Champaign County Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression Resource

Just as with other times of change, you may find yourself needing extra support during your pregnancy and after the birth of your child. This support may include help with practical tasks, information, advice, or just someone to listen. The information below is a list of some possible sources of support and the kinds of help each group may be able to provide, as well as information specific to the Champaign-Urbana, IL area. However, if you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, go to the emergency room, or call the crisis hotline at (217)359-4141.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Family and friends can be a great source of support. The can provide help with tasks, such as childcare, housework or transportation. In addition, the can provide emotional support by listening to your feelings and concerns. Some family and friends may have experienced PDD and be able to share coping strategies. Choose family members and friends who will be eager to help and listen to you.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Support groups are groups of people that meet regularly to discuss issues related to a common problem. Some support groups are led by therapists, while others are led by group members or have no leader. Support groups can provide emotional and moral support, advice, and information.

Open and ongoing support group. ALWAYS CALL AHEAD TO CLAIM ATTENDANCE.
"Baby Bootstraps"
A Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Group

WHEN:
The first and third
Monday evening (5:45-6:45pm)
of each month

HOW LONG:
Ongoing - Feel free to join the group even if it has been going on for a while.
We are here for you and your family!

WHERE:
Hellen G. McDonald Counseling
44 E. Main St., #505
Champaign, IL. 61822

WHO:
Women (18+) who are pregnant or have had a baby within the last year

WHY:
To provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for women to share their fears and concerns, to address their hopes and dreams for their families, to enhance their support system, and express their feelings beyond "the blues."

FACILITATORS:
Hellen McDonald, LCSW and Sue Osborne, CD (DONA)
Registration is required by calling Hellen McDonald @ 217-378-8575. Support Group sessions are FREE.

Questions?
Hellen McDonald, LCSW - (217)378-8575 or
hgmcdona@hotmail.com

Doulas can be a major source of support and assistance during labor and after birth. During birth, a Doula can provide support and guidance for both parents. Doulas do not take place of the father or the nurse in the labor room. Instead, doulas are there to provide continuous emotional and physical support for the laboring woman AND to help the father to help the laboring woman. Postpartum Doulas are there to help the new Mom and Dad to succeed during the first few days of family bonding. They do this by providing physical, emotional, and household support. For more information go to www.dona.org. If you are in the Champaign-Urbana area, you can contact Sue Osborne at suelathedoula@comcast.com.

Doctors, especially ones that specialize in women's health or children, can be a good source of support during and after pregnancy. They have extensive knowledge of the process of becoming a parent. This knowledge includes more than just medical information. Doctors have listened to many new parents share their fears and can help you determine if your concerns about yourself and your baby are common to many new parents or warrant further attention.

OTHER MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

Mental health professionals can be a good resource during any time of transition, including the transition to parenthood. Social workers, counselors, and psychologists all receive training on helping people process their emotions, increase coping skills, and use existing skills to solve life's problems. They are also useful if you want a non-judgmental listener. You can seek out a private practitioner who operates independently or choose a mental health agency that has many counselors. Different agencies and practitioners have different procedures and beliefs about the therapy process, so shop around until you find a person or agency where you feel comfortable.

Religious leaders are helpful sources of support for many people. Some religious leaders provide counseling; others have a listening ear and offer the help of their religious beliefs. If you have found faith or spirituality to be helpful during past problems, a religious leader or religious texts may be useful to you if you experience difficulties during pregnancy or after the birth of your child.