Commentary: The importance of postpartum support for new parents shown in Athens programs
Brandi Holloway
May 2, 2005
The birth of a child is often a momentous occasion for a mother and family members. However, with a newborn baby also come enormous challenges. As a result, three organizations in Athens provide help and support for families partaking in the joyous yet challenging task of raising a newborn child.
There is a growing consensus, some say, that many new parents are unprepared for the transition to parenthood. Thankfully, a number of mothers and fathers can rely on support from knowledgeable and caring family members. However, some cannot.
The importance of support, advice and assistance during the postpartum period cannot be overemphasized. According to Jacqueline Kelleher's "The Postpartum Doula's Role in Maternity Care," women who have support from their families, care providers, counselors and peer groups have greater successes with breastfeeding, greater self confidence, less postpartum depression, and lower incidences of abuse.
In Athens, parents who need postpartum support outside of family and friends, or those who would like some extra help, can turn to three local organizations: The Birth Circle, La Leche League International, and Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Services. Each organization helps mothers and their families deal with postpartum challenges.
The Birth Circle is a non-profit organization whose mission is to "educate, support and empower women and their families as they journey through pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period." Expectant women and new parents attend monthly meetings dealing with a variety of topics related to pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. Parents also have an opportunity to share and to listen to birth stories in a safe and supportive environment.
Some of the Birth Circle's postpartum-support programs include "Meals for Moms," a program in which volunteers prepare and deliver meals to families with a newborn child, and "Meet-A-Mom," which matches expectant or new mothers with experienced mothers who can provide support and advice throughout the pregnancy and postpartum periods.
The Birth Circle also organizes "Baby and Toddler Circles," playgroups for children 3 years old and younger. Those programs give new parents an opportunity to socialize, to form friendships, and to connect with other parents. Birth Circle meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month from 7-9 p.m. at the Athens Public Library.
Another support group for new mothers is the Athens chapter of La Leche League International. Its mission is to "help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother."
La Leche League International meetings are open to all women interested in breastfeeding. Mothers can bring their newborns if desired. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. and the fourth Friday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at the Athens Public Library.
A third resource for postpartum support is Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Services, Inc. According to "Childbirth and the Newborn," about 20 percent of women will experience Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD), the term used to describe four emotional conditions occurring in the first year after giving birth. PPMD usually occurs within two months after giving birth, though it may happen any time in the first year following childbirth. Tri-County provides services including counseling and therapy, which can be helpful in treating PPMD.
Postpartum support can provide parents with a smooth and rewarding transition to family life. Parents can easily take advantage of local resources that are available, if desired. For more information about The Birth Circle you can visit its Web site at www.athensbirthcircle.com or call 592-5875. Also, Athens La Leche League International can be reached at 593-3618. And, further information on Tri-County Mental Health and Counseling Services can be obtained by calling 592-3091.
Editor's note: Brandi Holloway is an international certified childbirth educator, a certified doula through DONA (Doulas of North America), and co-founder and executive director (along with Jennifer Hughes) of The Birth Circle.
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