ARMC Post-Partum Support Group Provides Counseling, Discussions, Resources

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) offers a Post-Partum Support Group for moms to discuss the challenges of motherhood, ask questions, and receive helpful resources, referrals and supportive counseling. The group meets every third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at ARMC in the Post-Partum Conference room on the third floor. The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to major depression: • Feelings of sadness, confusion, irritability, anxiousness • Having difficulty sleeping beyond the lack of sleep experienced when caring for a newborn • Feeling numb, foggy, dazed, and disconnected from their babies, and feeling guilty about having these thoughts and feelings • Changes in eating habits and energy levels • Problems concentrating and making decisions • Losing interest in fun and pleasurable activities In rare cases some mothers may experience negative thoughts about wanting to hurt their babies or themselves, and in these circumstances mothers need to seek help immediately. While less common, men can also experience depression after the arrival of the baby. Mothers who are suffering from three or more of these symptoms four weeks or more after delivery, might be experiencing postpartum depression. The onset of postpartum depression can begin anytime within the first year after giving birth. The best way to receive treatment for postpartum depression is to talk with your doctor, or seek out a mental health counselor or a clinical social worker for an assessment. The earlier you ask for help with your depression the sooner you can get the help you need. “Postpartum depression is a treatable condition,” said ARMC Clinical Social Worker, Kendra Carter. “I decided to develop a post-partum support group because evidence-based research indicates that, with support, women do get better and are able to be the mothers they long to be for their children. “Additionally, findings from recent studies indicate that infants of depressed mothers may be prone to develop adverse cognitive, behavioral and emotional outcomes as well as long-term developmental disturbances as a result of poor mother-baby bonding during the postpartum period.” The Post-Partum Support Group is free and open to women and men. ARMC is located at 400 N. Pepper Avenue in Colton.