Covenant HEALTH
August 2021
Covenant hopes to identify and treat postpartum depression before mother and child leave the hospital
The pandemic has brought heightened public awareness and acceptance to the importance of mental health. People are realizing that their usual methods of coping and avoiding difficult emotions are not working as well as they once did, and now people are more willing to confront how traumatic experiences have affected them. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the world of perinatal care.
“Especially with new mothers, there is an expectation that birth and pregnancy are always happy and exciting, but for many women that is not the case,” says Sarah Dunn, Women’s Mental Health Counselor at Covenant Children’s Hospital. “The post partem period becomes hard—they feel like they ‘should’ be happy, or they ‘should’ be able to do it all, but they don’t feel like they can reach out for help.”
To help new mothers who may be experiencing postpartum depression, the Integrative Care Department at Covenant Children’s Hospital is bringing comprehensive behavioral health services to patients inside the hospital and taking a more holistic approach to healing. The Women’s Health Program offers mental health screening and services to the mother during their postnatal stay, so they’re not left to seek help when they and their newborn are out on their own.
“If you are a mother experiencing postpartum depression, it can be very difficult to reach out and ask for help when you need it,” says Dunn. “But if your doctor brings the counselor to you that takes an extra step off your plate and provides relief from the responsibility of having to search for someone who may or may not have experience with perinatal issues.”
In other parts of the world you don't have to ask for help; it's built into the way things are. Here, you have to humble yourself.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance with mental health concerns, please visit work2bewell.org/wellnessresources. Please know there’s always help available whenever you need to talk to someone. Reach out to the Crisis Text Line (Text TALK to 741741) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK to talk to someone who can help.
Especially with new mothers, there is an expectation that birth and pregnancy are always happy and exciting, but for many women that is not the case.
— Sarah Dunn
Women’s Mental Health Counselor
Covenant Children’s Hospital
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If you are a mother experiencing postpartum depression, it can be very difficult to reach out and ask for help when you need it.
Tavia Hatfield - Regional Director of Community Health investment
PROVIDENCE HEALTH & SERVICES Texas/New Mexico
