By Cindy Herrick, MA, PMH-C, CPSS

While maternal mental health (MMH) disorders can impact anyone during pregnancy or the postpartum period, American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) mothers experience higher than average risk and prevalence for MMH disorders.

Although more research is needed in the United States, current research estimates the prevalence of maternal depression for AI/AN women to range from 14-30%. AI/AN women are disproportionately impacted by pregnancy-associated deaths due to having higher rates of pregnancy-associated drug-related death and suicide than other racial or ethnic groups.

The following American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) Maternal Mental Health fact sheet highlights current research and gaps. The Policy Center is committed to elevating the research, policy, and programmatic work necessary to address disparities for the AI/AN population MMH.