Mental Health Matters

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Mental Health Matters

September 14, 2026

September is Suicide Prevention awareness month. Many changes occur during and after pregnancy to women’s bodies, minds, and lifestyles. Some changes are normal and expected as your body changes and you adjust to life with a new baby.

Perinatal depression/anxiety affects approximately 1 in 5 pregnant women and partners. It is important to know what to expect and when to reach out for mental and emotional help during these times. Symptoms can start anytime during the perinatal period and they may differ for each person and potentially worsen in the postpartum period. They might include the following:

• Feelings of anger, irritability and/or rage

• Lack of interest in the baby

• Disturbances of sleep and appetite

• Crying and sadness

• Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness

• Loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

• Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

Iberia Medical Center’s Obstetrics and Behavioral Health Services teams work together to maintain the mental health of moms during such a vulnerable time.

Please reach out to the National Maternal Health Hotline (For emotional support and resources, call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) 24/7), your provider, or our Behavioral Health Services team if you ever have any of these signs and symptoms. You are not alone. We are here to help.

Behavioral Health Services at Iberia Medical Center – 337-376-5713

Obstetrics Clinic at Iberia Medical Center – 337-256-8779

Need a provider? https://www.iberiamedicalcenter.com/find-a-provider

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Obstetric Readiness in the Emergency Department

Jul 13

1 min read

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC) have recognized Iberia Medical Center as a distinguished participant in the Obstetric Readiness in the Emergency Department (ORED) initiative.

The ORED initiative was established to enhance the care of pregnant, postpartum, and lactating patients who seek treatment in emergency departments. Through this program, emergency departments like Iberia Medical Center are equipped to effectively identify and manage pregnancy-related emergencies, including hypertension and hemorrhage, using standardized protocols, screenings, and specialized staff training.

As a distinguished participant, Iberia Medical Center demonstrates its ongoing commitment to providing safe, high-quality maternal care and ensuring the best possible outcomes for mothers and their babies.