Press Releases

Girlfriends Health PLC Awarded Grant from March of Dimes

Indialantic, Florida – (July 7, 2008) – Girlfriends Health PLC, a Brevard County organization dedicated to promoting women’s health during every stage of life with a special interest in the childbearing years, is pleased to announce they have been awarded a grant from March of Dimes to increase awareness of depression during pregnancy and provide support for women.

Contrary to popular belief, pregnancy does not shield women from experiencing depression and/or anxiety. In fact, depression during pregnancy affects 10% to 20% of women. Since pregnancy is traditionally portrayed as a time of blissfulness for the mother-to-be, it can be very difficult for women to admit to experiencing and reporting such feelings. Furthermore, given uncertainty about the use of certain antidepressants on the fetus during pregnancy, many women chose not to take any medications. Recent research has shown that untreated depression during pregnancy can lead to serious perinatal risks and even premature birth and low birth weight.

“The good news is that psychotherapy has been found to be as effective as antidepressants in mild to moderate cases” said Dr. Rachel Lefebvre, Girlfriends Health’s licensed psychologist. “This is why it is important to inform the public and make sure services are in place to help pregnant women deal with depression and/or anxiety.” Girlfriends Health has also developed an online tool to help women learn about depression during pregnancy, identify risks factors, take a depression screen, and tips for coping. This information can be found at: www.GirlfriendsHealth.com.

The free weekly support group will start Monday July 14th. The group will help women learn coping strategies, get support from other women and prepare them for motherhood. Meetings will be held Mondays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm at the Women’s Center 1425 Aurora Rd. Melbourne, FL 32935. Pre-Registration is required. Contact Dr. Lefebvre at: 321-536-1724 or visit www.GirlfriendsHealth.com for more information.

About Girlfriends Health PLC:
Girlfriends Health PLC is a Brevard County organization dedicated to promoting women’s health during every stage of life with a special interest in the childbearing years. As becoming pregnant, being pregnant and giving birth can deeply effect one woman’s physical, mental and spiritual well being, Girlfriends Health’s goal is to help women feel empowered and confident during this special time. Dr. Lefebvre is a licensed psychologist specializing in perinatal issues including infertility, pregnancy loss, and depression during and after pregnancy.

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New Classes on Postpartum Adjustment Announced

Indialantic, Florida - (March 27, 2008) - Girlfriends Health PLC, a Brevard County organization dedicated to promoting women’s health during every stage of life with a special interest in the childbearing years, is pleased to announce they have added a new class titled, Postpartum Adjustment to their educational program.

As many as 80% of women experience the "baby blues" after childbirth which goes away on its own within 2 to 3 weeks. However, between 10% and 20% of new mothers develop a more disabling form of mood disorder called "postpartum depression." Symptoms include (but are not limited to) feeling sad, crying a lot, not enjoying things one usually enjoys, having difficulty sleeping, feeling guilty, and worrying a lot for no good reason.

Women face many challenges after pregnancy. They need some time to recover from childbirth and deal with the accompanying aches and pains, they need to care for their newborn 24 hours a day, adjust to the changes in their relationships with their partner, families and friends, keep up with housework and chores, and try to find some time for themselves. This can be a very challenging time for a new mother and it is no wonder why so many mothers feel overwhelmed.

"Motherhood can really be overwhelming, especially if you have no one to guide you through" said Dr. Rachel Lefebvre, Girlfriends Health’s licensed psychologist. "This is why we created this in depth postpartum adjustment educational series. The goal is to help new mothers gain back control of their life and decrease symptoms of depression and stress."

Classes are held Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30am in Girlfriends Health’s Indialantic office at: 503 5th Avenue in Suite #103. Different topics are covered over the course of six weeks which runs continuously so that women may join at any time. The cost is $30.00 per class. Pre-Registration is required. Contact Dr. Lefebvre at: 321-536-1724 or visit GirlfriendsHealth.com for more information.

About Girlfriends Health PLC:
Girlfriends Health PLC is a Brevard County organization dedicated to promoting women’s health during every stage of life with a special interest in the childbearing years. As becoming pregnant, being pregnant and giving birth can deeply effect one woman’s physical, mental and spiritual well being, Girlfriends Health’s goal is to help women feel empowered and confident during this special time. Dr. Lefebvre is a licensed psychologist specializing in perinatal issues including infertility, pregnancy loss, and depression during and after pregnancy.

2008 Press Releases (PDF format)

"Girlfriends Health PLC Awarded Grant from March of Dimes" Press Release

"New Classes on Postpartum Adjustment Announced" Press Release

Press Release on Visutein