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PAULINA NOTTINGHAM LAUREN WEBSTER PHOTOGRAPHY
Progressing Through Postpartum Depression
The Progressing Through Postpartum Program ( P3 ) at Mon Health Medical Center ( MHMC ) and Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital is a unique program in West Virginia that addresses the needs of mothers in the community experiencing symptoms or signs of perinatal depression or anxiety . Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders ( PMAD ) are related to mood and anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum . West Virginia ranks second in the U . S . for number of cases of postpartum depression , making access to treatment extremely important .
Mothers who experience PMAD face a unique set of circumstances and challenges adjusting to life with an infant . Women experiencing PMAD may have symptoms of typical depression and experience more frequent crying , fears about hurting the baby and guilt about their perception of being an inadequate mother . Early treatment and support of PMAD is crucial for the mother , child and family . Thanks to a generous donation from the Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary , P3 was born in 2019 and to date , the staff has served nearly 3,000 expectant mothers . The program is one of only 15 in the country .
Jennifer Bender was a labor and delivery nurse for 17 years before stepping into the P3 ’ s nurse navigator role . As a familiar face in the delivery room , Bender wanted to help improve new moms ’ quality of life . Bender not only offers support for new mothers but has also established an infant loss support group for those who have lost their children .
Every mom and baby pairing is unique and so are treatment and care . While each situation is different , the end game is the same : a listening ear in a caring , judgment-free zone . When new mother , * Jane , held her baby for the first time , she knew something was wrong . She felt sincere disassociation between the tiny human in her arms and the baby she had carried . After several weeks of spending hours trying to breastfeed , she began to feel chained to her couch and like a prisoner in her own home . She was committed to caring for her son but felt no love or connection . As the days passed , her mental health was rapidly deteriorating . Overwhelming anxiety caused many sleepless nights . Crying turned into hysterical , inconsolable breakdowns .
Jane , feeling hopeless , turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms . That ’ s when she decided to reach out to Bender .
“ In the first few days , she checked in to see how my son was latching . She asked about his eating habits and provided some general information on breastfeeding . I admit I was not a reliable communicator during that time , but when I needed her , she was immediately there ,” says Jane . “ More than just coordinating my postpartum care expediently , she genuinely stayed in touch with me throughout the process and addressed all of my many questions about breastfeeding and new baby care .”
Jane received the proper treatment ; her son is nearly 1 year old and her family is everything she hoped it would be . While she works hard to maintain her mental health , she is grateful for P3 during her darkest times . She is confident and enjoying the journey of motherhood instead of dreading it .
“ I owe my health and sanity to Jennifer and the program ,” says Jane . “ It is an invaluable resource for parents and demonstrates Mon Health ’ s understanding of the many challenges new parents face and the importance of addressing maternal mental health to the benefit of the whole family .”
Bender easily communicates with busy families through texting . Another patient of Bender ’ s , mother of three , Erinn Roiser , is grateful for the convenience and accessibility .
“ She ’ s a wealth of knowledge . If you are taking new medicine and can ’ t remember if it ’ s safe while nursing , Jennifer knows . While homeschooling and wrangling kids , it ’ s such a blessing to shoot her a text and ask if Dramamine is safe while on a road trip or tips on how to safely introduce a family dog when bringing the new baby home ,” says Roiser . “ Through P3 and the staff ’ s wealth of knowledge , you can find an answer as unique as you and your baby .”
Without the generous support of the MHMC auxiliary , the mothers in the community would not have access to this assistance . During the 2019 Ball of the Year , the auxiliary raised the seed money totaling over $ 200,000 in donations . P3 is solely based off charitable contributions and the auxiliary has chosen to further support the program at the 2022 Ball of the Year . If you or someone you know may be suffering from postpartum depression , call 304-599-6811 . •
* The name Jane in this article is a pseudonym for a mother who wished to remain anonymous .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE