Jessica

Jessica was part of MOMS Thriving Relationships pilot program but relocated outside of Orange County which disrupted her access to care and other supports, yet the MOMS team made sure she continued to receive therapy and had regular mental health check- ins during pregnancy and a year postpartum with her Maternal Child Health Worker, Josie. Through all of her challenges, she was able to dig deep, rely on her strong faith and reevaluate her life in order to make healthy changes for her and her child. Jessica believes she was able to survive this period of her life due to the support and resources received at MOMS. She is now prepared for what the future brings.

Guadalupe

After the loss of two babies, a third pregnancy was the hardest thing to cope with as Guadalupe was fearful of losing another baby. She survived a traumatic delivery of her baby on the way to the hospital. Then, when she struggled with breastfeeding, she turned to MOMS. Her MOMS lactation specialist visited her at her home for specialized postpartum support visits to help her with her depression and breastfeeding struggles. Guadalupe has been courageous and resilient in the most challenging times. She even became a donor of breastmilk. She is now a confident mentor to other women and provides a safe and happy environment to her children.

Ana

During her pregnancy, Ana learned her baby had been diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a serious congenital defect. Though the diagnosis caused Ana to experience prenatal depression and anxiety, with therapy and weekly mental health check-ins with her MOMS case worker, Vivian, Ana demonstrated a high level of resilience and strength. “I was so scared. How would I care for him with all of his medical needs? But I learned and I did. I overcame my anxiety and leaned on Vivian for support and guidance. Now I am confident and comfortable in caring for my baby. He reaches new milestones daily and we celebrate each one.”

Lauren

Lauren made the difficult decision to leave everything behind and move into a shelter with her toddler and infant. The trauma of this period in her life caused her postpartum depression and anxiety to worsen. Yet with her MOMS case worker, Karla’s, support every step of the way, Lauren became stronger as a person. “When you are left with nothing, it’s a broken feeling. When someone is there for you, it gives you the confidence you need. You start to thrive. You become your own person, a strength builder. You become better as a human being, as a mom. With MOMS, when you feel alone, you’re not alone anymore. It’s been the most amazing experience of my life, during the most difficult time of my life.”

Jasmine

Prior to delivering her baby, Jasmine was an avid gym enthusiast and active in the community. But, upon giving birth, she began to exhibit extreme anxiety which contributed to her being home-bound, leading to further anxiety and depression. She began specialized postpartum support visits twice a month with her MOMS specialist and together they identified ways to help her overcome her anxiety and resume a more normal lifestyle. Lupe was not only her resource connection and coach, but her sounding board and emotional support. Jasmine is thriving again. She has gone back to the gym, participates in a book club and is allowing others to interact with her baby. She has learned the coping skills necessary to manage stress and anxiety and live a full life in which she feels healed.