Postpartum Depression has been a recognized — but stigmatized — possibility during the so-called “fourth trimester of pregnancy” for generations. However, it is now being firmly addressed through femtech innovations.

Sage Therapeutics’ Zurzuvae is the biotech’s second FDA approved product for postpartum depression, following the 2019 nod for IV-infused Zulresso. But in a blow to the multi-billion dollar partnership between Sage and Biogen, Zurzuvae did not win an additional approval in major depressive disorder.

Peripartum depression is still widely prevalent and represents one of the most critical maternal health risks. Fortunately, evidence-based interventions have been proven effective in mitigating PPD symptoms and improving health outcomes for both mother and infant.

Mayo Clinic teamed up with digital health platform Memora Health to pilot a new initiative for postpartum patients. They are launching a texting-based program to better engage postpartum patients and have entered a research collaboration to measure the model’s efficacy.

The key to addressing the impact of postpartum health on the careers of women lies in building a level of awareness to breed a level of comfort in a workforce.

The new product represents one of the first major expansions of the company’s behavioral health offerings since the company’s acquisition of Denver-based behavioral health startup myStrength earlier this year.

Heal eventually want to cover everything from pre-birth services like lactation consulting, to vaccinations and immunizations and on through mental and sexual health as the child gets older.