The care you receive after baby comes can be just as important as the prenatal care you receive during pregnancy. But mamas are often so focused on their little ones, they forget to also take care of themselves. The weeks and months after labor and delivery can be a time of tremendous change and stress, which can all take a toll on your mental health. Couple that with the fact that you still have a sweet new baby to care for, so making time to get that much-needed support can fall on the back burner.
Enter The Motherhood Space, designed and launched by Baptist Behavioral Health licensed psychologist and perinatal mental health specialized psychologist, Jill Garrett, Psy. D., PMH-C. After having her first child eight years ago, Dr. Garrett instantly recognized the need for postpartum support in our community. As many as one in five moms will experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, which can include postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and more. The Motherhood Space offers comprehensive and timely care so moms can get the support they need, and we are so excited to have this resource available for our pregnant and postpartum patients!
Introducing The Motherhood Space Program
In conjunction with Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, The Motherhood Space offers an intensive outpatient program known as the Day Program, providing in-person support to new and expectant moms who may have mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, and more. They are now taking patients!
Individual and group therapy with perinatal mental health experts is offered for expecting moms and anyone who is in the perinatal period (within 18 months postpartum), three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursday mornings for up to three weeks.
Free on-site childcare is offered through the Winston Family YMCA KidZone, in addition to a private lactation space, making it easy to participate and bring your child. Program participants will also receive a complimentary guest pass for use at the YMCA. Evaluation for medication and referrals for additional support services will be available as needed.
Dr. Patel with Dr. Jill Garrett (right), director of The Motherhood Space.
Get instant wellness support online
Another great thing about The Motherhood Space? Support is also instantly available for free and from the comfort of your own home through the program’s online video series, offering a vast array of postpartum-related topics including depression, panic attacks, OCD, grief and loss, relationships, navigating the NICU, and more. It’s perfect for those interested in learning more about maternal mental health and receiving evidence-based coping strategies to improve mental health during the postpartum period and beyond.
The library of short videos can be watched at your convenience: listen in the car, while eating lunch, or even nursing your little one. There is simply no need to struggle alone.
The wellness experts at Baptist Health Jacksonville are trained in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and can help you determine the right next steps for you. Call (904) 376-3800 and select option 4 to speak with a coordinator or visit The Motherhood Space.