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Postpartum Wellness Initiative for South Jersey

Through the Postpartum Wellness Initiative, SNJPC is steadily improving services for South Jersey women experiencing pregnancy-related mood disorders. Program staff work closely with behavioral health providers to identify and address educational needs, service gaps and other system deficiencies. An ongoing concern is helping providers comply with a New Jersey law that requires all women be screened for pregnancy-related mood disorders after giving birth. A strong set of consumer services completes PWI's comprehensive approach.

Participating Providers

There are significant benefits to becoming a PWI Participating Provider. Participants receive everything needed to conduct depression screening including access to a web-based system that uses the NJ state recommended Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, devices used by patients to complete screens, assistance to integrate the system and ongoing technical support and training. PWI helps participating providers locate appropriate treatment and support services for their patients. Program staff work in collaboration with the state program Speak Up When You're Down to accommodate patient insurance limitations and other requirements that might prohibit access to necessary care. PWI also provides regular updates to providers about patients they referred to the program.

To become a participating provider, email us at PWI@snjpc.org.

Raising the Bar

PWI clinicians share best practices on patient care. Consultants are available for individual case presentations at ambulatory centers and inpatient units on postpartum screening and treatment.

Conferences and workshops led by nationally-recognized experts in the field of pregnancy-related mood disorders are offered.

Learn more about upcoming conferences >

Patient Services

You do not need to be a participating provider to utilize these additional PWI services.

SUPPORT GROUPS - Providers are encouraged to refer patients to a PWI-sponsored support group. These group meetings offer women a safe environment to talk openly to other moms and share motherhood experiences. Professional facilitators with specialized training in identifying perinatal mood disorders guide the discussion. Each group is free and participants can join at any time.

View a list of support groups >

WARM LINE - PWI clinicians are available to answer questions about postpartum and pregnancy-related anxiety via its toll-free Warm Line, 856-675-5295. This is a call back service with calls returned during normal business hours Monday-Friday. Emergencies should be directed to 911 or the nearest hospital.

MOM MOOD BOOSTER - MomMoodBooster is a web-based intervention designed to help women recover from postpartum depression. This free, confidential service is available to women in South Jersey through PWI. Participants complete six online sessions along with support from a Perinatal Mood Disorder Specialist at PWI. Participants also have access to online education as well as partner support. Program eligibility is determined by the PWI team following a comprehensive assessment.

Provider Materials

Maternal and child health care providers working in South Jersey can order SNJPC materials free of charge.

View and order educational materials detailing postpartum depression and other pregnancy-related mood disorders and support services available to new mothers >

Resources

Postpartum Support International - The choice site for educational events and resources for health care providers.

Speak Up When You're Down - Provides information on available trainings and highlights frequently asked questions about PPD answered by health care professionals.

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