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July 2026
Obsessive-Compulsive Kindling: A New Rubric for Problematic Perinatal Checking Behaviors
Advances in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
by Nicole Leistikow, MD, Milena Smith, MD, PhD, Sarah A. Walser, MD, Lauren N. Thompson MHS, PMH-C, CLC
"The perinatal period is a vulnerable time for new onset or worsening OCD (See H. Nur Eken and colleagues’ article, “The Clinical Approach to Perinatal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder,” in this issue.), as well as anxiety disorders, anxiety spectrum symptoms and OCSs that do not meet diagnostic criteria for OCD, yet cause significant distress [2–4]. OCSs exist on a continuum of frequency, intensity, and duration that complicate diagnostic distinctions, but are likely nearly universal in the postpartum when thoughts and behaviors related to infant safety are necessary and normal [5]."
May 2026
Maryland Signs Perinatal Behavioral Health Coverage Into Law, Marking a Turning Point for Maternal Mental Health
The National Law Review
"Governor Wes Moore this week signed HB 1118, the Health, Health Insurance, and Health Occupations: Perinatal Behavioral Health Conditions Act, into law. The legislation requires Maryland insurers and the Maryland Medical Assistance Program to cover standardized screenings for perinatal behavioral health conditions during pregnancy and in the first year of a child's life. The Maryland Department of Health is now tasked with identifying evidence-based screening tools and connecting mothers to referral resources following a positive screen.
Sponsored by Delegate Jennifer White Holland, the law takes effect in two phases. Screening requirements begin July 1, 2026. Insurance coverage provisions follow in January 2027.
A Win for Maryland Mothers
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications of pregnancy and the postpartum period, affecting an estimated 1 in 5 mothers. HB 1118 directly addresses a significant gap by mandating coverage for screenings at prenatal, postpartum, and well-child visits throughout the first year of life, creating more consistent touchpoints for identification and ensuring that a positive screen leads to real referral resources.
Quotes from Maternal Mental Health Advocates
Lauren Thompson, MHS, CLC, PMH-C, Co-Chair of the PSI Maryland Chapter, said: "Parents fall through the cracks at exactly the moment they are most vulnerable. HB 1118 is a critical step toward changing that. Requiring coverage for standardized screenings across the first year of a child's life means more Marylanders can be connected to life saving care. This is what advocacy looks like when it works, and we are proud to have stood alongside a passionate and diverse coalition that made it possible."
April 2026
Exploring Life & Business with Lauren Thompson of 4th Trimester Family LLC and Community After Birth
by Voyage Baltimore
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Through the years I have worn many hats – daughter, sister, friend, student, artist, wife, researcher, doula, teacher. The one that continues to impact my life the most is mother.
Back in 2013, I was a young mom trying to keep my head above water. I was struggling with undiagnosed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, suicidal ideation, and a prior experience of sexual violence. I wasn’t sleeping well, and intrusive thoughts stole joy and peace from me daily. I felt ill-equipped to care for my child in the way she deserved. I felt ashamed of the intrusive images and thoughts I was having. I felt I couldn’t be a positive contributor to my daughter’s or my partner’s life."
February 2026
What you Need to Know About Breastfeeding and Parent Mental Health
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
by Lauren N. Thompson MHS, PMH-C, CLC
"Breastfeeding has important health benefits for babies and their parents. When it’s going well, breastfeeding can positively impact a parent’s mental health by lowering rates of postpartum depression, increasing confidence, and facilitating bonding between parent and baby. However, as many of us who have breastfed before know, it does not always go well.
Breastfeeding is a learned behavior for both baby and parent that requires guidance, nurturing, and support. Not only that, it requires substantial leave from work to establish and maintain a sustainable milk supply for a newborn. Parents in the United States face an uphill breastfeeding battle as they navigate parenthood without paid leave. Additionally, many parents have lost generations of breastfeeding knowledge and find themselves managing newborn responsibilities without the help of extended family or community networks."
September 2024
The Relationship between Infant Feeding and Maternal Mental Health: Clinical Vignette
Advances in Psychiatry and Behavioral Health
by Lauren N. Thompson, MHS, Nicole Leistikow, MD, Milena Smith, MD, PhD, and Lindsay Standeven, MD
"Breastfeeding’s physiologic effects, and whether these change in the context of maternal depression, are still being explored. A 2018 review found reduced stress reactivity, lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and diminished cortisol response among those who breastfeed exclusively and longer [25]. Notably, 2 studies found different neuroendocrine responses among breastfeeders with depressive symptoms and antidepressant medication use, showing lower oxytocin release and higher cortisol responses in those with higher EPDS scores compared to breastfeeding controls without low mood [37,38]. These findings suggest potentially distinct biological responses to infant feeding for individuals with depressive symptoms, emphasizing the need for targeted research for these high-risk populations."
August 2024
Doulas Unveiled
Friends of Zane Adams (FOZA) Podcast
This is Episode 35, titled Doulas Unveiled – Supporting New Moms.
We are pleased, honored, and excited to have Lauren Thompson join us. She is a co-founder and president of Community After Birth, co-founder of the Doula Alliance of Maryland, and co-chair of Postpartum Support International (PSI), Maryland Chapter.
Lauren is a postpartum doula, a mother of three, and a dedicated advocate for expanding postpartum care through support services, education, and advocacy.
Join us as we hope to help bring light and some answers to many questions we receive about the role doulas play in providing life-giving services to moms and birthing people and the ways they work to solidify the entire family during the miracle of welcoming a new member.
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