DC hospital launches first-of-its-kind postpartum depression program

WASHINGTON — Nearly one in five women develop a psychiatric disorder before or after birth, according to the World Health Organization. For women of color, more than one in three suffer from postpartum depression. Health experts say tragically, postpartum suicide is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the first year after childbirth. 

A new program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is working to change that. The Mother-Baby Intensive Outpatient Program is a first of its kind program in the Washington region. 

The recently launched initiative is an intensive outpatient program for both pregnant and postpartum mothers. The goal is to provide skills needed to develop confidence and build independence as caregivers. 

According to MedStar, the program allows perinatal individuals, people who are pregnant or within one year of giving birth, to receive treatment with their babies. This allows for supportive care without disrupting the important mother and baby bonding time. 

"Welcoming a baby into this world is a joyous experience and an enormous transition. But for many families and mothers it is a time of significant challenge and struggle," said Dr. Aimee Danielson, Founder and Director of the Women’s Mental Health Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

Group therapy sessions are held three days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and additional therapies are available based on a personalized treatment plan that is developed for each patient. Adults ages 18 and up, who are pregnant or within one year of giving birth, and are experiencing new and severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or trauma or a worsening of a previous mental health condition are eligible for the program.

For more information or to schedule an intake appointment, please call the Department of Psychiatry at 202-944-5400.

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