PPSC’s Core Programs and Services

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The PPSC aims to help new mothers navigate the perinatal period, reduce parental stress, and build effective support systems, particularly when confronted with considerable barriers to mental health treatment including long wait times and high costs. Services offered in English and Spanish include:

 

●      Mom to Mom Peer Counseling. Who can better understand perinatal struggles than a woman who has experienced them herself? Our trained volunteers are passionate about providing individualized assistance to all mothers and their support teams. Peers model recovery, teach skills and offer support via email, phone, text, chat, and in-person.

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 ●      Postpartum Peer Support Groups. The transition to motherhood can be stressful, but mothers don't have to go through it alone. Led by trained peers, our online weekly drop-in Postpartum Support Groups are focused on providing emotional and social support, information, education, and practical help. New members are always welcome. 

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●      Support Line 415-320-6707. When a person calls or texts the Support Line, PPSC trained peers will listen, provide emotional support, and connect them to local high-quality treatment providers when needed.

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●      Marin Diaper Bank - mom & baby essentials for families in need. Diapers are a significant expense, calculated in major monthly costs along with food and rent. No parent should have to make the choice between diapers or food! We are proud to start the first diaper bank in Marin County, and can now provide families with diapers, wipes, and other baby supplies. Our goal for this program is to help prevent mental and physical health consequences in both parents and children by providing monthly diaper/wipe supplies to low-income families.

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●      The ROSE Program (Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for mothers of newborns) is a program taught in prenatal settings. Through four 90-minute sessions, the program teaches pregnant women to recognize the signs of depression and how to reduce stress by seeking social support, finding a network of friends and family members, and knowing where to go for help. ROSE is the only evidence-based postpartum depression prevention intervention program that has shown to reduce the risk of postpartum depression in low-income women by half.

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●      EDUCATIONAL CLASSES - birth preferences and lactation support

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1. The Birth Preferences Class empowers parents with knowledge about their options throughout the birth process and for the postpartum care of their newborn. Participants will gain insights into important questions to ask their healthcare providers, equipping them to make informed decisions about both the birth experience and their baby’s care. During the class, attendees will be provided with a birth preferences template to fill out, facilitating proactive planning. Discussions will center around various birth and postpartum options, presenting unbiased, evidence-based information to aid decision-making. Topics covered include pain management alternatives, common birth and postpartum procedures, and considerations to optimize the birthing experience. By starting this educational process prenatally, expecting parents will develop confidence in advocating for their own and their baby's health not just during birth, but throughout their lifelong journey of healthcare decisions.

2. The Comfort Measures for Childbirth Class is designed to equip expectant parents with effective techniques for managing pain and anxiety during labor. Through interactive exercises and hands-on demonstrations, participants will learn a range of coping strategies. These include beneficial labor positions, breathing techniques, massage methods, and natural pain relief options. Facilitated by experienced doulas and childbirth educators, the class provides a supportive environment for addressing questions, concerns, and fostering empowerment as parents-to-be prepare for the transformative experience of labor and delivery. With newfound knowledge and practical skills, attendees emerge more prepared to advocate for their birthing preferences and approach childbirth with confidence.

3. The Breastfeeding Class provides expectant parents with essential knowledge and skills for successful breastfeeding, covering breastfeeding positions, latch techniques, overcoming challenges, and maintaining milk supply. Led by lactation professionals, it offers a supportive environment for questions and connections. 

4. Following childbirth, the weekly Breastfeeding Support Group offers ongoing assistance and encouragement to new parents as they navigate their breastfeeding journey. Led by experienced lactation professionals and attended by fellow breastfeeding mothers, the support group provides a space for sharing experiences, troubleshooting issues, and receiving emotional support. 

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●      Self-Screening Assessments. PPSC’s website offers online, anonymous self-screening tools for Postpartum Depression (PPD), Postpartum Anxiety (PPA), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Compassion Fatigue. Those who score in the higher ranges are encouraged to utilize PPSC as a resource and are provided with recommendations to speak to their healthcare providers.

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●      Information, Resources, and Referrals. 

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●      Advocacy. PPSC advocates for quality, timely, and affordable maternal mental health care. We Advocate for all mothers and their support, especially in early years of motherhood starting from the pregnancy. 

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Note: We do not offer crisis management services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. For additional safety information, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.