For the first time ever in Louisiana, there is now a safe place where women who experience depression either during or after pregnancy can receive inpatient treatment, and it is located at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. “Our mission is to improve the lives of women and infants, and it is fitting that this unit is located on our campus,” said Dr. Kelly Cannon, director of inpatient perinatal psychiatry. The only one of its kind in the state, Woman’s Perinatal Mental Health Unit (PMHU) opened this September and serves as a beacon of hope for women across Louisiana and the southern region. “It is so gratifying to hear from patients and their families about what a difference this service is making in their lives. Women often suffer in silence because what they are dealing with can feel very isolating, but the truth is they are not alone, and they don’t have to push through by themselves. In the few short months that we have been open, I can tell you that mothers are indeed getting the help they need,” said Cannon.

Feelings of sadness and depression among women during this time is very common. Approximately one in five women will experience mental health conditions either during or after pregnancy. Most go undiagnosed and untreated, but research shows the majority of women respond positively once diagnosed and treated, which is why it is important not to ignore the symptoms. “There is no need to feel ashamed. The treatment options are effective and tailored to fit each patient’s needs. We are here to empower women,” said Cannon.

Some of the symptoms include extreme sadness that lasts for weeks and months, difficulty sleeping, depression, panic attacks, stress, and postpartum psychosis. Woman’s PMHU provides individualized treatment with both psychiatric and recreational therapies. The care teams include a psychiatrist, registered nurses dually trained in obstetrics and psychiatry, therapists, social workers, mental health technicians, and lactation consultants. The unit is also supported by onsite OB/GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

The PMHU is unique in that infant visitation is encouraged to help with bonding and healing, and a woman can be admitted at any time during her pregnancy or up to one year afterwards. In addition, each patient has her own private bedroom and bath, and only 10 patients can stay in the unit at any one time to ensure personalized attention.

The comprehensive care does not end when a patient leaves. Appropriate follow-up appointments are scheduled, and community resources are provided to ensure their road to recovery is successful.

“Caring for mothers and their families is what we do every day,” said Cannon. “The main thing to remember is that mental health conditions are common during the perinatal period. In fact, there is an increased risk during this time. However, when properly diagnosed it is treatable, and we can help women become the mothers they always wanted to be.”

For more information visit: Womans.org/PMHU

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Company Name: Woman's Hospital
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Website: https://www.womans.org/inpatient-behavioral-health-care