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POEM Initiative supports mental health for new moms and birthing adults in Dayton and across Ohio

Dayton, Ohio – Pregnant and postpartum women as well as birthing adults dealing with mental health issues have fresh wave of help available in Ohio. Under the direction of MHAOhio, the initiative known as POEM (Perinatal Outreach & Encouragement for Moms) is tackling the most often disregarded yet common complication of pregnancy and childbirth: mental health issues.

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According to statistics, over 20% of new moms and birthing persons have mental health issues during the perinatal period—that is, from the beginning of pregnancy until one year following birth. Not only are symptoms like depression, extreme tiredness, mood swings, and insomnia prevalent; they also are pleas for help that POEM seeks to address.

Freshly peer-driven, POEM provides a spectrum of support services based on empathy and knowledge. Peer-to– Peer Support is one of its main offerings; qualified peers offer a listening ear, specific counseling referrals, and support for people who have experienced pregnancy and baby loss. Having negotiated comparable challenges, these peers offer real empathy and useful guidance.

MHAOhio' POEM is tackling the often disregarded yet common complication of pregnancy and childbirth: mental health issues
Credit: Unsplash

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The Mentoring Program is also extremely significant part of the initiative. Under the shadow of mental health issues, mentors who have personally gone through the difficulties of motherhood help new moms negotiate the rough waters of parenting. These guides offer invaluable advice on balancing personal well-being with the responsibilities of new motherhood as well as emotional support.

POEM also arranges Support Groups providing a community venue for sharing coping mechanisms and experiences. These groups meet both virtually and in person, providing flexible options for those in need of support.

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Understanding the particular difficulties Black and African American women have, POEM has developed a subprogram called Rise. Acknowledging the increased risks of mother depression and anxiety Black moms and birthing persons experience as well as the institutional obstacles to accessing sufficient treatment, this program centers on serving these women.

For anyone interested, POEM can be reached at Central Ohio’s dedicated line, 614-315-8989, or Dayton’s number, 937-656-9209. References for others or self-referrals are welcomed and encouraged.

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Ohio is moving significantly toward not only acknowledging but also actively addressing the mental health issues experienced by new mothers and birthing people with the release of POEM. This program not only helps people but also fundamentally supports families and communities.

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