Postpartum depression impacts an estimated 3 million women each year. Drexel University in Philadelphia has opened Mother-Baby Connections, an outpatient postpartum depression clinic. Unlike many other postpartum treatment centers, Mother-Baby Connections encourages women to bring their babies to therapy sessions. It is one of only five such clinics nationwide and the only one in the mid-Atlantic region.
Mother-Baby Connections addresses four important areas — the role transition to becoming a mother, interpersonal communication, social isolation and the mental health symptoms women are experiencing. In addition, the program works on improving the attachment bonds between new mothers and their families, including the baby and partner. Group therapies and counseling sessions give mothers safe outlets to express themselves, while also providing a community of mothers who are sharing the same struggles. Mothers may also receive medication if needed to treat their condition.
The center is under the direction of Bobbie Posmontier, an associate professor in the College of Nursing and Health Professions and Pamela Geller an associate professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences.