The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington and the Postpartum Support International CT Chapter will host a free forum on pregnancy and postpartum mental health on Wednesday, February 26, at the Southington Public Library.
The event, titled "Pregnancy & Postpartum Mental Health: Education and Resources," runs from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at 255 Main Street. It will feature presentations from eight local health professionals on perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Babies are welcome.
Eight Southington-Area Professionals to Present
The forum will bring together a range of specialists from across the region. Scheduled presenters include Jennifer Vendetti of UConn Health Parenting, Laura Caron of Hartford HealthCare, Ashley Sapphire of Divine Rose Wellness Center, Amy Nasshan of Nesting Moments, Ashley Jackson of Willow Tree Wellness, Magdalin Odoi of Wheeler Clinic, Mischa Hadaway of Gentle Mama Counseling, and Kate Fagan.
Patrice Jones from Lactation Services of Southington will also provide information at the event.
The presenters will cover how to identify symptoms of perinatal mood disorders, available treatment options, and local resources for support and care, according to the Early Childhood Collaborative's event listing.
A Growing Focus on Maternal Mental Health
Perinatal mood disorders — a category that includes postpartum depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychosis — affect up to 15 percent of women after childbirth, according to statistics cited by Postpartum Support International. The conditions can also affect fathers and other caregivers.
Joanne Kelleher, executive director of the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, told Patch that growing concerns among local families helped drive the initiative. The forum aims to reduce stigma around maternal mental health and connect families with professional resources in the Southington area.
The event is part of the Early Childhood Collaborative's Southington Community Well-Being Grant Initiative, funded through the Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Main Street Community Foundation, according to the Southington Outsider.