According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, nearly one in three women report experiencing depression either immediately before, during, or after their pregnancy. A free, virtual workshop series provided by the Warren HEZ will teach families how to manage stress and reduce the risk of postpartum depression. The six-week series, Mothers and Babies, an evidence-based intervention for both pregnant people and new parents, runs from March 1 to April 15, every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.  

"Many women experience anxiety during and after childbirth," said Kristin Read, Warren HEZ Project Director. "Many of us know someone who has struggled, or we have experienced it ourselves. We want to acknowledge the issue and create spaces for parents to gather and learn during this moment when we know more families are already coping with anxiety and depression".

Local educator Amy Griffin will be the Mothers and Babies workshop facilitator. She encourages caregivers to join and learn more about how “pleasant activities, thoughts, and contact with others can improve their mood and their bond with their baby.”

Warren HEZ’s local partners value these additional workshops. Pediatric Nurse Manager Joan Rossi, RN and MCH with Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice, helps new parents through early screening. Rossi says, “Everyone has stress in their lives. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn skills on how to relieve or at least decrease stress in your life.”

All participants must register by using this link; you can also call 401-431-9870 ext. 1635 or email warrenhez@ebcap.org.