Every new baby is one-of-a-kind, and so is every mom. Some women seem to sail though pregnancy and motherhood with ease. Others ride a roller coaster of emotions, feeling happy and excited one minute, and lonely or sad the next.
At Samaritan Albany General Hospital, our goal is to make sure you receive the highest quality care and support possible. We offer compassionate support, education and valuable resources to women and their families who are suffering from emotional or mental health issues related to childbearing, known as Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders or PMADs, also known as Postpartum Depression.
We recognize that early intervention is crucial to help women and their families for a healthy, long-lasting outcome. We want to promote positive personal social change for women, their families and the community.
We provide a healthy and safe environment in which both mother and baby can thrive together. Through our peer support groups, women will feel heard, supported and encouraged.
Symptoms
Having a baby is a major life change. Postpartum Depression (PPD) can affect any woman who:
• Is currently pregnant
• Has recently had a baby
• Has ended a pregnancy or miscarried
• Has stopped breastfeeding
PMADs can appear days or even months after childbirth. The warning signs are different for everyone, but can include:
• Changes in appetite – eating too much or not enough
• Crying uncontrollably
• Excessive worry
• Feeling anxious
• Feeling exhausted
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling irritable, angry or nervous
• Feeling like a bad mother
• Lack of interest in friends and family
• Lack of interest in sex
• Lack of interest in the baby
• Low energy
• Thoughts of harming the baby or herself
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble sleeping – too much or too little
Family and friends may be upset or confused by these mood changes. They may even notice there is a problem before the mom herself realizes it.
They can help by being supportive and understanding of the transition process. Love and support may not be enough. Whether symptoms are mild or serious, if they last longer than two weeks or affect a woman’s ability to enjoy her daily life, loved ones should encourage the mother to seek help.
Group information
English support group
Second and fourth Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Location: Samaritan Albany General Hospital, Fourth Floor Conference Room
Cost: Free
Instructors: Rebecca Moyes, RNC and Somphone “Sam” Beasley, FNP
No registration required. Drop-ins welcome.
For any questions, or before attending a support group, please call the Hope for Mothers message line for current meeting times or cancellations at (541) 812-4475.
Groups are forming in East Linn County. For more information call (541) 451-7872