“My strength is greater than any struggle.”

It’s an affirmation for women who may experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, or PMADs, during both pregnancy and childbirth. One in five women who give birth will struggle with feelings of anxiety or depression up to a year afterwards. What can be the beautiful joy of bringing a child into the world can leave the mother with a feeling of hopelessness and isolation, brought on by changes in their biology and hormones. Sometimes, it’s difficult to find resources or even talk with another woman who has experienced PMAD as well.

Yesterday at Abugida Ethiopian Cafe in Woodbridge, the Prince William County Community Foundation, in partnership with Sentara Health and Postpartum Support Virginia, hosted the first ever “A Me Day For Moms: Creating a circle of Support for Postpartum Health.” Created by the restaurant’s owner, Yabsira Hadero, the event brought several women together throughout the area to discuss their challenges with pregnancy and childbirth in a comfortable, safe space. Hosted by Delegate Candi King, there were roundtable discussions where the women could ask each other conversational starter questions. For those who wanted to relive tension, they were treated to free massages by Stress Free Therapeutic Massage Inc. Also, there was an Ethiopian coffee ceremony that gave off a relaxing aroma to the beautiful atmosphere.

PWCCF President Dr. Vanessa Gattis spoke about what it meant to be a part of this event. “When Delegate King asked me to participate, it was a no-brainer,” said Gattis. “We want women to know that there are resources right here in Prince William County, and what’s so important about having this event is so we can start having these discussions on health and wellness and not feel alone.”

“It’s not a Black or white issue, it’s in every community, and being able to take part in helping women find these resources is very important to us.” Dr. Gattis gave out awards to several participants for their continued work in the community on helping women deal with postpartum depression.

Postpartum Support Virginia was among one of the recipients. Mandolin Restivo, who works for the organization, talked about how they are continuing to serve women across the region with over 200 mental health providers, even remotely due to the pandemic. She also discussed one of their primary fundraisers called Shelane’s Run. Named after Shelane Gaydos, a mother of three tragically ended her life due to postpartum depression in 2015, it is to help cover the cost of healthcare for mothers. For more details about the organization and how to participate, visit their website.

King held an open forum on how the importance of getting therapy and the women in attendance spoke on the barriers that hinder them from receiving it. She also had an interview with writer Chloe Dulce Louvouezo, author of “Life I Swear: Intimate Stories from Black Women on Identity, Healing, and Self-Trust.” The book was a collaboration of stories by women who have overcome postpartum depression, and she told the audience about her inspiration for the story. “It’s really important for both transparent and honest storytelling, I wanted the book to be a mirror and a window into ourselves, but also into the possibilities of what life could be.”

“Often there are women, particularly women of color, who are boxed in, limited and indoctrinated to think that their life is not one of possibilities, so I love the idea of bringing women together to know that those possibilities are available to them.”

Louvouezo did a reading from the book, including one excerpt on “Unlearning Strength,” and the importance of being open while dealing with mental health challenges. It was written by artist, author and art therapy advocate Josefina H. Sanders. “While I believe that there is beauty and wisdom in being private, I’ve found my strength in sharing some of my deepest struggles, especially in our filtered and curated world. Now that I have the opportunity to redefine strength, it means giving myself permission to heal. I find my strength through vulnerability.”

Hadero, who is a mother of two children, talked about what it meant to host the event.

“Personally, this means so much to me, and when I had gone through this experience of postpartum depression, I spoke with my husband as to what I wanted to do to help others. I’ve been blessed with my faith, family and friends, but what about those women who didn’t have those? My plan was to bring women together to get the support they need to get through this. The group is about having fun but also about connection, because we need each other.”

“I want to be there as much as possible for women, to be there for them so they don’t have to feel as if they’re going through this alone anymore.”