Southington Forum To Address Pregnancy/Postpartum Mental Health

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington will host a free workshop this week on pregnancy and postpartum mental health.

It is in partnership with the Postpartum Support International CT Chapter and local perinatal support providers.

The event, titled“Pregnancy & Postpartum Mental Health: Education and Resources,” is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Southington Public Library, 255 Main St. Babies are welcome.

Organizers say the workshop will cover perinatal mood disorders, as well as available support, treatment, and care resources for families in Southington and surrounding communities.

According to Postpartum Support International, approximately 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child, and up to 10 percent experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy.

“We are hearing from families that postpartum depression, which can occur up to a year after giving birth, is a growing concern,” said Joanne Kelleher, executive director of the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington. “And so we are partnering with several local organizations to sponsor this Pregnancy & Postpartum Mental Health workshop.”

Kelleher said organizers hope the session will connect families with local providers and raise awareness about maternal mental health.

The program is part of the Collaborative’s Southington Community Well-Being Grant Initiative, funded through the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Main Street Community Foundation.

The event will be held in the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain Community Room at the library.

Organizers note that the views and content of the program do not necessarily represent those of the library or the Town of Southington.

The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington is a network of educators, parents, health care and child care providers, business owners, and community members focused on early childhood development. Its mission is that “all Southington children will enter school ready to learn.”

The group advocates for high-quality preschool and child care, offers workshops and educational programs for families, and serves as a resource on early childhood care and education.

It receives operating support from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, which also serves as its fiscal sponsor.

For more information and to register for this event, click on this link.