Mental Health Issues Plague New Moms in the Military. The Pentagon is Supposed to Help.

March 16, 2026

Military mothers face significantly higher rates of postpartum depression and anxiety than the general population—up to 40% compared to 20% in civilians—compounded by frequent relocations that separate them from support networks and deployments that leave them parenting alone. Despite Congress passing the MOMS Act in December 2024, which mandates improved mental health screening, counseling, and support services for military mothers, the Department of Defense has yet to implement substantial changes or provide the required congressional report. Current screening and support programs exist but are inconsistent across military installations, and many mothers fear seeking help due to stigma and concerns about career repercussions for themselves or their spouses.

Who is affected

Military mothers (active duty servicewomen and military spouses) experiencing perinatal mental health conditions
Military service members whose partners are struggling with postpartum depression (including Michael Bush and other deployed personnel)
Military children, including newborns and infants of affected mothers
Specific individuals mentioned: Shawna Bush, Holly Johnson, Patience Riley, Katelyn Malcuit, Amanda Morales, and Adrienne Griffen
Military families enrolled or potentially enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and other lawmakers awaiting DoD implementation
Advocates at the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance

What action is being taken

The Defense Health Agency is coordinating on a report to Congress detailing the Department's activities to address perinatal mental health conditions
At Fort Carson, the New Parent Support Program is conducting home visits, teaching new mom "boot camp," and facilitating playgroups, infant massage classes, and parenting workshops
Shawna Bush is leading support groups and serving as the Coast Guard coordinator for Postpartum Support International
Patience Riley is working as a support group leader with Postpartum Support International
Licensed counselors at Fort Carson are facilitating regular programs, with hundreds of parents attending monthly

Why it matters

Perinatal mental health conditions affect mission readiness, as service members cannot fully focus on duties when worried about struggling partners at home. The conditions are extremely common among military families—affecting up to 40% of military-connected mothers during pregnancy or within a year of birth, and half of active-duty mothers reporting depression—yet inadequate screening, inconsistent support programs, and fear of career repercussions prevent many from getting help. The military's frequent relocations strip mothers from their natural support systems while deployments leave them to parent alone during vulnerable periods, creating a crisis that affects not just individual families but overall military effectiveness. The lack of DoD action despite congressional mandate suggests systemic disregard for women's and family issues within the military.

What's next

The Department of Defense is mandated to report to Congress by the end of 2025 on what it has accomplished and where it can improve regarding the MOMS Act
The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance has offered recommendations including providing group prenatal care, integrating mental health care into primary care settings, doubling down on screening, and increasing awareness of existing resources
Military moms have proposed implementing "buddy" programs that would pair mothers who've experienced postpartum struggles with those just starting out, and equipping more providers to be proactive

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint