Danielle Albushies, MD, is an OB/GYN at Bedford Commons and a board member of the New Hampshire Medical Society.

I have been a practicing OB/GYN for 21 years and counting in our great state of New Hampshire and know first-hand the urgent and growing gaps in maternal and child health.

Not only are there high rates of depression and anxiety for moms, but we are also managing more pregnancies than ever with high blood pressure-related conditions. Once postpartum, these moms need to be followed closely, and short-interval follow-up is needed.

Momnibus 2.0 (SB 246) addresses these gaps and supports families by expanding access to home visits up to 12 months post-birth of a child. This increased access will be a huge advantage so that new moms can have an assessment at home, avoid the logistical challenges of bringing a newborn and/or family member to this office visit.

At its heart, Momnibus 2.0 addresses the biggest driver of maternal mortality in our state: behavioral health. This bill addresses the gaps in maternal and postpartum care and addresses job security for moms and caregivers.

New Hampshire has one of the highest rates of depression and anxiety for moms in the country. There is no doubt that our new moms face isolation and loneliness. Many new moms are interested in support groups to share the challenges and joys of motherhood. When my patients ask for help to find support groups we have trouble finding in-person options.

Details of the bill describe the launch of a study with the goals to increase access to perinatal peer support programs. Improving access to peer support will be part of the solution to reducing postpartum depression.

This bill also supports the establishment of a provider-to-provider consult line. This consult line will be invaluable, ensuring moms are treated quickly and safely. As a result, mom, baby and the support system around them all benefit. I urge the Legislature to pass this bill. Both the New Hampshire Medical Society and the New Hampshire chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorse this important bill.

When we support maternal health, we reduce maternal and postpartum deaths, we reduce maternal depression, we support the health of the baby, we lower costs for new and growing families and we reduce poor health outcomes.

I urge you to contact your state senators and tell them to support Momnibus 2.0 (SB 246).

Investing in moms is investing in the future of New Hampshire.