Maternal Mental Health Program
Healing Me Heals You
Healing Me Heals You is our signature maternal mental health program designed to bring awareness about the mental struggles many mothers encounter during and after pregnancy. Our desire for our program is to raise awareness, advocate for mothers and their families and make a call for action in policies and society that creates a safe space for mothers and their families.
Maternal mental health is a crucial aspect of maternal and child health. It is important because it has significant long-term impacts not just on the well-being of the person who gave birth, but when untreated, on the whole family.
•Infants born to mothers with mental health challenges have a much greater chance of having poor mental health through their lifetime, and it causes difficulties with attachment and the ability to self soothe
• Poor maternal health is associated with higher risks of children developing chronic health conditions later in life
•Maternal mental health can impact the long-term health and well-being of children, from impaired cognitive function to conduct disorders, depression, anxiety and learning disorders
We do this by:
•Working and partnering with community barbers, stylists, faith-based institutions and organizations to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocacy.
•Utilizing evidence-based curriculum to bring awareness and foster change (AIM CCI Maternity Safety Bundles: https://www.aimcci.org/).
•Creating a safe space where Black women and women of color have their voices and concerns heard, especially when it involves their safety during pregnancy and delivery in childbirth.
•Implementing and prioritizing postpartum education and support during health care visits.
•Establishing social support networks during pregnancy and the postpartum period (connecting mothers to midwives and/or doulas).
•Encouraging and training health care providers to incorporate robust postpartum depression and anxiety screening during appointments.
•Providing navigation and cultural appropriate and viable resources for mothers and their families.
We strive to:
Bring awareness to maternal and child health and mental health wellness.
Break the stigma surrounding maternal mental health.
Advocate on behalf of mothers and families through education, training, policies, and resources.
We call for action to help save the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities.
Maternal Mental Health Resources
NAMI HELPLINE
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
National Maternal Health Hotline
1-833-TLC-MAMA
800-Children Parent Helpline
Families Forward Virginia
Supporting Black Women's Maternal Mental Health Journey
Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center
LINKS
ADDRESS
500 E. Main Street, Floor 16
Norfolk, VA 23510