Strength of a Knight

Though some moms view the world following their baby’s birth through rose-colored glasses, others see things in shades of blue. In fact, as many as one in five moms are affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), commonly referred to as postpartum depression or anxiety.

One of them was AnnaMarie Knight, a first-time mom to now 10-month-old Judah.

Monitoring mental health, from pregnancy through postpartum

Knight is in tune with her mental health, having first sought help for anxiety and depression in 2018. When she married and decided to start a family, she refused to let the conditions hold her back. Throughout her pregnancy, she worked with a therapist to prepare for the transition to motherhood and the PMADs that may follow.

During the first few weeks after Judah’s birth, Knight experienced what she thought were the typical “baby blues” and post-delivery hormone changes. But around week eight, she knew it was more.

“I was definitely struggling emotionally, and it didn’t really go away,” Knight remembered. “I was having a lot of intrusive and scary thoughts. Because of my history with anxiety and depression, I realized what was going on and I knew I needed support.”

‘Life-giving’ program

Knight turned to her doula, who recommended Baptist Health’s maternal mental health and wellness program, The Motherhood Space.

The intensive day program, which opened in fall 2023, is for expecting and new moms up to two years postpartum who are experiencing maternal mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety. Since the program’s launch, more than 140 women have participated.

“The Motherhood Space was designed with moms in mind,” said Jill Garrett, PsyD, a Baptist Behavioral Health psychologist who specializes in maternal mental health and is the founding psychologist and program director of The Motherhood Space. “Led by psychologists who specialize in working with moms who are pregnant and postpartum – and who happen to be moms themselves! – the program is designed to support the adjustment to motherhood with group programming that is social and engaging, wellness-inspired, and care that works.”

Moms who participate have access to a private lactation space, massage chair and relaxation area, a guest pass to the YMCA during program participation, and transportation services for those in need. There are also scholarships available for those who qualify.

Knight started the three-day-a-week program when her son was just over 4 months old. On her first day, she immediately connected with another new mom, with whom she remains close. In addition to group therapy, program participants do activities like art therapy, walking and yoga.

“I really feel like the time I spent there was crucial for my well-being and my child’s well-being. It was 'life-giving,'” Knight said. “When you’re going through the postpartum period, it’s so important to know that you’re not alone and you have this community of other people who are going through the same thing. I’m so grateful to the entire Motherhood Space team for guiding and helping me through this journey.”

Dr. Garrett added, “My message to women who are pregnant or recently gave birth is to recognize your insight as a strength. If you're not feeling well, know that you’re not alone. There are things you can do to feel better, and we’re here to help.”

In addition to the day program, The Motherhood Space has a free video series on YouTube that covers a variety of maternal mental health and wellness topics. To learn more about the program, visit baptistjax.com/motherhoodspace.