Woman's Hospital Unveils Revolutionary Perinatal Mental Health Unit

In a groundbreaking move, Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge has launched Louisiana's first inpatient perinatal mental health unit. This specialized facility supports women facing mental health challenges during and after pregnancy. Cheri Johnson, the hospital's Chief Nursing Officer, emphasized that struggling with postpartum depression does not equate to failure as a mother, but rather a difficult time requiring professional help. The perinatal mental health unit, opening on Tuesday morning, addresses the needs of one in eight women experiencing pre- and post-partum depression, according to the CDC. Kelly Cannon, Director of Inpatient Psychiatry, highlighted that the unit is tailored for this specific patient population, providing a nurturing environment for up to ten women at a time. The unit offers treatment for pre and post-natal women with severe depression and anxiety, allowing them to spend time with their infants, participate in group sessions, engage in garden therapy on the outdoor terrace, and more. Cannon expressed that Woman's Hospital is filling a critical gap in mental health care by providing a safe space for these women to heal to heal and recover.

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