Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health: Education and Resources
On February 26, 2026, the ECCS and Postpartum Support International CT Chapter hosted the Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health workshop. They were joined by local perinatal support providers to educate about perinatal mood disorders, support, treatment and care resources.
Experts Who Joined Us:
- Jennifer Vendetti, LMSW, CEIM, PMH-C, UConn Health Parenting
- Laura Caron, LCSW, PMH-C, Hartford HealthCare
- Mischa Hadaway, LCSW, PMH-C, CD(DONA), Gentle Mama Counseling
- Kate Fagan, LCSW, PMH-C. Perinatal Day Program at HHC Institute of Living
- Ashley Jackson, LCSW, Willow Tree Wellness
- Ashley Sapphire, Divine Rose Wellness Center – offering yoga and Reiki
- Amy Nasshan, MOT, OTR/L, Nesting Moments, offering Infant Classes at Southington-Community YMCA
- Magdalin Odoi, Southington’s Senior Community Health Outreach Coordinator, Wheeler Clinic
Experts Who Sent information:
- Patrice Jones, PA, IBCLC, Lactation Services of Southington
- CT DPH Pregnancy and Postpartum Tobacco Cessation Program
We learned that Perinatal Mood Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) is the current terminology and that PMADs are often underdiagnosed and untreated. This is different then the “Baby Blues” which impact 60-80% of new mothers but only lasts 2 days to 2 weeks after birth. PMADs can happen during pregnancy and for up to a year after giving birth and impacts 15-20% of all women and 40-60% of low income mothers. National studies showed that 10% of new fathers showed signs of moderate to severe depression and these symptoms tend to spike between 3-6 months postpartum.
There are treatments and support for perinatal families including:
- Psychotherapy
- Psychoeducational & Home-Based Programs
- Medication Therapy
- Support Groups
- Parent-Child Interaction Groups
Details are in the slides and also listed in the Postpartum section of the ECCS Resource Directory.
View the presentation slides, which contain an overview and materials from all the experts listed above. Due to the size the slides needed to be split into 4 files.
This event is part of the ECCS’s Southington Community Well-Being Grant Initiative through the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Main Street Community Foundation.
