It is Maternal Mental Health Week and the situation could not be more uncertain and frightening for perinatal moms and birthing people.
“I’m more than overwhelmed. I’m scared and angry and anxious. I can't sleep at night. I can’t go out and no one can come in to help me. How am I going to get through this?!”
~ Perinatal Mom
- They are not able to have live check-ups in their final weeks of pregnancy.
- Some are even dying alone.
- The likelihood of a black woman experiencing a pregnancy-related death is three-to-four times that of a white woman.
- Those who test positive for COVID-19 are separated from their babies for the first 14 days, a critical time for infant bonding.
- Hospitals are experiencing shortages of blood and other emergency supplies for childbirth because they are going to COVID patients.
- They are isolated at home unable to get the support they need.
- Many are sheltered in place in toxic and potentially dangerous environments.
These are unprecedented conditions under which all mothers and birthing people are anticipating and giving birth and experiencing the postpartum period. Isolation for perinatal parents is both a cause and symptom of perinatal depression and anxiety.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are going to escalate, with the potential for tragic outcomes, not only for mom, but for everyone in the family, including the newborn and other children at home. Families who experience greater health disparities will suffer in greater numbers and with greater severity.
This is a national mental health crisis the likes of which we have never seen before.
GPS is responding to this crisis by implementing an emergency response that will dramatically increase evidence and trauma-based online support groups for ALL perinatal people. We are providing immediate training in GPS to mental health, social service, peer and lay leaders. Together we can ensure that no new parent is alone at this time and help them to manage the challenges that they are facing so that they can have the best possible health outcomes for their families.
Help us ensure that everyone who needs support is able to access a support group NOW.
Become a GPS Facilitator
- Attend online GPS trainings to learn the evidence and trauma- informed GPS Group Model. Join our exceptional team of GPS facilitators who represent and serve the diversity of communities in which we live and whom we love.
Become an Organizational Partner
- Bring GPS to your agency, organization or statewide programs to provide replicable, effective and culturally-co created online support groups for your community.
Become an Organizational Sponsor
- Join us as a sponsor, partner or part of our outreach to those in need.
Join us in mitigating this severe mental health crisis and address trauma during this time of pandemic crisis and beyond. Join us as a sponsor, partner or part of our outreach to those in need.
With Love & Compassion,
Annette and Liz
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This program is available for free or reduced costs in Massachusetts thanks to the generous support of the MA PPD Fund, Perigee Foundation and other partner organizations. If you work with perinatal families contact us immediately to see if you qualify!
