Increasing numbers indicate progress...

In 2015 the CDC told us 1 in 7 mothers would experience postpartum depression, thus our project became The Seventh Mom Project.  We wanted to provide the safety net for that 7th mother and the name stuck.  We registered it and built our brand around it. However, the new data is out and as of 2017, the CDC says 1 in 5 mothers will experience postpartum depression, for a woman of color it jumps to 1 in 3. 

So what does this mean? Does this mean we are not making a difference? Does it mean that were failing?

No it means that what we've been doing is working. More moms are getting screened, which was one of our goals. More moms are getting actual diagnosis which has led to more moms getting help. 

Midwives, OBs and other professionals, such as Doulas, Case Managers, and Lactation Counselors, are encouraging mothers to speak up when something doesn't feel right. Mothers are encouraged to be honest when completing screening tools like EDPS. Home visiting agencies are providing their staff with Mental Health First Aid training and additional educational supports and more mom-to-mom support groups are happening in Tampa Bay. 

All of these amazing steps are in the right direction, but the storms still rolls in. The new problem is moms are getting screened and diagnosed, but connecting to appropriate care in a timely manner is another obstacle. There's help available, but we need more volunteers and umbrella holders.  Over the last 3 years we've built an amazing organization, now we've got to keep up with the demand.

With this I ask that you support The Seventh Mom Project, Inc. on May 1, 2018. Give Day Tampa Bay is an annual day of giving hundreds of area non-profits will be participating in. I am appealing to you now, pledge, give, and be the one to love another mother when its needed most.

For more information on our pre-Give Day Awareness Event, visit  www.raincoatrun.com.

If you would like to  learn more about corporate giving or matching gifts, please e-mail us at 7thmomproject@gmail.com.

This momma wears rainsboots!

​-Rebecca