Perinatal depression (depression that occurs during pregnancy or the first year postpartum) is the most common complication of reproduction for women. Because a few of the symptoms of depression overlap with those common characteristics of pregnancy and the postpartum (such as disrupted sleep and changes in appetite), often this condition is missed by health providers. And when it is suspected, some women are reluctant to pursue a referral to a mental health professional because of stigma or low resources. This program aims to address both of these barriers to protecting the mental health of mothers by advocating for their needs and assisting them to begin the process of treatment and recovery.
Losing a pregnancy or newborn is one of the most painful, if not the most painful, experience a woman may have. Often loved ones and friends don't know how to relate or comfort a woman when this happens. My Red Tent lists web-based resources for information and most My Red Tent clinicians have received training on supporting women and their partners in such a time.