Ensuring a legacy of health, one family at a time
-
Clients and Families Served
119,000
-
Professionals Educated
12,332
-
Food, Baby Essentials, Safety Items and Gift Cards Purchased
452,000
-
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.
Latest News & Events
The NJ Supports Breastfeeding Initiative, part of the New Jersey Breastfeeding Strategic Plan, has launched a new virtual training and awareness resource to help New Jersey employees, employers, professionals, and families better understand breastfeeding and lactation rights in the workplace. The training, “Employers, Employees and Lactation Rights in New Jersey,” officially launched August 20, 2026, during a special virtual event, “Making It Work Together: Supporting Breastfeeding in the Workplace Video Launch & Conversation.”
The SIDS Center of NJ is here to help caregivers, healthcare providers, and families across New Jersey access the latest in safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
We’ve all heard the saying “Music is good for the soul.” But just how good for your soul is it? Turns out, there’s actually a lot of truth to the statement. Check out these ways music can improve your life, and see everything a tune has in store for you.
While every individual is unique and has their own preferences, there are some general guidelines to follow when interacting comfortably and respectfully with people with disabilities.
