While some new moms float through those early days of motherhood in a blissful bubble, others find themselves overwhelmed, anxious, or feeling deeply blue. It’s more common than you might think — roughly 1 in 5 mothers experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), like postpartum depression or anxiety.
First-time mom AnnaMarie Knight will never forget when she realized her feelings of sadness went beyond the new motherhood norm.
Recognizing the signs
AnnaMarie, mom to 11-month-old Judah, was no stranger to prioritizing her mental health. Having first sought therapy for anxiety and depression in 2018 — and struggling with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) — she knew the risk of postpartum depression was very real.
“When I got pregnant, I felt like I was in a good place mentally,” she remembers. “I knew there was a chance I would struggle postpartum based on the fact that I had mental health issues in the past. I took time to prepare myself because I didn’t want it to stop me from having kids and experiencing that fulfillment.”
She continued working with her therapist throughout pregnancy and was open with her providers about the possibility of PMADs following childbirth. AnnaMarie went on to deliver a healthy baby boy, followed by a series of emotional ups and downs. But by the time Judah was about 8 weeks old, she grew concerned.
“I was definitely struggling emotionally, and it didn’t really go away,” she shares. “I was having a lot of intrusive and scary thoughts. Because of my mental health history, I knew I needed more support.”
Finding help through The Motherhood Space
That support came through a recommendation from her doula: The Motherhood Space, a mental health program for moms offered by Baptist Health.
This unique, intensive outpatient program is tailored specifically for mothers who are pregnant or within two years postpartum and dealing with maternal mental health challenges. Launched in fall 2023, it has already supported over 140 local moms — and it made a huge impact on AnnaMarie.
READ: Beyond PPD: A Space for Maternal Mental Health
“The Motherhood Space was designed with moms in mind,” says Jill Garrett, PsyD, a Baptist Behavioral Health 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.”
When Judah was 4 months old, AnnaMarie started the three-day-a-week program and felt immediate hope and a sense of relief. In addition to group therapy, participants engage in wellness activities like art therapy, group walks, and yoga. The goal? To create a safe, supportive space where moms can heal, connect, and grow.
“The Motherhood Space was just perfectly curated for mothers. Every single thing that we needed, they had,” she says. “It was just amazing. I was hopeful that it would be helpful for me — and it certainly was.”
She immediately connected with another new mom, with whom she remains close, and adds, “This program was truly life-giving. The time I spent there was crucial for my well-being and my child’s well-being. It’s so important to know you’re not alone and you have this community of other people who are going through the same exact thing you are. Don’t be scared to get help. It is the most selfless thing you can do.”
More than group therapy
The Motherhood Space offers group therapy three days a week, in addition to evaluations for medication and/or referrals for aftercare support when needed — but it doesn’t stop there. Moms in the program have access to a lactation room, massage chair, relaxation spaces, and even complimentary YMCA guest passes. Transportation support, complimentary childcare, and scholarships are also available to make the program accessible to more moms.
Dr. Garrett shares, “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 also offers a variety of online resources, including a free video series that covers everything from baby blues to postpartum OCD, grief, and more.
