TGH helping new moms through new mental health program: 'There is a stigma'

Program offers mental health help for new moms

A new program at Tampa General Hospital is helping women through each step of their journey into motherhood. FOX 13’s Jennifer Kveglis reports.

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa General Hospital is rolling out a new mental health program to support moms during pregnancy, delivery, and post-partum.

By the numbers:

The CDC reports that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable and mental health is a top underlying cause.

The agency also reported that only 30 to 50% of moms get screened for postpartum mental health.

READ: First at-home HPV test approved by FDA, could replace Pap smear

What they're saying:

"I think there is a stigma around not being your best during this period of time. What we really want to do is acknowledge that of those 30 to 50% that actually get screened, only then a small percentage of those actually seek treatment," Dr. Lacy Chavis, TGH Psychology Services Manager, said.

She said that's partially because there's a void nationwide, especially in the state of Florida.

"We just simply do not have the number of providers that are trained in perinatal mental health," she said.

READ: Hospital staff helps mother give birth to twins in lobby: 'A really special moment'

To help meet the need, TGH started the program to support moms through pregnancy, delivery, and one-year post-partum. It features a screening process and treatment.

"To normalize and validate whatever experiences that you are having and to offer tailored, individualized care to support you and your baby," she said.

What you can do:

There's also community support through the #TGHmovement4MOMS. It's an online platform that connects local moms battling mental health issues. It's still in its early days, and needs the community's help to continue. To donate, click here.

Follow FOX 13 on YouTube

The Source: Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: