Support Our Work
Perinatal mental health complications are common. One in 7 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience the impacts of perinatal mental health issues. This rate is even higher among birthers of color—1 in 3. (Accurate data for nonbinary parents does not yet exist).
Your contribution broadens access to mental health resources for new parents throughout Colorado.
How do your dollars make a difference?
Awareness. Most people, even parents and pregnant people, only have a vague understanding of postpartum depression, not to mention other perinatal mental health complications. We share accurate, destigmatizing information with thousands of people across Colorado.
Prevention. We help equip perinatal providers with the tools they need to screen for perinatal mental health issues and connect parents to the support they need early and quickly. This helps alleviate some of the bigger perinatal mental health symptoms down the line.
Treatment. Through The Birth Squad, we offer free, accessible treatment to birthing people in Denver, in English and in Spanish. We also support clinicians on developing their skills to treat perinatal mental illness effectively and compassionately.
Stories
"My baby was born 5 weeks early. He was in the NICU for 3 weeks and struggled with feeding and his oxygen saturation. I was so afraid to take him home or that something would happen to him. I read that preemies have a higher chance of SIDS and I completely panicked. I also read about a preemie who died when pumping parts weren’t cleaned exactly right and panicked about that.
My postpartum depression and especially anxiety were very high, especially when he did come home. My baby had to eat fortified breast milk bottles so I had to pump all day. If a pumping part even got near something after being washed, I would wash it over and over again. I was in a constantly state of worry and exhaustion.
Luckily my husband was supportive of me getting help. I increased my therapy visits and also began taking medication. I can say now one year later, I’m so much happier and carefree. I went from being stressed and upset, crying daily, to smiling whenever I see my son and being so thankful for him. We’ve both overcome a lot and I’m so grateful."
Sarah Wilson
Mother
