Terra was not new to motherhood. She had a nine year old daughter, Hadley, and delivered a healthy baby boy three years ago. Tragically, at just 7-weeks the infant died of SIDS. She, her husband, and daughter were devastated and did what they could to address their grief.

A year after their loss, Terra was pregnant again. Every day was filled with worry. The family feared the unknown because of the heartbreak they felt not so long ago. As the signs of winter faded and the green leaves of daffodils peaked through the ground, Terra delivered her second baby boy. The new life she held in her arms was difficult to celebrate in the wake of her first son’s death. One life, she thought, could not replace another.

Months past and although Terra was providing for her children, she was disconnected from their care. Hadley was withdrawing too. After the third note home from school about Hadley’s behavior, Terra took action. She had heard about the Maternal Mental Health services offered by LFCS on the news. She looked the contact information up online and submitted a request for more information.

Fortunately, LFCS was able to support this mother and daughter in their time of need. Terra was able to address the causes of her anxiety and depression and find better ways to cope. Hadley felt secure enough to open up about her feelings and learned communication techniques. Within a month of enrolling in the Maternal Mental Health program, Terra and Hadley both had a better outlook on their present and future.

Click here to learn more about Maternal Mental Health and the services LFCS cares for Boone County residents.

The post A Promise to Care – Maternal Mental Health Services first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Rachel began meeting with an LFCS social worker regularly. She was taught to make her needs a priority and to set realistic goals. Rachel’s first major goals: find a job and a place to live in town. While she focused on looking for work, LFCS helped her with infant care items and connected her to other community resources.  Rachel soon had access to a wealth of resources including housing coaching, resources for a car seat and crib, GED practice tests, bus vouchers, and clothing vouchers.

Once Rachel found part-time work, LFCS reached out to a local community agency that offered assistance to domestic violence victims. With their assistance, Rachel received assistance with a deposit and rent on an apartment for six months.  She was finally able to move in to her own home close to work.

Rachel’s daughter was born in November, happy and healthy.

Since then, the LFCS Maternal Mental Health program provides additional support to address Rachel’s her post-partum needs. She attends bi-weekly support group meeting with other young mothers at LFCS. Together they share parenting concerns and ask questions that they all learn from.

Rachel is currently looking for safe and reliable child care so she can return to work.  She is saving money to buy a car which will increase her independence and allow her to get back and forth to work.  Rachel’s current focus is to obtain her GED while she provides a safe and stable home for her daughter.  She is succeeding, thanks to you!

Learn more about LFCS Pregnancy and Parenting services.

The post Pregnancy, Abuse and Depression first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.