ST. LOUIS, MO. – As Missouri faces a critical shortage of maternal healthcare, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) is addressing the state’s alarming maternal mortality and morbidity rates during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month this May.
According to the most recent data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, mental health conditions, including substance use disorder, are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths in Missouri. Missouri’s maternal mortality rate also remains well above the national average, with approximately 32 deaths per 100,000 live births.
“The statistics in Missouri are a call to action,” said Anastasia Wexler, assistant director of behavioral health at LFCS. “When we talk about maternal health, we are not talking about ‘baby blues.’ We are talking about a public health crisis. One in five women will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, and without support, the impact on families can be lasting.”
LFCS is working to close care gaps through its statewide network of offices, providing support to mothers who might otherwise go without help. In 2025, the agency delivered more than 30,000 service hours, including pregnancy support and postpartum counseling.
Across Missouri, three challenges continue to stand in the way of care:
- In many rural areas, mothers must travel more than 60 miles to access specialized mental health care.
- Nearly half of mothers experiencing symptoms do not seek help because they fear being judged.
- Many mental health challenges emerge after the standard six-week postpartum visit when regular care tapers off.
Throughout May and beyond, LFCS is encouraging families to recognize the signs of maternal mental health challenges and to create space for honest, judgment-free conversations. Licensed therapists emphasize that being heard is often the first step toward healing.
“We want every mother in Missouri to know they do not have to go through this alone,” Wexler said. “Mental health support should be as routine as any other part of prenatal and postpartum care.”
For more information on maternal mental health services, visit lfcsmo.org or call 866-326-LFCS.
About LFCS
LFCS is a statewide agency headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with regional offices in Columbia, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, and Kansas City, as well as numerous satellite counseling sites. Our nonprofit social services organization provides support in the following key areas to help children and families in Southeast Missouri: Adoption, Behavioral Health, Parenting Education, Pregnancy Support, Foster Care, and Early Childhood Development.