Progressing Through Postpartum (P3) Program
One in 5 mothers and one in 10 partners will experience a perinatal mood disorder such as depression and anxiety during pregnancy and up to a year after giving birth. Care teams at Mon Health Obstetrics and Gynecology are combating these statistics by offering postpartum support services to new families.
How does it work?
- Mothers are screened before, during, & after pregnancy for any indication of anxiety, depression, or mood disorder.
- This allows for early detection & management of symptoms & gives the P3 support team an opportunity to connect with mothers early on.
- After delivery, a nurse navigator contacts all mothers (whether having an issue or not) via text message to make sure you are getting the resources that you need.
- Didn't deliver at Mon Health Medical Center or Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital? Reach out to us here and we will put you in contact with resources.
What are some symptoms of mood changes?
- Sadness, anger, exhaustion, nervousness, and feeling out of control or overwhelmed
- Difficulty sleeping or eating
- Fears or scary thoughts that don't go away
- Feeling anxious or insecure, and nervous about being alone
Does this sound familiar to you or a loved one? We're here to help.
- Services we provide:
- In Person Feeding Support
- Getting you connected to Community Resources
- Virtual Support Groups
- Therapy & Psychiatry referrals to providers with specialized training in Maternal Mental Health
Virtual Support Groups
Mon Health System’s P3 Program offers a variety of weekly virtual support groups with topics that are designed to meet your needs on the journey to parenthood. Below are the group topics, dates/times, and registration links for each group.
Please register for any groups that you may be interested in joining. After registering, you will receive an email with the link for recurring weekly meetings that you can save to your calendar.
Breastfeeding Support Group, Mondays at 10AM: Register here
Pregnancy Support Group, Mondays at 5PM: Register here
PMAD (Depression/Anxiety) Support Group, Tuesdays at 5PM: Register here
Postpartum Support Group, Wednesdays at 10AM: Register here
Postpartum Support Group, Wednesdays at 5:30PM: Register here
Loss Support Group, Thursdays at 5:30PM: Register here
Our Experts
Jennifer Bender, RN-C, IBCLC
Perinatal Nurse Navigator | Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
Text or Call: (304) 282-8511
Email: Jennifer.Bender@VandaliaHealth.org
Jennifer has been a labor and delivery nurse for 21 years. She provides outreach and supportive follow-up care to all postpartum patients who deliver at Mon Health Medical Center and Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital. She also offers in-person and virtual feeding support and facilitates weekly virtual support groups. She hopes that the P3 Program's work can help bridge the gaps in support for patients between delivery and the postpartum period.
Lora McDonald, MSW, MPA
Perinatal Social Worker
Text or Call: (304) 216-2222
Email: Lora.McDonald@VandaliaHealth.org
Lora is a recent graduate with an educational background in psychology and social work. She now serves as the P3 Program's Perinatal Social Worker and provides outreach to pregnant patients, care coordination for those who are experiencing mood symptoms, and facilitates weekly virtual support groups. She hopes that the P3 Program's work can help to destigmatize conversations about mental health and promote healthy and happy Appalachian families.
Kristen Frisco-Strosnider, RMA
Perinatal Navigator
Text or Call: 304-282-7769
Email: Kristen.Frisco-Strosnider@VandaliaHealth.org
Kristen has been a registered medical assistant specializing in OB/GYN since 2013. She serves as a resource and point person of contact for healthcare-related questions and care facilitation. She offers strength-based education and empowerment for pregnant patients. She knows that with this team, the P3 program will help answer all the questions of the unknown and guide patients in the right direction.
Mindy Mussano, ADN, RN
Perinatal Nurse Navigator
Text or Call: 304-517-3007
Email: Mindy.Mussano@VandaliaHealth.org
Mindy provides comprehensive navigation throughout pregnancy and coordination of services for expectant families based on their individual needs. She offers evidence-based education and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum patients. Mindy also facilitates support for those experiencing mental health or substance use concerns.
Click here to download the P3 Team Flyer.
