Recent media coverage surrounding the trial of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three young children while experiencing severe postpartum mental illness, has brought new attention to perinatal mental health and to the importance of understanding what families experience during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Dr. Maria Muzik, Professor of Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Michigan, recently shared her expertise in both a Michigan Medicine Health Lab article and an interview with WJR’s JR Morning.
In the Michigan Medicine article, Dr. Muzik discusses the broader landscape of perinatal mental health, emphasizing that mental health concerns can emerge during pregnancy or after birth and that people and families need to know what to look for and where to turn for support. She also highlights the importance of non-shaming, non-stigmatizing conversations about mental health and access to evidence-based care.
She continued the conversation on WJR’s JR Morning, discussing postpartum depression, and perinatal mental health.
For Zero to Thrive, these conversations reinforce something we believe deeply: awareness is only the beginning. People need information, connection and meaningful support. That means helping families recognize when something may be wrong, equipping providers with the knowledge and resources to respond, and making sure people can access appropriate care without shame or stigma.
Zero to Thrive and our partners at MC3 work to support families and providers through education, resources, consultation and connections to mental health care.
Read the Michigan Medicine article:
A tragedy and a trial shine a spotlight on new moms’ mental health
Listen to Dr. Muzik’s WJR interview:
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis during pregnancy or after birth, help is available. You do not have to navigate a crisis alone.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, reach out to a trusted healthcare provider or mental health professional. If there is an immediate risk of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- HRSA Maternal Mental Health Hotline Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) English and Spanish
- If you are in suicidal crisis, please call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org/
Zero to Thrive
4250 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, Michigan
© 2026 Regents of the University of Michigan. View our privacy policy here.