If you’re newly pregnant, in your third trimester, or have just given birth, maintaining your health is crucial during those nine months and beyond, even after your due date has passed. But when you have a lot going on (like taking care of another human), it’s hard to see where you might need help. Yet help is out there, and we’re making it easier for you to find it. Scroll down for local organizations and resources dedicated to supporting the health of mothers and their babies and be sure to check out the ongoing classes and resources for moms-to-be and parenting pros offered by RWJBarnabas Health each month. (featured photo credit: istock/LumiNola)
Maternal Health Resources For Every NJ MOM
Center For Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders at RWJBarnabas Health
The Center for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Eatontown, part of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, treats women and families who are pregnant, postpartum, or who are coping with the loss of a baby. The program includes evidence-based psychotherapy, support groups, and medication management, as well as complementary therapies such as mother-infant classes to encourage bonding in a safe, judgment-free space. A multidisciplinary team of maternal mental health experts, comprising psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers, supports patients.
Nurture NJ
First Lady Tammy Murphy’s initiative, Nurture NJ, is dedicated to transforming New Jersey into the safest and most equitable state in the nation for delivering and raising a baby. The Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint to reduce New Jersey’s maternal mortality rate by 50 percent over five years and eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes. Nurture NJ is a collection of the work of the Murphy Administration on maternal and infant health. It has since initiated a report card on maternal health at NJ hospitals and helped fulfill the infant formula shortage.
Speaking of Birth
Jill Wodnick is the founder of Speaking of Birth, which aims to support community doula programs in their growth and success. They work to advance excellence in childbirth education and promote policy work to improve maternity care. The organization provides community workshops, technical assistance for community doula development, and compassionate childbirth education. Jill Wodnick’s Lamaze childbirth courses are available online for free and are open to all expectant parents, healthcare workers, doulas, and community partners.
The SIDS Center of New Jersey
The mission of the SIDS Center of New Jersey is to study the causes and risk factors associated with Sudden, Unexpected Infant Death. They also develop and offer risk reduction education and resources while providing bereavement support to grieving families whose infants died suddenly and unexpectedly. Parents can access a free, safe sleep app to help reduce the risk of SIDS.
The Tara Hansen Foundation
The Tara Hansen Foundation honors the legacy of Tara Hansen, who passed away in 2011 due to complications from childbirth. The foundation is dedicated to promoting maternal health awareness and emphasizing education on the risks associated with both the mother and the child.
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