West Central Health District Georgia

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month ❤️

Pregnancy and the postpartum journey can bring many emotions, but if feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear, or overwhelm begin to interfere with daily life, know that help is available.

Maternal mental health conditions are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and they can affect anyone. Recognizing the signs early can make a difference.

Signs to watch for:
• Persistent sadness or depression
• Anxiety or panic
• Trouble bonding with your baby
• Irritability or anger
• Changes in sleep or eating habits
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

You are not alone, and support is available. Reach out to your healthcare provider if symptoms continue or become difficult to manage.

If you are looking for additional support or resources, call Georgia Strong Families at 706-321-6322.

Help us raise awareness by sharing this post with an expecting or new parent who may need encouragement today.

Expecting a baby or navigating life with a newborn? You don’t have to do it alone. 💜

The DPH Home Visiting Program provides FREE support for pregnant and postpartum moms right in the comfort of your home. From checking blood pressure and monitoring warning signs to connecting families with resources like food, transportation, and shelter support… our team is here to help you feel supported every step of the way. 👶🏽

Our trained public health nurses and community health workers can provide care and education between provider appointments at no cost to you.

Now serving families in:
📍 Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Randolph, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, and Taylor counties.

📞 Call 706-392-8133 to learn more
🔗 Visit the DPH Home Visiting Program page for additional information: dph.ga.gov/healthy-pregnancy/hvp

Because every mom deserves support, care, and community during pregnancy and postpartum. 👩🏾‍🍼

Choosing a pediatrician or physician who supports your breastfeeding goals can make all the difference in your journey. 💕🤱🏽

Join us for this free virtual session to learn how to find a breastfeeding-friendly physician, build your confidence, and create a strong foundation for feeding success for both you and your baby. Led by Sterling Grey-Simmons, IBCLC.

🗓 May 27, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
💻 Microsoft Teams

You’ll learn:
✔️ How to identify supportive healthcare providers
✔️ Ways to build confidence in your breastfeeding journey
✔️ Tips for creating feeding success from the start

📞 Questions? Call 706-321-6216

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month… and every teen deserves the chance to dream big, feel supported, and make informed decisions about their future. ❤️

The truth is, prevention starts with conversation.
Not fear. Not shame. Conversation.

Parents, guardians, mentors, teachers, and trusted adults all play an important role in helping teens feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate relationships, goals, and life decisions.

The good news? Progress is happening. 🙌🏽
Teen birth rates have declined, awareness is growing, and more young people are staying focused on their education and future goals.

This month, let’s continue creating safe spaces for teens to ask questions, access resources, and know they are not alone.

✨ Your future is worth fighting for.
✨ You have options.
✨ You’ve got this.

For support and resources:
📞 Teen Line: 1-800-852-8336
📱 Text “TEENS” to 839637
🌐 Visit teenhealth.gov

Calling all dads-to-be and new dads 👏🏽🍼

The Georgia Strong Families Fatherhood Initiative is hosting a FREE community baby shower designed just for fathers who are expecting a baby or have a baby under 12 months old. 💙

Join us for a morning of support, connection, education, and fun as we celebrate fatherhood and help equip dads with valuable resources for their parenting journey.

You’ll enjoy:
🍼 Free baby supplies
🎮 Games & prizes
📚 Education sessions
🤝 Dad meet & greet opportunities

📍 Columbus Health Department
📅 Saturday, June 13th
⏰ 9:30–11:30 AM EST

Come learn more about the GSF Fatherhood Program and connect with other dads in the community. Register now using the QR code on the flyer (just screenshot and click the link from your phone) or visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DadBabyShower25

Tag a dad who needs to see this 👇🏽💙

Before you go to bed tonight, when is the last time you took some deep breaths? 💙

Life gets loud… schedules get busy… and stress can sneak up on us before we even realize it. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our mind and body is pause for a moment and simply breathe.

Deep breathing can help:
✨ Relax your body
✨ Lower stress levels
✨ Slow racing thoughts
✨ Help you feel more grounded and calm

Tonight, give yourself permission to slow down for a few minutes. Sit quietly, breathe deeply, and let your body reset after a long day. Small moments of care for yourself matter too. 🫶🏽

Some days your body needs rest… other days it needs movement. 💪🏾✨

The key is learning to listen to what your body and mind need in the moment. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a stretch session at home, or a high-energy workout, every form of movement counts. 🚶🏾‍♀️🧘🏾‍♀️🚴🏾

This Move It Monday, give yourself permission to move with your mood and show yourself a little grace along the way. ❤️

What’s your favorite way to move when you need a reset? ⬇️

Happy Mother's Day! 💐

REMINDER! Join us today for Springtime Ellaville 🎡