Great news for Baton Rouge moms: Woman’s Hospital will open Louisiana’s first inpatient mental health unit for pregnant and postpartum women in September 2024.
Pregnancy and having a baby can trigger intense emotions, from excitement and happiness to being overwhelmed and anxious. Women face hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibilities of caring for a child that can contribute to these intense emotions and the chance for postpartum depression.
Woman’s Hospital Opening Mental Health Unit in Baton Rouge
Maternal mental health conditions are a leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S. and affect one in five women, yet those conditions go untreated 75% of the time, Woman’s says.
“A perinatal mental health unit at Woman’s Hospital will be designed to address these issues as we strive to move the needle on maternal health and mortality rates,” Cheri Barker Johnson, Woman’s senior vice president of patient care and chief nursing officer, says in a prepared announcement.
The planned 10-bed unit, which officials say will be one of “several” of its kind nationwide, is scheduled to open next September.
Some eye-opening facts: Anxiety, perinatal and postpartum depression, and birth-related PTSD affect one in five women during pregnancy or childbirth, according to the CDC. Shockingly, 75% of these cases go untreated, and mental health conditions contribute to maternal mortality.
Rene Ragas, President and CEO of Woman’s Hospital, highlights their commitment to comprehensive perinatal care. “By meeting the needs of women experiencing pregnancy or postpartum-related mental health conditions, Woman’s Hospital advances our mission of improving the health of women and infants,” he says.
Postpartum Mental Health Statistics:
- 1 in 5 women experience mental health conditions during pregnancy or postpartum.
- 75% of these women do not receive treatment for their mental health issues.
- Maternal mental health conditions, including anxiety, perinatal and postpartum depression, and birth-related PTSD, are among the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth.
- Mental health conditions are a leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States.
- Pregnancy and postpartum mental health challenges contribute significantly to maternal morbidity rates.
- Access to specialized perinatal mental health care is limited, with only a few dedicated units in the United States.
- Support and treatment for pregnant and postpartum women with mental health conditions are crucial for their well-being and the health of their infants.
This mental health unit is a vital step toward better maternal health outcomes, offering support and hope for moms in need. It’s a stride toward a safer and healthier future for mothers and their little ones.
“As the largest provider of maternity care for women in Louisiana, it’s our responsibility to address all aspects of perinatal health,” says Rene Ragas, president and CEO of Woman’s.
Christy was born and raised in Mandeville, came to LSU to study PR, and after meeting her husband and finding a job she has stayed in Baton Rouge ever since! She’s a stay-at-home-working-mom to two girls who she loves watching grow and learn each day. In her free time, Christy, her husband Harold, and Lucy enjoy being outside, trying new restaurants, traveling, and finding any excuse to decorate the house, cook, and have friends over. 
The Kids Program is for ages 0 to 11. Choose your preferred way to log reading:
The teen challenge is for grades 6 to 12. Earn 1 badge for every 3 books completed, up to 25 badges. Each badge earns an entry into prize drawings. Additionally, you can earn 5 virtual activity badges, for a maximum of 30 drawing entries.
The Baton Rouge Mounted Patrol will trot out their finest equine officers to share with us a demonstration of their day-to-day activities and show how the Mounted Patrol train to serve and protect our community. Families are welcome to come meet the officers and their equestrian partners. These visits will take place outside of the library. Registration is required. The Baton Rouge Mounted Patrol will visit more Library locations in July!
Singer-songwriter-keyboardist-one-man band AND Children’s author, Rick Kelley presents “Don’t Just Sit There…Read Something,” a fun-filled, extremely interactive music program designed to excite kids and families about reading and developing a passion for learning and books. This event includes sing-a-longs, dance-a-longs, comedy, and movement! Group registration is required.
