Breaking Barriers in Maternal Mental Health
As we bid farewell to 2024, we reflect on an extraordinary year filled with progress, gratitude, and impactful change at The Motherhood Center (TMC). This year, we doubled down on our mission: providing high-quality support and treatment to new and expecting mothers/birthing people experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and maternal mental health education and training to thousands of multidisciplinary providers. From top-tier clinical care to engaging with the broader community through events, partnerships, and media outreach, 2024 was a year of breaking barriers. Here’s a closer look at what made this year so memorable—and what’s next as we step into 2025.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Care
This year, hundreds of mothers and birthing people accessed TMC’s support groups, outpatient treatment, and the Day Program, receiving skilled and compassionate care. With an exceptionally short wait time from screening to evaluation, we continued to set the gold standard for treating PMADs with efficacy and expertise. Our dedication to making support accessible remained steadfast, with services tailored to each perinatal person’s unique needs.
Empowering Through Shared Experiences
In 2024, TMC hosted several virtual webinars, including a standout event featuring graduates of our Perinatal Day Program. These courageous individuals shared their lived experiences with PMADs, offering hope and validation to others navigating similar challenges. Their stories illuminated the power of community and emphasized the importance of seeking help and support.
Building a Better Future Through Education
Education remained a cornerstone of our mission this year. Through our ongoing series of FREE provider trainings, we equipped thousands of healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to recognize and treat PMADs. Participants included providers from some of the most reputable hospitals in the tri-state area, now stewards of improving maternal mental health outcomes.
Advocating for Maternal Mental Health Awareness
TMC’s leadership took center stage during critical conversations on maternal mental health. Highlights included our participation in the Project Healthy Minds event on World Mental Health Day, where Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW, PMH-C, joined a powerful panel hosted by Verywell Mind. Her insights shone a spotlight on the urgent need for greater awareness and systemic support for maternal mental health issues.
Additionally, TMC was featured across various podcasts, news outlets, and media platforms this year, amplifying our message far and wide.
Collaborating for Change
This year, we partnered with state and city leaders during key events to push for greater investment in maternal mental health (MMH). Engaging in discussions with the Governor and City Council Speaker, we celebrated renewed commitments to improving MMH outcomes. TMC also strengthened ties with other leaders in the field through conferences and collaborations, fostering innovation in PMAD prevention and treatment.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Maternal Mental Health Experts
Through robust clinical training programs, TMC continued to shape and grow the future of maternal mental health care. Trainees received expert-led education, hands-on supervision, and real-world experience within our programs, preparing them to make lasting impacts in their communities.
Creating Joy Through Music
Our partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Lullaby Project brought creativity and healing to life as participants in our Day Program collaborated with professional artists to write personal lullabies. This initiative beautifully intertwined maternal health, childhood development, and the parent-child bond.
Introducing Resources for New Parents
Recognizing the need for proactive mental health planning, TMC introduced a FREE Postpartum Mental Health Plan in 2024. Designed to help new parents prepare for the challenges of early parenthood, this resource empowers families to prioritize their mental well-being during this transformative time.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we reflect on the strides made in 2024, we’re inspired by the lives touched and the progress achieved. Yet, we know our work is far from done. With renewed energy and an unwavering commitment to maternal mental health, we look forward to 2025—a year poised to bring growth, healing, and innovation.
Together, we can continue breaking barriers and transforming lives, one step at a time.
For more information about The Motherhood Center’s programs, services, and upcoming events, visit our website.
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