Supporting good mental health can improve health outcomes, and the quality of maternal and child health services for all women can be improved by creating an environment where they feel safe to discuss any difficulties they are experiencing in a respectful and caring environment that is free from stigmatization.
The guide for integration of perinatal mental health in maternal and child health services outlines an evidence-informed approach describing how program managers, health service administrators and policy-makers responsible of planning and managing maternal and child health services can develop and sustain high-quality, integrated mental health services for women during the perinatal period. It brings together the best available evidence to support maternal and child health providers in promoting good mental health, identifying symptoms of mental health problems and responding in a way that is adapted to their local and cultural context.
