Mother-Wise

Mother-Wise is a new program whose goal is to optimize bonding between mother and child by reducing the severity of perinatal mood disorders (PMD), which include postpartum depression (PPD). The project will recruit, train and match volunteer companions, called "Saathis," with mothers of newborns. The Saathis will provide support to the mothers by way of in home visits, phone calls and other means to facilitate prevention, education and intervention. Each Saathi will have her own network of volunteers to support her companionship role. When needed, the Saathis will intervene with the aid of a professional therapist. Comprehensive and on-going training of all volunteers and professional therapists on PMD is an essential component of this project.

The Saathi's mission is to support the mother's emotional needs, promote bonding between the mother and baby, and to assist the mother in providing a safe and healthy environment for her child/children.