Minds Matter: Addressing Maternal Mental Health with WHNPs

In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, host Heather Maurer, MA, CAE, speaks with Sue Kendig, JD, WHNP-BC, Director of Women's Health Nurse Practitioners Practice & Policy at NPWH, for a powerful conversation about the critical role Women's Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs) play in supporting maternal mental health. Together, they discuss the importance of screening for mental health concerns during and after pregnancy, the disparities in care experienced by women of color, and the systemic challenges that make referrals and treatment access difficult. This episode sheds light on the need for compassionate, equitable care—and the practitioners leading the way.

 

Show Notes

NPWH is the professional community for WHNP-BCs, APRNs, and students providing women’s and gender-related healthcare. We champion informed choice, health equity, and a future where our providers lead the way in building a just and healthy society. To learn more about NPWH, our membership and community, visit, www.npwh.org

 

WHNPs as Partners in Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis, NPWH Clinical Position Statement  

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) asserts that board-certified women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNP-BCs) are crucial partners in addressing the crisis. As clinical experts, WHNP-BCs provide comprehensive care before and after pregnancy—including high-risk complex care—and are uniquely qualified to improve maternal health outcomes. The WHNP is the only nurse practitioner population focus to hold enumerated competencies in providing high-risk pregnancy and postpartum care.

 

Continuing Education: NPWH has 3 parts continuing education series, Perinatal Mental Health Series, supported by an unrestricted educational grant from SAGE Therapeutics and Biogen. To learn more about these courses and other offerings by NPWH, visit our learning management system.

 

Heather L. Maurer, MA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer

Sue Kendig, JD, WHNP-BC, Director of WHNP Practice & Policy

Her Health Matters is produced by Association Briefings.