6/13/11 Moms Get a Boost with $100,000 Grant to Regional Organization

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Beth Spong – Executive Director, MotherWoman
beth@motherwoman.org
Office: (413) 253 8990

MOMS GET A BOOST WITH $100,000 GRANT TO
REGIONAL ORGANIZATION

MotherWoman – a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering mothers receives a major grant to help more mothers in the region create positive personal and social change.

Amherst, MA – If you are a mom or a professional serving mothers in Western Massachusetts, chances are, you have heard about MotherWoman. You may have benefited from its programs, or know of someone who received help and support from this regional nonprofit. Thanks to a recent $100,000 capacity building grant from the Lennox Foundation, MotherWoman will now be able to positively impact more moms and families, and expand its training programs for professionals.

“MotherWoman’s philosophy is simple: When a mother is valued and supported, everyone benefits - her children, her family, her community and her workplace,” says Founder, Annette Cycon.  

Since its inception in 1999 MotherWoman has been able to positively impact the lives of thousands of women through a growing network of support groups. Its training programs have been very successful in educating medical, mental health and social service providers about the variety of challenges women may experience in the postpartum period.

A spokesperson for the Lennox Foundation described their decision to award this large grant by saying, "We were very impressed with the progress MotherWoman made two years ago with a much smaller capacity building grant. The high impact capacity building projects the grant is funding will make the organization more sustainable and increase the effectiveness of their important work. We're happy to support MotherWoman's continued growth."

Demand for MotherWoman’s groundbreaking support group facilitator training and other professional trainings continues to increase. The Lennox Foundation grant will help MotherWoman refine its strategy for growth and development. “MotherWoman is experiencing rapid growth in response to our programs’ effectiveness and our skill at coalition building. It is essential that we be strategic about our growth in order to better serve more mothers and families in need in Western MA. This generous grant from the Lennox Foundation will help us achieve that goal.” says Beth Spong, MotherWoman’s Executive Director.

If you are a mom looking for help during the postpartum period, or a professional wishing to learn more about postpartum emotional challenges, please contact MotherWoman or visit our website: www.motherwoman,org, circle@motherwoman.com, (413) 253 8990.

ABOUT MOTHERWOMAN, INC.
MotherWoman’s mission is to support and empower mothers to create positive personal and social change for themselves, their families, their communities and the world. MotherWoman also addresses the socio-economic issues facing American mothers by advocating for family-friendly policy. Says Beth Spong, MotherWoman’s Executive Director, “Through our support groups, training programs and political action, we’re working to ensure that every mother has access to the support she needs in her community.”

MotherWoman programs include:

• Mothers Groups - Led by trained facilitators, these support groups offer a chance to talk openly about the challenges of parenting, gain support and build community.

• Postpartum Support Initiative – Creates a comprehensive safety net for mothers through a network of specialized support groups, resource and referral guides, and building Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Coalitions in the four counties of Western MA.

• Facilitator Training – A 35-hour training that provides diverse community leaders and professionals with the skills needed to offer new MotherWoman Support Groups.

• Professional Training – Teaches medical and social service providers about the complex mental health and socio-political factors involved in the crisis of postpartum anxiety and depression.

• Policy and Advocacy – Nonpartisan political program which organizes mothers, fathers and caregivers to take action on issues impacting families.

MotherWoman – a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering mothers receives a major grant to help more mothers in the region create positive personal and social change.

Amherst, MA – If you are a mom or a professional serving mothers in Western Massachusetts, chances are, you have heard about MotherWoman. You may have benefited from its programs, or know of someone who received help and support from this regional nonprofit. Thanks to a recent $100,000 capacity building grant from the Lennox Foundation, MotherWoman will now be able to positively impact more moms and families, and expand its training programs for professionals.

“MotherWoman’s philosophy is simple: When a mother is valued and supported, everyone benefits - her children, her family, her community and her workplace,” says Founder, Annette Cycon.  

Since its inception in 1999 MotherWoman has been able to positively impact the lives of thousands of women through a growing network of support groups. Its training programs have been very successful in educating medical, mental health and social service providers about the variety of challenges women may experience in the postpartum period.

A spokesperson for the Lennox Foundation described their decision to award this large grant by saying, "We were very impressed with the progress MotherWoman made two years ago with a much smaller capacity building grant. The high impact capacity building projects the grant is funding will make the organization more sustainable and increase the effectiveness of their important work. We're happy to support MotherWoman's continued growth."

Demand for MotherWoman’s groundbreaking support group facilitator training and other professional trainings continues to increase. The Lennox Foundation grant will help MotherWoman refine its strategy for growth and development. “MotherWoman is experiencing rapid growth in response to our programs’ effectiveness and our skill at coalition building. It is essential that we be strategic about our growth in order to better serve more mothers and families in need in Western MA. This generous grant from the Lennox Foundation will help us achieve that goal.” says Beth Spong, MotherWoman’s Executive Director.

If you are a mom looking for help during the postpartum period, or a professional wishing to learn more about postpartum emotional challenges, please contact MotherWoman or visit our website: www.motherwoman,org, circle@motherwoman.com,

(413) 253 8990.

ABOUT MOTHERWOMAN, INC.
MotherWoman’s mission is to support and empower mothers to create positive personal and social change for themselves, their families, their communities and the world. MotherWoman also addresses the socio-economic issues facing American mothers by advocating for family-friendly policy. Says Beth Spong, MotherWoman’s Executive Director, “Through our support groups, training programs and political action, we’re working to ensure that every mother has access to the support she needs in her community.”

MotherWoman programs include:

• Mothers Groups - Led by trained facilitators, these support groups offer a chance to talk openly about the challenges of parenting, gain support and build community.

• Postpartum Support Initiative – Creates a comprehensive safety net for mothers through a network of specialized support groups, resource and referral guides, and building Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Coalitions in the four counties of Western MA.

• Facilitator Training – A 35-hour training that provides diverse community leaders and professionals with the skills needed to offer new MotherWoman Support Groups.

• Professional Training – Teaches medical and social service providers about the complex mental health and socio-political factors involved in the crisis of postpartum anxiety and depression.

• Policy and Advocacy – Nonpartisan political program which organizes mothers, fathers and caregivers to take action on issues impacting families.

6/13/11 Important Research Study on Postpartum Depression & Anxiety with Berkshire Mothers

Barriers to Care Research Study

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

10am – 12pm

Pittsfield

To participate contact: research@motherwoman.org

The Berkshire County Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Coalition, a newly formed county-wide coalition with members from the Brien Center, Clinical and Support Options, ServiceNet, Healthy Families of Berkshire County, GROW, Berkshire Children and Families and many other community organizations, is working in conjunction with MotherWoman, a regional non-profit, and the University of Massachusetts Medical School at Worcester to bring an important opportunity to our region.  The Barriers to Care Research Study is an opportunity for mothers to share their experiences in accessing care while experiencing perinatal emotional complications such as depression, anxiety, OCD and other intense emotional experiences. The Berkshire County Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Coalition is committed to creating a comprehensive safety net for mothers experiencing perinatal emotional complications in Berkshire County.

Perinatal emotional complications may include depression, anxiety, feelings of overwhelm, disconnection from baby, lack of interest in life, not being able to stop crying and other adjustment issues.  Mothers who are in severe crisis may not be able to handle the normal stresses of life and may need professional care and treatment. All mothers who experience even minor symptoms deserve education, support and access to appropriate care so that they can recover their stability. 

Postpartum Depression impacts 1 in 8 mothers and can have serious consequences for the mother and her children.  1 in 2 mothers living in poverty may experience perinatal emotional complications.  Postpartum Depression is the #1 birth-related complication for mothers.  In the very rare and worst cases of postpartum mood disorders, postpartum psychosis, mothers may harm themselves or their children.  Most mothers who receive education, early intervention and appropriate care and support can expect to recover quickly.  Without early care and identification, mothers’ conditions may worsen and have negative impact on herself and her family. 

Sarah DiFazio, a mother from Dalton who experienced significant postpartum depression and anxiety (PPD/A), “I am a strong advocate who had to work very hard to get the help I needed while struggling with postpartum depression and I am very scared for women who do not have these same advocacy skills.  I am grateful that we will now have an opportunity to share our experiences and hopefully, help direct changes in Berkshire County.”

Luci Leonard, of Community Health Programs and a member of the Coalition says, “Perinatal Emotional health has been a critical issue for a very long time. Mothers in postpartum crisis unfortunately often fall through the cracks even though there is excellent care in this county for them.  We are working on changing that.”

Dr. Byatt conducted a similar study with psychiatrists in Worcester County asking them their perspectives on what the barriers to care are for women faced with perinatal emotional complications.  She is now speaking directly with mothers to understand their perspective. Her team of researchers will have conducted three groups in each of the following counties: Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire.  There will be a fourth focus group convened in the fall to discuss possible intervention strategies. 

Liz Friedman, Program Director of MotherWoman says, “ This is an incredible opportunity for mothers to share their perspectives of their own experience.  Many postpartum mothers have been thru hell to try to get help while in the worst crisis of their lives.  We at the Coalition hope that thru mothers sharing their perspectives and experiences we will be able to identify key strategies that can really make a change in access to care.”

Lead Investigator, Dr. Nancy Byatt received the University of Massachusetts Medical School Faculty Award to conduct this important research. Dr. Nancy Byatt is a psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UMass Medical School at Worcester. She is partnering with MotherWoman in this current study. 

MotherWoman has been leading the way in creating coalitions focused on perinatal emotional health for mothers throughout the Western part of the state. The Berkshire County Coalition is part of the Western Massachusetts Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Coalition Network initiated by the Amherst-based organization, MotherWoman. Coalitions currently exist in Hampshire and Franklin Counties and are beginning in Hampden, Worcester and Berkshire Counties.

MotherWoman, is committed to ensuring that ALL mothers in the Western part of the state have information and education, access to resources and proper care when faced with postpartum emotional complications.

For more information on the Barriers to Care Study and the work of the Coalition:

Contact Liz Friedman, Program Director, MotherWoman, Inc.; Founder of the Postpartum Support Initiative

liz@motherwoman.org

For more information about MotherWoman visit us at motherwoman.org

5/2/11 Mother’s Day Music Video a Unique Gift To ALL Mothers

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Beth Spong, Executive Director

Office: 413-253-8990

beth@motherwoman.org

Mother’s Day Music Video a Unique Gift To ALL Mothers

MotherWoman celebrates day with powerful music video, online sharing of your mom photo & stories

May 2, 2011. Amherst, MA – Looking for a truly unique way to honor the mothers in your life this Mother’s Day? Send a beautiful music video in celebration of mothers. 

This celebration and fundraising opportunity is sponsored by MotherWoman, a nonprofit that supports and empowers mothers to create positive personal and social change for their families and communities.

MotherWoman partnered with internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter dynamos, The Nields to give you this original and powerfully moving music video which is guaranteed to brighten the day of mothers you love.

Nerissa and Katryna Nields

Your House Is Strong is an original song written by Nerissa and Katryna Nields (pictured left) especially for this video project. Nerissa Nields said “We were thrilled to be asked by MotherWoman to write a love song to mothers. What an amazing opportunity to sing the praises of mothers and raise awareness about MotherWoman’s important work.”

Beth Spong, MotherWoman’s Executive Director, says “This whole project has been a love fest. Working with The Nields and photographer Sarah Prall and artist Donna Estabrooks produced the beautiful tribute we hoped for. It was wonderful to engage our community by asking them what they treasure about the mothers in their lives and then photographing them to share that with the world. “

See the Your House is Strong video on motherwoman.org. For a donation of any size, you can download the mp3 of Your House is Strong.

ABOUT MOTHERWOMAN:

MotherWoman’s mission is to empower mothers to create positive personal and social change for themselves, their families, their communities and the world. MotherWoman also addresses the socio-economic issues facing American mothers, and advocates for family-friendly policy.

MotherWoman’s philosophy is simple: When mothers are valued and supported, they are more successful in all areas of their lives, benefiting children, families and communities. Everyone wins.

Says Beth Spong, MotherWoman Executive Director, “Through our professional trainings, support group facilitator trainings and political action, we’re working to ensure that every mother has access to the support she needs in her community. This is a unique and comprehensive model for strengthening the larger community by focusing on mothers. ”

MotherWoman offers numerous programs, including:

• Mothers Groups - Led by trained facilitators, these support groups offer a chance to talk openly about the challenges of parenting, gain support and build community.
• Postpartum Support Initiative – Addresses the crisis of postpartum emotional complications through a network of specialized support groups, professional training and Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Coalitions.
• Facilitator Training – A 35-hour training program that provides diverse community leaders and professionals with the skills needed to offer new MotherWoman Support Groups.
• Professional Training – Teaches medical and social service providers about the complex mental health and socio-political factors involved in the crisis of postpartum depression.
• Political Advocacy – Nonpartisan political action dedicated to empowering parents to take action on social and economic issues, legislation, and policies that impact families.

12/7/10 What’s The #1 Complication of Childbirth That Gets Ignored?

TEDWomen contest winner Liz Friedman addresses devastating effects of postpartum depression, our nation’s surprising lack of support and how one organization is changing all that

December 7, 2010. TEDWomen Conference - WASHINGTON DC

Almost 500,000 U.S. women and their families (millions globally) suffer from the ‘silent crippler’ known as postpartum depression (PPD). Studies estimate that PPD impacts up to 1 in 5 mothers – triple that of gestational diabetes and pre-term delivery. Yet there is virtually NO screening done for this devastating condition and no comprehensive support for women and their families who often don’t know where to turn for treatment.

TEDWomen asked “How do you want to change the world?” Liz Friedman was selected (out of hundreds of applicants) to attend TEDWomen to share her story. Liz knows firsthand the damaging effects of PPD. Eight years ago after the birth of her first child she experienced the abyss of PPD and came out the other end.

That experience galvanized Liz to co-found the MotherWoman Postpartum Support Initiative – a training program for mothers and health professionals to run transformative support groups for those in postpartum crisis. This replicable model has been highly successful and is now launching on a national scale. Studies have shown that support groups are one of the best, early interventions for mothers experiencing PPD. Yet most mothers do not have access to this kind of support. MotherWoman is on a mission to make this successful model available for every 2,000 births by 2013.

Says Friedman, “I am one of the fortunate ones who can look back and say that I made it through. I am passionate about helping other women find their way out of this crisis. Through guidance by professional- trained leaders and speaking our truth, we can break the stigma of PPD and begin the path to healing”.

Interview With Liz Friedman at TEDWomen Conference AOL Studio Tuesday, December 7th
Liz Friedman is slotted for a short interview at the TEDWomen conference AOL/Blackberry studio on Tuesday, December 7th (time TBD). Please contact Liz for exact timing, or to interview her during and after the conference. Cell: 413-658-8231, liz@motherwoman.org, tweet @MotherWoman.

Facts About Postpartum Depression

• Postpartum Depression is the leading complication for new mothers – affecting 10% - 20% mothers nationally.
• Most mothers are routinely not screened for PPD, offered good information or have help readily available when they need it most.
• Mothers in poverty will experience PPD at a rate as high as 40% - 50%, compared to 10% - 20% for the general population.
• Mothers in the US experience a significantly higher rate of depression than in any other industrialized nation

Download press release pdf

Letter to Editor: Senator Brown Vote YES for the Paycheck Fairness Act

Letter to the Editor;

Women in the United States receive 21% less pay on average than our male counterparts.  The Paycheck Fairness Act, which is scheduled for a vote Wednesday, Nov 17th in the U.S. Senate, will provide women with the tools necessary to ensure that we receive the FAIR pay we deserve on payday.  Senator Scott Brown will play a key role in whether this legislation passes or not.

As a committed advocate for mothers in MA, I understand all too well what it REALLY means for a woman to receive 21% less pay than that of her male counterpart.  For mothers, this translates directly into poverty, into crisis, into not enough food for children, into dangerous living conditions and lack of the basics that children need to thrive. 

This means that while mothers are working just as hard as their co-workers at the job, they are dealing with much higher levels of poverty, much higher levels of depression and consequently their children are facing staggering obstacles to receive the most basic supports that we want every child to have: security of home, food and having a mom who is ok.

While the general population of mothers experiences postpartum depression at a 10% rate; new research shows that mothers in poverty experience close to a 50% rate of postpartum depression.

When mom is not ok, the entire family suffers.  We know from research that when mom is struggling and dealing with depression, children are impacted on every level including the brain development of babies, the school-readiness of young children, the behavioral development of adolescents and the cycle of poverty for young adults. 

Senator Brown, I insist that you stand with the women of the Commonwealth and recognize how hard we mothers work to support our families. Protect our right to receive the fair pay we deserve. Let us support our families adequately.  We do not want anything other than what is fair.  We deserve it and you must agree, that most certainly, our children deserve it too. 

Sincerely,

Liz Friedman

Program Director and Founder, Postpartum Support Initiative