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Becoming a parent is often portrayed as a magical and glorious life event. But many mothers don't feel joyful after giving birth.
In fact, over 20 percent of mothers and over 10 percent of fathers suffer from a postpartum mood disorder like anxiety or depression, making perinatal mental health concerns the most common complication of childbirth in the U.S. And even though these mental illnesses affect millions of parents each year, new research shows that 30 percent of mothers don't disclose their symptoms to healthcare providers.
Kathy, a mother of 2 in Marin, didn't know how to deal with these kinds of feelings after her second child was born. "I didn't have anyone to talk to about how lost I felt as a second-time mother. It was my 2nd child, I thought I was prepared, I thought it would be easier this time around. I felt too ashamed to open up - thankfully my friend introduced me to Postpartum Support Center. Understanding and support I have received thus far from peer mothers are priceless." Kathy says.
Lauren, a first-time mom, struggled with breastfeeding. She attended a breastfeeding support group at a local hospital. Fortunately, the lactation consultant recognized that she was emotionally struggling and introduced her to Ivana and the Mom2Mom peer program.
"My OB didn't screen me for postpartum depression, but even if she had, I was too afraid to admit it. Without Ivana’s support, I don't think I would have received help," Lauren says.