At HEED, we recognize that mental health, trauma, and psychosocial well-being are foundational to both recovery and healthy development. For mothers in recovery from substance use, emotional wellness is not separate from physical health—it is central to healing, stability, and readiness for pregnancy.
Many mothers in recovery have experienced significant stress, trauma, or disruption. Addressing these experiences through compassionate, trauma-informed care is essential to supporting long-term recovery and overall well-being. Mental health support may include counseling, peer support, behavioral health services, and access to safe, stable environments that promote healing and reduce stress.
Through our work across the SouthCoast and Rhode Island, we see that when mothers are supported in their mental and emotional health, they are better able to care for themselves and engage in healthy relationships. Reducing stress and strengthening coping strategies not only supports recovery but also lays the groundwork for strong early relationships between mothers and their children.
Psychosocial well-being also includes the broader conditions that shape daily life—such as housing stability, access to resources, social support, and community connection. When these factors are addressed alongside mental health, mothers are better positioned to thrive.
This section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide connects mothers to mental health providers, trauma-informed services, and community-based supports that promote emotional wellness and resilience before pregnancy.
Grounded in the science of early development and The Basics, we understand that managing stress and supporting emotional well-being are critical to early brain development—even before birth. By supporting mothers’ mental health, we are strengthening the foundation for healthy families and lifelong outcomes.
Because every child deserves a strong start.
Baby blues are common mood swings and tearfulness that usually improve within ~2 weeks. PPD is more intense, lasts longer, and can interfere with daily functioning; it’s treatable and you should reach out to a clinician.
Yes. Depression during pregnancy is common, and treatment/support can improve health for both parent and baby.
Yes—anxiety can start during pregnancy or postpartum (often right after delivery, but it can occur later). Help is available.
ACOG recommends screening for depression and anxiety at the initial prenatal visit, later in pregnancy, and at postpartum visits.
Trauma can change how children feel safe, regulate emotions, and behave. Trauma-informed approaches focus on safety, relationship support, and avoiding re-traumatization.
ACEs are adverse childhood experiences (like violence exposure or household substance use) that can increase risk for later health challenges; supportive relationships can buffer stress.
Use the “3 Rs”: reassure your child, return to routine, and help them regulate (calming, connection, predictability).
Keep explanations age-appropriate, invite questions, limit repeated media exposure, and emphasize safety and supportive helpers.
Tell a trusted healthcare professional; IPV can affect pregnancy health and safety, and clinicians can help with confidential support and resources.
If there’s imminent danger, call 911. For crisis support, call/text 988 (free, 24/7).
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We welcome your feedback. If you have suggestions, resources, or updates to share, please email us at Bto5Guide@heedcoalition.org. Your input helps us keep this guide relevant, responsive, and community-informed.
Important Notice
The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
The HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided and assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the use of this site.
Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
