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So you are pregnant or have a new baby! Now what? For many, expecting a baby or transitioning to the role of new parent can be overwhelming and even stressful. Often others ask how the baby is doing, but who asks about the person who gave birth to the baby? We do!
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) are defined as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) during pregnancy and the postpartum period, often called the perinatal period. Birthing people with a history of depression or anxiety are more likely to have a PMAD. On the other hand, the perinatal period may be the first time that symptoms arise. Did you know that depression and/or anxiety affect 1 in 7 birthing people and up to 1 in 10 fathers and partners? Those statistics only include the people who ask for help when they are not feeling like themselves emotionally. Many more suffer in silence.
PMAD can have significant effects on the entire family. For this reason, New Jersey law requires that those who have just given birth be screened for postpartum depression (PPD) before leaving the hospital or birthing center. Screening is also required at the first few postpartum visits. Additionally, law requires that prospective and new parents (and their families if available) receive education on some of the signs of PPD and how to access help.
Through funding from the New Jersey Department of Health, Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC) offers the Pregnancy & Postpartum Wellness Program in order to support birthing people who have concerns about how they are feeling emotionally during the perinatal period. We provide emotional support, information regarding support groups for new parents, and referral to counseling services if desired. All services are provided free of charge. (We do not, however, provide behavioral health counseling directly.) In short, we want to know “How are you REALLY doing?”
Self-referral is encouraged. A bilingual staff member is available for those who speak Spanish. Interpretation services for other languages is also available.
Please contact the Program Manager at (732) 937-5437 ext. 179 or PMAD@CJFHC.org with any questions.
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Join us for a special virtual session with Catholic Charities and Unity Square Community Services! This event will highlight the programs and services of Unity Square, a social justice and community organizing initiative by Catholic Charities in New Brunswick for new moms and their families. Unity Square empowers local leaders to advocate in civic affairs and create positive change in their community.
Connecting NJ, NJ 4-H at Rutgers, Family Success Centers, SPAN, and other early childhood professionals recently participated in a transformative training, hosted in partnership with the NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Be Strong Families, to introduce staff and community leaders to the impactful world of Parent Cafés. Rooted in the Strengthening Families™ Protective Factors, these Parent Cafés create safe, supportive spaces where parents and caregivers can connect, share experiences, and build resilience.
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On November 14, 2024, from 10 AM to 11 AM, Connecting NJ invites new parents, caregivers, and professionals to an essential virtual education session, "Postpartum Care," led by Family Connects Home Visiting Nurse Lillian Dieudonne. This free online session offers an in-depth look at postpartum care and resources available to ensure a positive and supported recovery period after childbirth.
