Up to 20 percent of women develop depression and basic anxiety issues during and after pregnancy. For women of color, that number is almost doubled.
Many women don’t seek out help because they are confused by these symptoms, which are different from the positive feelings they are told by doctors, family, and friends they should feel during and after pregnancy. It’s normal to experience the “baby blues” after delivery for up to two weeks. If those feelings continue, however, it is important to seek help in dealing with postpartum depression.
Since 2005, the Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) has been funding the Mothers Overcoming Maternal Stress (MOMS) program, supporting mothers and their infants. The program is designed to decrease symptoms of pre/ postnatal depression and/or anxiety, promote healthy bonding between mother and child, increase parenting skills and reduce risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect. Engaging and effective services are delivered in-home by knowledgeable and caring health professionals to ensure children are meeting developmental milestones in nurturing home environments.
These programs provide in-home support, including:
Services to mothers and mothers-to-be that enhance bonding and attachment between mother and child, thereby increasing positive parenting behaviors and preventing the development and escalation of maternal emotional distress.
Services that improve children and family functioning through an accessible service delivery system that is flexible, culturally competent, and responsive to family-identified needs.
Currently these programs are delivered in the Central and Northern part of the county by Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward and in the South by Memorial Healthcare System. To find out about more MOMS and which agency is the appropriate one for you, call 2-1-1 or 954-537-0211. Services are available in English, Spanish and Creole.
For more information on MOMS or any other programs funded by the CSC, visit www.cscbroward.org and search for “Funded Program Directory.”
The Children’s Services Council of Broward County is an independent taxing authority which was established by a public referendum on September 5, 2000, and reauthorized via referendum on November 4, 2014, which, through Public Act, Chapter 2000-461 of the laws of Florida, authorized the Council to levy up to 0.5 mills of property taxes. The role of the Council is to provide the leadership, advocacy and resources necessary to enhance children’s lives and empower them to become responsible, productive adults through collaborative planning and funding of a continuum of quality care. To learn more about programs and services the Children’s Services Council funds, please call (954) 377-1000.
Above content provided by Children’s Services Council of Broward County.