Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s Women’s Services department was recently presented with a special painting in support of 2020 Mom, an organization dedicated to increasing awareness of maternal mental health disorders.
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The painting was donated by Pinot’s Palette in Valencia and depicts a tree. Henry Mayo’s Women’s Services staff were given the opportunity to paint a leaf on the tree to show their support after making a donation at 2020 Mom’s annual farm to table charity event in Valencia.
“We fully support this program and feel it is very important to increase awareness by providing education to our new moms and to the community about this very serious issue,” said Sally McGann, director of maternal child services at Henry Mayo. “We want them to know that help is available.”
McGann was presented with the painting by 2020 Mom Project Director Joy Burkhard. It is set to be mounted on the wall in the Women’s Services department at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital.
Every year, new leaves will be added to the tree as Henry Mayo staff expand their commitment to the 2020 Mom project, according to hospital officials
2020 Mom stresses that maternal mental health disorders like depression and anxiety “are real illnesses, and when left untreated, can cause devastating negative consequences for the woman, her baby, her family and society.”
Related: Farm To Table Event Raises Awareness For 2020 Mom Project
These illnesses may be caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social stressors, and are exacerbated or worsened by risk factors like limited social support and teenage pregnancy.
Maternal anxiety and depression are the most common complications of childbirth; however, they are not commonly screened for or treated, according to organization officials.
About 20 percent of women will suffer from depression during pregnancy or after the birth of a child, creating a vital need for new and expecting families to be informed and learn to look out for the signs.
Educational brochures are available for new moms at Henry Mayo’s Women’s Services, and the hospital also offers a “Mommy Time” support group that meets every Monday between 10 and 11 a.m. To register for this free group, call 661.200.2229.
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