Depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy is common. Research shows up to 1 in 4 pregnant people experience mental health complications. Postpartum depression (PPD) is the number one cause of maternal death in the year after birth. 

However, newer research indicates that it IS treatable. In a recent study, a mindfulness-based program targeting perinatal mental health showed a 75% reduction in depression. Inspired by this approach, a research team at OHSU adapted the program for an online platform. Their program is called Center M. 

A mindfulness approach

“Pregnancy can be such a challenging time,” says Sarah Owens, M.S.W., LCSW, who runs many of the Center M sessions at the OHSU Center for Women’s Health. “It is anxiety-provoking. There is a lot of information, a lot of new experiences. It all can be overwhelming.” 

Participants are usually in their second or third trimester. They attend four one-hour telehealth sessions, each one week apart, in small groups.  

“We talk about the mind. What is it up to?” says Owens, describing Center M’s mindfulness-based cognitive approach. “How are our thoughts related to our emotions, related to our physiological sensations, related to our behaviors?” 

“We look at how we sometimes make assumptions, or fill in the blanks, and how that affects our mood,” adds Owens. “How can we be curious about ourselves in a gentle way, rather than judgmental?” 

Owens and her colleagues use curriculum created for Center M. There is light homework during the week, which usually involves a mindfulness practice and journaling.  

Exploring expectations in pregnancy and parenthood

Later in the program, the group explores what Center M calls the “myths of motherhood.” Some myths involve the expectations parents might feel, or the pressure to put themselves last. The early days of having a baby are often expected to be magical; many do not have that experience. Owens stresses that whatever these myths suggest, self-compassion is important. She encourages participants to treat themselves as they would a dear friend. 

Throughout their 4 weeks together, the expecting parents find themselves also supporting one another. They discuss some of the hardships of pregnancy, from minor aches and pains to bigger, sometimes emotional challenges. 

Talking more about mental health in pregnancy and beyond

Owens says that perhaps the greatest benefit of Center M is that it normalizes the conversation around perinatal mental health. In her own experience with PPD, Owens says many of the “myths of motherhood” made her hesitant to share her struggles. She is inspired to help others by giving them tools to address these struggles, and providing them additional support, when needed. 

“Can we say to these parents: This is normal?” says Owens. “The anxieties you feel, your difficulty sleeping and all the things you experience – these are normal. If you use these mindfulness tools, they can help.”  

“But, we also open the door for them to seek help, if they experience postpartum depression or anxiety,” she adds.