NuHealth Launches New Support Group

In an effort to meet the needs of almost 15 to 20 percent of new mothers who suffer from postpartum depression, Arthur Gianelli, president/CEO of the NuHealth System, announces the launching of a free, bilingual “Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression/Anxiety Support Group,” to be held starting Friday, Nov. 8, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., in the Centering Pregnancy Suite on the first floor of Nassau University Medical Center.

“We are proud to launch the first hospital-based bilingual support group in Nassau County for patients suffering from a perinatal mood disorder, most commonly known as postpartum depression, affecting up to 20 percent of women within the first year of giving birth, with up to 15 percent suffering during pregnancy,” Gianelli said.

“The departments of Ob/Gyn., nursing, pediatrics and psychiatry have collaborated and worked as a team to ensure the safety and well-being of our mothers and babies through a confidential peer support group, facilitated by a registered nurse and a perinatal depression survivor, with a family education session for the partners and grandparents.”

The group will meet for 10 weeks, with daytime, evening and weekend sessions offered. Several topics will be included during the support group sessions, including the impact of the birth experience, how to manage stress and time, coping techniques along with inspiration and hope.

Symptoms include exhaustion, decreased energy, anxiety/panic attacks, sleeping too much or too little, loss of appetite , loss of interest or enjoyment, feelings of detachment to the baby, fear of being alone with the baby, negative or scary thoughts and excessive worry especially about the baby’s health.

Vanessa Barisano, RN, perinatal mood disorder program director and NUMC’s very own perinatal educator, has recognized the overwhelming need that exists. The support group is modeled after the Postpartum Resource Center of NY’s “Circle of Caring” support group of which Vanessa has trained.

The Postpartum Resource Center is an invaluable resource, only one in NYS, servicing moms with a toll free Helpline, 1-855-631-0001. For additional information, visit www.postpartumny.org. If you or someone you know is having depression or anxiety symptoms beyond two weeks of giving birth, call 296-2204 for information.

Submitted by Nassau University Medical Center