Seeking Help From Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is real and affects approximately 20 percent of women who give birth. As with all forms of mental health conditions, recognizing and treating postpartum depression early can lead to better symptom management and faster recovery rates. At MultiCare, we take a proactive approach by offering postpartum support groups to help mothers struggling with all kinds of postpartum symptoms.

The purpose of these groups is to support moms during what is likely the biggest transition of their lives … motherhood. We offer a place to connect with other moms who are likely experiencing many of the same things you are. It’s a place where you can ask questions without fear of criticism. You can offer support to other moms and receive it for yourself.

In the Inland Northwest, we offer two postpartum groups, Mommy & Me, and #MomLife.

Mommy and Me is social time of babies rolling and crawling around while moms visit with each other, enjoy snacks and chase after their newly mobile babies. Experts in a variety of fields come in to offer education, support and entertainment. Pediatric providers teach you about child development and what to expect from your baby at various stages, including what’s normal and what’s not. We offer free weight checks if you want to see just how much your baby is growing.  This group is led by two of our lactation nurses who can answer your breast- or bottle-feeding questions.

#MomLife is a postpartum support group that focuses more on YOU than on your baby. Although you are a package deal, we have found that there are lots of people fussing over your little one. Who is caring for YOU? We want to help you process this amazing and difficult transition in your life. Being a mom is really hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. We offer you a place where you can feel comfortable talking about the tough stuff, the good, bad and the ugly. We will support and encourage you through the hard times and celebrate all the wins you’ll have. We talk about how to make sure your needs are being met so that you can take care of your baby. We talk about the red flags that may signal your struggles might be more than just the “Baby Blues.” Don’t go through this challenging time alone, let us walk through it with you. This group meets weekly and is led by two nurses who have been trained in Group Peer Support through Perinatal Support Washington.

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to meet in person for these support groups due to current COVID-19 restrictions. #MomLife is still meeting weekly on Thursdays through Zoom. Moms feel more isolated and lonelier now than ever before. The physical distancing we’ve followed over the past year. have made it difficult to connect with other moms and find support. Our Zoom meetings allow us to see new faces, interact in a safe way, and feel a little more connected to the outside world. While meeting in person is the preferred setting, we feel fortunate to have an online platform to continue groups.

To get involved, find us on Facebook at #MomLife – MultiCare Spokane  https://www.facebook.com/groups/157960522296964 and ask to join! Once you are part of this private group, you can access our weekly Zoom meetings, interact with other moms, post questions or just soak up all the mom support that’s shared. This group is open to all moms, no matter where you delivered your baby.

Editor’s note: This article is part of a series intended for expecting patients in the Inland Northwest region. Services outlined may vary in other MultiCare locations.