Tree of HOPE Perinatal Support Group
We welcome you to join our Tree of HOPE Perinatal Support Group! We meet in-person every Wednesday, 1 to 3 pm in the Medical Arts Building Conference Room located at 180 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville on the hospital campus.
You will need to register for each meeting. Once you register for the support group, you will receive a confirmation email.
Register for the Tree of HOPE Perinatal Support Group
Did you know one in five mothers feels sad and irritable during pregnancy or postpartum (after delivery), and fathers can feel down and anxious too? Perinatal mood disorders can begin during pregnancy and throughout the first year after birth. Inland cares about your well-being, so we created the Tree of HOPE Perinatal Support Group for perinatal mood disorders.
Postpartum depression, one type of a perinatal mood disorder, is more than just "baby blues" - it's a serious condition that mothers can experience after childbirth, typically arising from the combination of hormonal changes, the psychological transition to motherhood, and fatigue.
What are some signs to look out for?
- Transition from partners to parents
- Lack of interest in newborn
- Anxiety
- Nursing struggles
- Poor self-care
- Hopelessness/worthlessness
- Loss of interest in regular activities
- Isolation
- Fatigue, exhaustion, sleep disturbances, (oversleeping, not sleeping at all)
- Appetite changes, eating too much, not eating at all
- Unexplained physical illness – chest pain, hyperventilation, GI upset
- Guilt/shame
- Anger/rage
- Suicidal thoughts
If this sounds familiar, please contact your provider or Amanda Brown, RN, Northern Light Birthing nurse, Tree of HOPE facilitator, and Maine State Postpartum Support International coordinator. You are not alone, and help is available. We can get you referrals to:
- Primary Care
- Behavioral Health
- Nursing
If you would like more information, please contact:
Amanda Brown, RN
Northern Light Birthing nurse
Tree of HOPE facilitator
Maine State Postpartum Support International Coordinator
amandabrown@northernlight.org
1.857.203.0482