The impact of this problem is that the mental
health of the mother affects the physical health of
both her and the child, the child’s cognitive and
physical development, the mental health of the father
or the woman’s partner, the stability of the relationship,
and workplace productivity.6-12 The
Mental Health America’s Perinatal Mental Health
Policy #49 addresses the following issues: mental
health; gynecologic and obstetric health; pediatric
physical and developmental health; occupational
health; and family systems health.13 This policy has
far-reaching implications for health of individuals,
families, and the workplace. MHA Policy #49
represents the intersection of mental health and
physical health of the mother, child, and father and
the social health of the family, as well as the health of
the worker, and it references the need for colocation
of mental health services within the primary
care setting.