REFERRING TO OUR NEW PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS
Refer your patients to a new parent SUPPORT GROUP now, even before they tell you they are
struggling. Moms may not disclose all their symptoms. But referring ALL moms to a maternal
support group means that a mom who is suffering can get the help she needs to start recovering.
Here’s why it’s a great idea to bring this up to EVERY PREGNANT OR POSTPARTUM MOM
who comes to see you:
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Support groups don’t just help moms who are struggling; they can actually help prevent
perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) by reducing isolation from the start. Having
support is the top protective factor in preventing PMADs.
PMADs are common—about 20% of mothers will experience them. They are the number one
complication of pregnancy, and even more prevalent in low socioeconomic communities.
PMADs have serious consequences—for parents and babies—if untreated. They can last
longer than the postpartum year, can impair bonding, and increase the odds of child abuse
and neglect. Babies of parents with untreated PMADs can be impacted by development, selfregulation, and behavioral problems.
Make a point to refer moms experiencing challenges—like breastfeeding issues, a fussy baby,
prior infertility, an unplanned C-section, or a complicated birth. These are red flags for
perinatal struggles.
PMAD support groups are effective in reducing PMADs up to 59%. They improve mothers’
perception of their baby and their parent-child interactions.
Support groups help by
o Reducing isolation, which is a leading cause of PMADs.
o Offering education about PMADs.
o Providing referrals to higher levels of care.
o Addressing ways to minimize demands that can worsen psychiatric symptoms, such as
lack of sleep and self-care.
o Normalizing difficulties of early parenthood in a non-judgmental space.
o Decreasing child abuse and neglect.
50% of moms with PMADs don’t disclose this information and don’t get help.
How to refer a mom to a support group
1. Give the mom Perinatal Support Washington’s new parent support group flyer that lists
details about our support groups throughout Washington
2. Give the mom Perinatal Support Washington’s brochure that describes the symptoms of
perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that she may be experiencing and lists ways she can get
support and information.
3. Direct the mom to www.perinatalsupport.org to find support groups and other resources.
4. Complete a referral form if you would like your client to receive a call from one of our leaders.
To order copies of the new parent support group flyer or the PS-WA brochure, please visit www.perinatalsupport.org