Maria Grazia Cervone, MPH, CNC, founded MGC Wellness Services and MotherRoot Nutrition to support women through pregnancy and early motherhood. In this interview, she describes the mental health concerns she sees most often, the role nutrition plays in emotional well-being, and why she believes maternal care should never rest on one provider alone.
Question 1: What are the most common maternal mental health concerns you see, and how do you help clients recognize them early?
Grazia names anxiety, stress, and a sense of disconnection as the concerns that come up most often. "Some of the most common maternal mental health concerns I see include anxiety, stress, and feeling disconnected from themselves or struggling with their new identities, especially with new mothers."
She begins by normalizing the early weeks. "From early on, I like to explain that the 'baby blues' are pretty common and that becoming a mother is a major physical, emotional, and spiritual transition." The baby blues typically appear two to three days after childbirth and usually ease within one to two weeks without treatment, which is different from postpartum depression, a condition that can persist and interfere with daily tasks.
At the same time, Grazia watches for signs that point to something more serious. "I also try to normalize some of the feelings that can come with this transition while simultaneously paying attention to signs and symptoms that may indicate a more serious concern and would require support from a medical or mental health professional."
She does not work alone. "I also help clients connect with other providers when needed because I don't see maternal care as a single provider approach." Her aim is a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk about worries and fears beyond nutrition, which helps her understand when additional support is needed.
Connect with Grazia at MGC Wellness Services
This is educational information, not medical advice.
Grazia at MGC Wellness Services offers whole-person wellness support for mothers and families. Complete this short form to share your situation and receive personalized guidance.
Question 2: How does maternal nutrition affect mental health during and after pregnancy?
Grazia is careful to frame nutrition as a complement to, not a replacement for, professional care. "Even though nutrition is not a cure for mental disorders and appropriate professional help is needed when someone thinks they may be experiencing a mental health challenge or has been diagnosed with a mental disorder, nutrition can play an important role in prevention and recovery and work alongside medical treatment."
She points to fatigue as one practical link. "Inadequate nutrient intake can contribute to fatigue, which can make an already demanding transition into motherhood even more challenging." Nutritional needs shift across pregnancy and postpartum, and for those who breastfeed, certain nutrients in breast milk are directly related to the mother's intake. "By learning how to nourish our bodies during these different seasons of life, we can help mothers feel their best and better support them as they care for their babies."
Question 3: What does a whole-person approach to maternal wellness look like in practice?
For Grazia, whole-person care means treating physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being as interconnected. "We live in a society that places a strong emphasis on the medical model, and oftentimes other aspects of a person's wellbeing are overlooked."
She describes her work as nourishing a woman's body, mind, and soul through nutrition, while leaning on a referral network for the rest. "I also rely on other providers and an extensive referral network to support my clients, because I believe maternal wellness requires more than one person or specialty." Research on perinatal mental health education similarly points toward collaborative, person-centered care as a priority for parents.
Question 4: How do you make your services accessible to Spanish-speaking families and community organizations?
Grazia reaches out to organizations serving Spanish-speaking communities nationwide. Through MGC Wellness Services, she helped translate and adapt the Mental Health First Aid curriculum into Spanish and has delivered the training to Spanish-speaking communities. She describes it as a public education program that helps people recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges and teaches a concrete action plan for supporting someone in crisis and non-crisis situations.
"We know that stigma can be a barrier to seeking mental health support in Spanish-speaking communities and my work helps address this by increasing awareness and giving people the tools and confidence to support themselves and others." Through MotherRoot, she also connects with perinatal service providers who work with Spanish-speaking populations to expand access to maternal nutrition support.
Question 5: What is one thing you wish more expecting mothers knew about prevention-focused care?
Her answer is direct. "That it is okay to ask for help before things fall apart." She emphasizes that prioritizing your own well-being and identifying your needs is crucial, and that needing support does not make you a less capable mother.
"You don't have to 'bounce back', you are a new person. When a baby is born, so is a mother. Give yourself grace and space, and reach out for help."
Key Takeaways
- Anxiety, stress, and identity shifts are common in early motherhood; the baby blues usually resolve within a couple of weeks, but persistent symptoms deserve professional attention.
- Nutrition supports prevention and recovery alongside medical treatment, and needs change across pregnancy and postpartum.
- Whole-person care means addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being together, often through a team of providers.
- Spanish-language Mental Health First Aid training and perinatal nutrition outreach help reduce stigma and expand access.
- Asking for help early is prevention, not failure.
You can learn more about Grazia's work at MGC Wellness Services.