Guthrie Physician Launches New Postpartum Support Group

June 11, 2024

One in five moms and one in ten dads suffers from postpartum depression. Those staggering numbers point to the increased need for treatment and support for individuals suffering silently. 

Dr. Maria Caperelli Gergel is a Guthrie Family Medicine provider, but as a new mom dealing with postpartum anxiety and PTSD herself, she is launching a new support group to provide an outlet and resource for so many others like her.  

“Perinatal mental health disorders don't discriminate. They don't care if it's your first baby or third, if you're a single mom or in a relationship, if you have a "normal" delivery or complicated one,” said Dr. Caperelli Gergel. “They can affect anyone and affect more people than you'd realize. I've seen numerous patients in my office since returning from maternity leave a year ago that have detailed their own struggles to me, and it only enforced the lack of resources in the area. The need for a support group- a place for these moms to go and meet with other moms going through similar struggles- is so important for our community.”

Dr. Caperelli Gergel’s postpartum support group, Empowering Your Journey, will meet the first Wednesday of every month, beginning July 3. The group will provide new mothers with the guidance and community they need during the stages of motherhood. Individuals who join can share experiences, gain expert advice and connect with others on this journey.

  • When: 1st Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m., beginning July 3.
  • Where: Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, School of Nursing Building
  • To Register: www.guthrie.org/postpartumsupport
  • Email Questions To: postpartumsupportgroup@guthrie.org
  • Details: Children six and under are welcome to attend.

Dr. Caperelli Gergel also invites others to join her and Team Sayre for The Climb, a free community fundraiser later this month, bringing support and awareness for Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHD) within the community. It’s an opportunity to meet other survivors, supporters and providers of PHMDs, break the stigma and raise funds to help make local resources more accessible to parents who need them.

  • Event: The Climb-Sayre
  • When: Saturday, June 22 from 2-4 p.m.
  • Where: Round Top Park, Pavilion 1
  •     2555 Round Top Road, Athens, Pa. 18810

To sign up or donate, visit http://give.postpartum.net/sayrepa. Funds raised go to Postpartum Support international.