Women & Girls Fund Awards Grant
We live in a world where women’s roles have expanded to encompass every facet of society from first responders to wall street wizards to college presidents. And yet, there is one role that can still bring anxiety and/or depression even to the most accomplished among us; motherhood. During pregnancy and the first year after giving birth perinatal mood and anxiety disorders often referred to as post partum depression affect up to 1 in 5 new or expectant mothers and their families. These illnesses – also known as PMADs – are the #1 complication of pregnancy and child-birth. Women of every culture, age, income level, and race can develop PMADs. Symptoms can appear anytime during the two-year span from conception through baby’s first birthday. Onset of symptoms may be gradual or sudden. One group in Virginia is working to help women who are experiencing this problem.
Postpartum Support of VA, Inc. recently received its first grant from WCF from the Williamsburg Fund for Women and Girls. The grant will help the organization spread the word throughout our area about resources available in our community for women experiencing PMADs. A support group meets at the Williamsburg Regional Library on Scotland Street, 2nd Tuesday morning of the month. Contact Diana McSpadden, (email or 757-349-6641) for more information.