Community Corner

Sayville Wellness Teams Up to Offer Moms Support

New program offers solutions to mothers with postpartum depression.

Research estimates that up to 20% of mothers will suffer from postpartum depression (including anxiety) and depression is the number one complication of pregnancy.  Local mental health advocates and doulas are determined to no longer stand by allowing moms to suffer needlessly. 

The Mental Health Association in Suffolk County has teamed up with South Bay Wellness Center in Sayville to offer a new support group, Mothers Circle of Caring. 

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We are so pleased to see how much support the community has given us in launching this new program and now we just need to get the word out to moms that they do not need to suffer in silence” states Laura Gigantino, Program Coordinator at the Mental Health Association in Suffolk. 

The 12-week wellness group aims to offer pregnant and new mothers who are struggling with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders including postpartum depression, a place to come discuss their struggles, support one another and gain tools for coping. 

Find out what's happening in Sayville-Bayportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders including postpartum depression respond so well to treatment and support – we want every woman to know they can and will feel better – and they deserve to have the support.” says Alyson Ryan, Clinical Social Worker and Co-Founder of South Bay Wellness. 

The group will be facilitated by Laura Gigantino, Alyson Ryan, and Debbie Rotunno, President of the Long Island Doula Association. Laura, Alyson and Debbie come with years of experience working with pregnant and new moms and were trained by the Postpartum Resource Center of New York to facilitate the Mother’s Circle of Caring group. 

“Too many of the moms we work with are suffering, I needed to become part of the solution to PPD rather than being a silent bystander” reports Debbie Rotunno.

Topics that will be covered during the group include: PPD 101, Postpartum International’s steps to wellness, support systems, motherhood myths and realities, family support, friendships, stress management and self-care for moms.  Groups will be held at South Bay Wellness in Sayville. 

The cost of the program is $5 per group or $50 for the full 12 weeks. Scholarships are available for anyone with a financial hardship. Please call 1-855-552-9355 ext 101 or e-mail alyson@southbaywellness.com for additional information or to register.



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here