Which of the following could be a barrier to care related to postpartum mental health?

The presence of institutional racism is a significant barrier to care related to postpartum mental health because it can greatly affect the availability and quality of mental health services for marginalized groups. Institutional racism refers to the systemic discrimination within institutions, which can lead to disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. For instance, women of color may face obstacles in receiving proper mental health screenings, culturally competent care, or timely interventions due to biases in the healthcare system. This inequity can exacerbate mental health issues in the postpartum period, as marginalized individuals might not receive the support they need for conditions such as postpartum depression or anxiety.

In contrast, high levels of community support, access to affordable childcare, and family cohesion typically promote positive mental health outcomes by providing individuals with necessary resources and assistance during the challenging postpartum period. Community support can offer emotional backing, while accessible childcare helps alleviate stress and enables new parents to focus on their mental well-being. Family cohesion fosters a nurturing environment where new parents feel supported and understood, further enhancing their mental health.