Becoming a parent is an important decision and one of the most beautiful transformations a person can make. It can also be the most overwhelming time of your life, both physically and emotionally. As your body prepares for your new arrival, nurturing your baby from conception to birth and beyond, you’ll notice more than your physique changing. Your energy levels and appetite may be fluctuating as baby grows, and so might your overall mood and mental health.
When I had my first child twenty-two years ago, I was a teenage single mother without a plan. I didn’t have any mom friends to ask for advice. I was handed books of parenting advice from my doctor, and told that things would improve with practice. I became depressed; I felt judged. I didn’t know how to do many things that seemingly came naturally to other moms, like breastfeeding. I say “seemingly” because, in a world before internet, I didn’t realize that I was not alone.
Allegheny Health Network saw an opportunity to create an innovative resource for moms and partnered with The Alexis Joy D’Achille Foundation to develop The Alexis Joy D’Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health. Women’s Behavioral Health at AHN is helping moms having trouble coping with motherhood, or who are experiencing mental health challenges, find support in intensive group therapy, personal self-care treatments, sessions with doctors and therapists, and also through each other in a compassionate community setting.
The Alexis Joy D’Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health is conveniently located at AHN’s West Penn Hospital’s beautiful Campus in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood, and invites women who are experiencing behavioral health challenges during or after their pregnancy, infertility or perinatal loss to receive outpatient services specialized just for them, in a safe environment.
The center provides a unique Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which is the first of its kind in the region and only one of a few in the country. Moms meet 3 times per week, for 3 hours at a time in a group setting and bring their babies along with them. Some activities they have include infant massage, art therapy, perinatal yoga, baby wearing, and more. Having mom and baby together in therapy builds the bond between them as mom learns the skills to care for her new little one, and herself in her new role as mother.
Natural light flows through the rooms offering a calming feeling of serenity to all visitors. It is designed to be comforting and uplifting, with newly modeled modern rooms and spacious areas for seating and caring for baby while attending sessions. The key is to make patients feel safe and comfortable, knowing they are at their most vulnerable. Everything that a mom needs to care for her baby is available onsite in order to make regular appointment attendance convenient for those who may not have a sitter, or help with care giving. There are also private spaces for breastfeeding or quieting a baby for sleep. This allows mom and baby to stay together throughout the duration of treatment.
The full kitchen has state of the art appliances to host group workshops regarding cooking and nutrition, something that is important for moms and their families after having a new baby.
Determining your own mental health needs is not always easy. Throughout your pregnancy, your OB/GYN will take note of your baby’s growth, as well as changes to your mental disposition. Being honest with your practitioners about your feelings will help them to make the best suggestions for your needs. And, ultimately, it will continue to help moms who are feeling just like you might be right now.
You are NOT Alone. Your feelings are valid. Let the wonderful staff at The Alexis Joy D’Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health help you and your family.
Believe me when I tell you, this is the place I needed in my life, twenty two years ago.
To schedule an appointment with Women’s Behavioral Health at AHN, please call 412.578.4030.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate help, please contact 9-1-1.
