We’re here to help
While many women feel some mild mood changes during pregnancy or after the birth of a child, fifteen to twenty percent of women feel worse symptoms of depression or anxiety. Please know that with help, you can feel better. This is not your fault—there is no reason not to ask for support. You are not alone.
If you have some of the symptoms listed below for two weeks or more during your pregnancy or within a year of your child's birth, please call the maternal support line above at (916) 681-2907.
Symptoms
Please know that pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms are different for every woman—and so are the signs that indicate the need for treatment.
- Feeling anxious, worried, scared, stressed, or panicky without real reason
- Feeling sad, miserable, depressed or worthless; crying often
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope, or not coping as well as usual
- Having trouble bonding with your baby
- Feeling irritable, agitated, or angry with those around you or with your circumstances
- Having problems eating or sleeping (either too much or not enough)
- Not looking forward with enjoyment to things, feeling unable to laugh
- Feeling excessive self-blame or guilt
- Having upsetting thoughts that you can't get out of your mind
- Feeling confused or unable to make decisions
- Experiencing recurrent nightmares or reliving past traumatic events
- Counting, checking, cleaning, or other repetitive behaviors
- Having thoughts of harming yourself or your child(ren)
If you think you may have pregnancy-related depression or anxiety, have questions (would like to be screened further) or just need to talk about what you’re experiencing, please call the maternal support line at (916) 681-2907.
About Us
In 2009, a group of women's health administrators from Sutter Memorial Hospital gathered at a retreat to determine future needs in women's health at Sutter Medical Center Sacramento. Out of that meeting arose a recommendation to address the mental health needs of women delivering babies at Sutter Memorial Hospital. At that time, there was no screening in place for pregnancy-related depression or anxiety, nor were there specialized referral sources offered if a woman expressed a need for help. Soon after, a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for supporting mothers in need began to meet to brainstorm and network in order to set up a program to meet the needs of women delivering at Sutter Memorial, with the hope of extending services to the greater region. "A Mother's Heart" had begun.
The mission of the Sacramento Regional Perinatal Mental Health Network's program, "A Mother's Heart," is to serve women and their families in the Greater Sacramento area who are at risk for or are experiencing a pregnancy-related or postpartum mood or anxiety disorder. We promote screening of pregnant and postpartum women and provide support, education, and resources to families and healthcare professionals. Our goals are to increase awareness, to prevent perinatal mental health disorders, and to build community partnerships.
With the gracious support of Wellspace Health and Sutter Medical Center Sacramento, we are pleased to provide screening and referral sources to all women who deliver at Sutter Memorial Hospital. We hope to continue to grow and offer services to others in need.