Story by Lindsey Chester | September 7, 2010 | Tags: Community, Profiles
The first ever Cary Strollerthon is coming to Bond Park Oct 2,2010
Cary, NC- Ann Wimer founded “Moms Supporting Moms” 12 years ago after going through her own bout of Postpartum Depression.The group is hosting the first ever Strollerthon on October 2 in Cary’s Bond Park. The proceeds from this event will help to support the work that Postpartum Education and Support does to support Ann’s organization. This group is a 501c3 and exists through donations and fund raising efforts. Originally located in Cary (now meeting at Rex Hospital) the group works to help Wake County residents.
Ann Wimer, founder of Moms Helping Moms
Moms Helping Moms
Ann realized after her recovery that adequate and early treatment is very important in the treatment of Postpartum Depression. Too often mothers and their immediate family are embarrassed or reluctant to seek treatment. They suffer in silence and sometimes tragedies can occur.
She wanted to help eliminate the stigma often associated with this extreme mood disorder that can descend on a mother after the birth of a child. Too often people shrug off this serious illness as “the baby blues” and think women should simply “snap out of it”. That couldn’t be further from what is needed.
Ann spoke to me about how, upon learning of her second pregnancy 13 years ago, she specifically sought out an OBGYN who had handled cases of postpartum depression . She remembered how after her first child, her physician didn’t pick up on her illness, yet she had known something was very wrong with her. She did some research and found Dr Mark Zimmerman. And when after the birth of this child she did again fall into depression, she was alert to the signs and sought treatment early with Miki Jaeger, her therapist.
Symptoms
After a mother gives birth, there are lots of normal shifts in hormone levels. These can trigger some mood swings. But with postpartum depression, the feelings do not go away and linger for weeks and months. Feelings of extreme anxiety that appear for no apparent reason. Panic attacks. Irrational fears for the children that do not appear reasonable given the circumstances in which they occur. Many women experience sleep problems, which exacerbate the symptoms.
Ann also added that “A Mom who has had it (Postpartum depression) is more likely to have it again in a subsequent pregnancy”
So in 1998 Ann worked with Rex Wellness in Cary to hold support meetings where women could talk about what they were going through, and not feel so isolated and alone. In 2005 the group moved to it’s present location in Rex Hospital on Blue Ridge Road. Health Care providers are on hand at the meetings that typically include about 6 women. Meetings of the group are every Thursday.
Help Is At Hand
If you are feeling any of these symptoms, or know someone who may be experiencing this illness, call 919-454-6946. This call will be responded to within the same day. There is also a group that has formed in Wake Forest and they meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at the Morning Glory Center.
Women with Postpartum Depression, when recognized and treated early, can make a much quicker recovery so they can start to enjoy their newborns and get back to the business of life and loving their families.
Join Strollerthon
The idea is a natural fit with moms, kids, and families. Folks will walk with strollers over a course in Bond Park’s paved trails for either 1, 2, or 3 mile distances. People can register in advance in teams, obtain pledges and enter a raffle to win a Bumbleride Stroller among other prizes.
The event will be a fun family day at the park and is “the first event of its kind”.
Register in advance at the Postpartum Education and Support website. The Strollerthon is listed under “Events”, registration forms and instructions for forming teams are there, as well as suggestions for making and getting pledges. The event organizers are hoping to raise between $15,000 and $20,000.
