Support

Having a baby is wonderful, but caring for a newborn can be exhausting and challenging under even the best of circumstances.  You may be experiencing unexpected challenges during this transition and Matrika Prenatal encourages all mothers and fathers to immediately seek professional support as soon as possible.

Postpartum Depression

Both men and women can experience postpartum depression and it is very important that you receive treatment.  The best person to contact is your prenatal care provider, but you can also call your primary care physician or your infant’s pediatrician.  If you feel that you are in danger of hurting yourself or your baby, please treat the situation as an emergency.  Put your baby on their back in a safe place, like a crib, and call 911.

Magee-Womens Behavioral Health Services
Call: 412-641-1238

Mickie Diamond, LCSW
Office in Squirrel Hill
Call:  412-422-0222

Cythia Remy Warden, Licensed Psychologist
Offices in Bridgeville and Squirrel Hill (Tues.& Thurs.)
Call: 412-551-8747

Postpartum Doula Support

Sometimes, what you really need is an extra set of hands, company and a boost of confidence that you are doing a great job.  Doulas can help with breastfeeding and make sure that mom has all the support she needs to recover from pregnancy, labor and delivery.  Doulas support women and families and do not take the place of partners or fathers.  If you find that you just need some support after you get home from your birthing, do not hesitate to hire a postpartum support doula.

Joanna Elsas: Fourth Trimester Doula
Note that Joanna had her third child in August 2010 and may or may not be taking new clients.  Check the website.

Hearts and Hands Doula Services
This is a doula service agency managed by Jan Mallak.  You can trust 100% that Jan will send an incredibly qualified and fabulous postpartum doula to care for you and your new family during the postpartum transition.

Pittsburgh Doula Network

Breastfeeding Support

Your birth attendant and infant’s pediatrician should be your first line of support for breastfeeding.  Magee Hospital has lactation consultants at the hospital and if you have any questions about breastfeeding, please try to see one of them before you are discharged.  If you give birth at the Midwife Center, your midwife will make sure that you feel confident about breastfeeding before you leave the birthing center.  Do not be afraid to ask for help, ask any questions that you have and get all the support you need so that you can feel confident when you get home with your newborn.

Most mothers have questions about breastfeeding as things tend to “come up” and we have many great resources for you to get the support you need.  Keep up the great work!  Don’t worry or give up  if you have some challenges in breastfeeding—you are not alone.

We are very fortunate to have the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh .  You can call them directly at (412) 246-4726.

La Leche League of Pittsburgh
La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breastfed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by La Leche League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with all aspects of breastfeeding. They are available by phone whenever you have breastfeeding questions or concerns.

Lactation Consultants Directory: Pennsylvania

Being Social: Getting Out, Making New Friends and Having a Life

The reality is that having a newborn can be incredibly isolating.  There may be many places where you used to go that aren’t available to you now that you are accompanied by a crying and pooping wee one.  Many of your friends may not relate to you as a new mom or parent and your social life may change drastically.  It is very important that you get out of the house and spend some time each day with other moms or people who are supportive of new moms.

Looking for some activities to do with baby?  Looking for ways to make new friends?  We’ve got a great list of places to go to get out of the house and have a great time.

Want to go on a stroller-friendly outing?  Try Urban Mommies.

The JCC has wonderful programs through their Baby & Me series and a magnificent child-proof room with toys, changing tables, couches and lots of other moms, dads and wee ones.  They also offer music and other classes for babies.

The Carnegie Libraries have fabulous programs for moms and babies and small children from baby lapsit to toddler storytimes.

Like to knit?  Yoga Matrika has a knitting group that welcomes new moms and babies and children in attendance on Thursday mornings from 11:30 to 1:00pm.  Knit One has knitting groups especially for new moms too.

Take Mommy & Me yoga classes at Yoga Matrika on Wednesdays at 10:45 am.  Can’t make it to Yoga Matrika?  Sheila Caffrey (private home in Point Breeze: 412-363-4991)  and Schoolhouse Yoga (Squirrel Hill and Strip District locations) also offer classes for moms with babies.

The Waldorf School offers lovely programs for caregivers and toddlers as part of their Morning Garden programs.

Life with Baby