training resources listed above, Maternal Mental Health NOW has also developed educational materials, available free of charge:

Speak Up When You’re Down poster  – These double-sided Spanish/English posters are available for display in your office building, workplace, church, community center, preschool and doctor’s office.

Six Things Every New Mom and Mom-to-Be Should Know About Maternal Depression brochure – These double-sided bilingual brochures are available for distribution at your workplace, church, community center, preschool and doctor’s office. They are available in 8 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi, Armenian and Tagalog.

Bringing Light to Motherhood online self-help tool – This mobile web-based app is designed to decrease the stigma and shame associated with maternal depression, increase a patient’s motivation to engage in treatment and provide tools for self-care and managing stress during this vulnerable period.  The app, which is free to the community at large, provides basic psycho-education for pregnant and new moms about the transition to motherhood including information about the emotional changes that often occur during the pregnancy and the postpartum period, the effects of untreated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, tips and strategies for managing stress, guides to determine when to seek professional help and an opportunity to create a postpartum care plan.

Please contact us at [email protected] for copies.