The Missing Standard in Maternal Care
For more than two decades as an OB-GYN physician in Memphis, I have had the privilege of caring for women through some of the most transformative seasons of their lives — pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and beyond. While these milestones are often thought of in terms of their physical aspects, I have come to understand that the emotional and mental dimensions are just as critical, yet far less consistently addressed. As we recognize Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month this May, it is time to normalize what should have been standard practice all along: mental health conversations at every visit.
Maternal mental health is not a niche concern — it is central to the well-being of both mother and child. Conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and mood disorders affect a significant number of women, often silently. Too many patients sit in exam rooms discussing blood pressure, weight gain, and fetal development, while carrying emotional burdens they have not been invited to share. When mental health is overlooked, we miss an essential part of the clinical picture and a golden opportunity to provide care.
In my practice, I make it a point to ask every patient not only how she is feeling physically, but also how she is doing emotionally. These questions are simple, but they open doors. “How are you really feeling?” and “What has been weighing on you lately?” can shift the tone of a visit from transactional to relational. Over time, I have seen how these conversations build trust and create space for honesty — especially for patients who may feel pressure to appear strong or “grateful” during pregnancy and motherhood.
The postpartum period must also be reframed. We often define postpartum recovery in terms of physical healing — uterine involution, incision repair, hormonal shifts — but emotional recovery is equally vital. Sleep deprivation, identity changes, relationship adjustments, and the demands of caregiving all intersect in ways that can challenge even the most resilient individuals. A patient who appears physically well may still be struggling deeply. Without intentional inquiry, that struggle remains hidden.
Real-life advocacy begins in the exam room. As clinicians, we have a responsibility to model openness and to validate our patients’ experiences. But advocacy also extends beyond the clinic walls. It involves educating families, reducing stigma, and encouraging community support systems that recognize maternal mental health as a priority, not an afterthought. When we speak openly about these issues, we give patients permission to do the same.
Making mental health conversations a staple of every visit is not about adding another checkbox — it is about redefining care. It is about recognizing that a healthy pregnancy and postpartum journey require attention to the whole person. When we consistently ask, listen, and respond with empathy, we not only improve outcomes — we affirm that our patients are seen, heard, and supported in every sense.
Maternal mental health deserves that level of attention, not just in May, but every single day.
Dr. Jessica Ruffin, MD, is a board-certified OB-GYN at Bluff City OB-GYN, providing care across pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. She is known for her patient-centered approach and is committed to a strong patient–provider partnership at every stage of care.
By Jessica Ruffin, MD
