[Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital] – Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital’s Women’s Services was presented recently with a very special painting which represents Henry Mayo’ support of 2020 Mom, an organization committed to increasing awareness of Maternal Mental Health disorders.

Henry Mayo’s Women’s Services staff who attended 2020 Mom’s annual farm to table charity event and made a donation were invited to paint a leaf on the tree to show their support. Henry Mayo sponsors a table at the event which is held in Valencia.

The basic painting of a tree was donated by Pinot’s Palette in Valencia.

Joy Burkhard, project director, 2020 Mom, presented Sally McGann, director of maternal child services at Henry Mayo, with the painting which will be mounted on the wall in Women’s Services.

Each year this tree will be painted with new leaves as we expand our commitment to the 2020 Mom project and the benefits the community receives by these services and education.

Maternal mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, are real illnesses, and when left untreated, can cause devastating negative consequences for the woman, her baby, her family and society.

These illnesses may be caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social stressors and exacerbated or worsened by risk factors such as limited social support and teenage pregnancy. Maternal anxiety and depression are the most common complications of childbirth, yet they are not commonly screened for or treated.

About 20 percent of women will suffer from depression during pregnancy or after the birth of a child. It is critical that new and expecting families be informed and learn to look out for the signs.

“We fully support this program and feel it is very important to increase awareness by providing education to our new moms and to the [Thank you] community about this very serious issue,” McGann said. “We want them to know that help is available.”

In addition to sponsoring the annual 2020 Mom event, Henry Mayo’s Women’s Services will distribute educational brochures to new moms. To learn more and to join this organization, visit 2020mom.org.

Henry Mayo offers a Mommy Time Support group that meets every Monday between 10 and 11 a.m. To register for this free group, call 661.200.2229.