Raising awareness for maternal mental health

PECKVILLE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WWYOU) — A national organization with a local branch here in NEPA hosted a walk to raise awareness of a common mental health issue.

Maternal mental health and women and their loved ones in our area may be dealing with it and may not realize it.

Wednesday afternoon Nami’s Momma Bears support group got together at Blakely Recreation Complex in Peckville for a walk and talk with mothers on how to cope with maternal mental health. Their goal is to raise awareness.

“We talk about a specific mental health-related topic, but also spend some time with each other connecting with each other connecting with nature while talking about that particular issue today where we’re focusing on maternal mental health,” said Marie Onukiavage the executive director of Nami Northeast Region pa.

Maternal mental health is more common than you may think, and it impacts more than just the mom.

“Maternal mental health is very important it affects so many women and families one and four women will be affected by maternal mental health disorder and one and 10 dads could be affected by postpartum depression,” explained Katie Spencer the service leader of Nami Northeast Region pa.

Spencer says she understands that maternal mental health can be hard for some to talk about but she wants people to know that they are not alone.

“Connection connection with each other connection with our children connection with nature is just so important to kind of bring it out into the into light and let people know that they’re not alone,” continued Spencer.

One mom says she wanted to walk, talk, and be around other moms going through similar struggles. She also says she appreciates having access to one of the many support groups that Nami offers.

“Oh, this is wonderful. It’s, it’s nice to be around like-minded people that are experiencing or have already experienced what I’ve gone through and just to be around it and have access to it so if I do need help, I know I could reach out,” added Alia Parmenteri an attendee

As a new mom, she says there was one thing she struggled with the most.

“Breastfeeding I feel like they just think it’s easy and that it’s just magic it’s gonna happen it’ll be great would be great, but it was difficult. I tapped into lactation consultants to make sure I could feed my baby,” stated Parmenteri.

She added the event was a good opportunity to meet other moms in the area.

Anyone interested in the services that Nami offers visit their website

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