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Pine Rest Mother and Baby Program helps new and expecting moms deal with depression or anxiety

Depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy is an illness best described as a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder or PMAD.

Grand Rapids, Mich. — It is the most common complication of childbirth, affecting nearly 20% of pregnant women and moms with infants. Pine Rest's Mother and Baby Program is an intensive day program providing treatment in an environment that enhances mother-baby bonding. Women can take their infant to treatment. Pine Rest provides nursery, childcare, quiet areas for breastfeeding and a full kitchen. When the program started in December 2012, it was the second in the country. It is now one of 12 such programs in the country.

Symptoms that bring women to treatment include:

• Sadness

• Anxiety

• Guilt

• Excessive worry

• Scary thoughts

• Irritability

• Hopelessness

• Sleep problems

• Fatigue

• Loss of interest in activities usually enjoy

• Change in appetite

• Difficulty making decisions

Social worker Kerrie Van Weelden shared some common misconceptions PMADs:

Misconception: Symptoms start immediately postpartum.

Fact: Symptoms can start during pregnancy or up to three years postpartum. The highest time of risk is 6 months after baby is born.

Misconception: If you don’t get a PMAD with the first baby, you are home free.

Fact: Can affect women who already have one or more children.

Misconception: I’m a bad mom if I have a PMAD.

Fact: PMAD is a disease! It doesn’t make you a bad mom and it’s not your fault.

Misconception: There’s nothing I can do to prevent getting a PMAD.

Fact: Expecting moms can work with a professional and their support system to reduce their risk.

Misconception: Women can beat PMAD on their own – they don’t need help.

Fact: Like any illness, recovery will happen more quickly and completely if professional help is sought.

For more information:

Mother & Baby Program Admissions: 616-455-9200 or 800-678-5500

pinerest.org/mother

Outpatient therapy, online teletherapy, reducing your risk classes, support & therapy groups: 1-866-852-4001

General information about PMADs:

pinerest.org/pmad

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