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Why: Proyecto Mamá was developed to comprehensively assess the perinatal mental healthresources and needs of Latina mothers in the Milwaukee community. Research has indicatedthat the mental health of pregnant and postpartum mothers is associated withcritical outcomes for the child, family and community. Proyecto Mamá was driven by the beliefthat promoting the mental health and well-being of mothers is critical for a strong community.

What: Proyecto Mamá was funded by a Marquette University Women and Girls of Color Grantand was implemented from 2017 through 2020. Using an asset-oriented approach tocommunity assessment, the project engaged community members (mothers, healthprofessionals and faith leaders) through focus groups and interviews about perinatal mentalhealth. Proyecto Mamá provides foundational knowledge to inform future programming thatcan positively impact Latina mothers in our Milwaukee community.

PROYECTO MAMÁAn Assessment of Perinatal Mental Health Resources and Needs

Among Latina Mothers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

About Proyecto Mamá

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORLisa M. Edwards, PhDMarquette University

RESEARCH TEAMAshley Faytol, MSMac Goertz, LPCKarina Loyo, MEdKat McConnell, MAIan Turnbow, MAJessica Camarillo, MEd

COMMUNITY TASK FORCEArlene Bjugstad, APSWPaula Ortega-Jenna, LMFTMaria Salcido, LMFTKatie Schlipmann, RN, BSNSandra Lamers Hernandez, MSW, APSW

COMMUNITY COLLABORATORSCasa RomeroStellar Elementary Notre Dame Schools of MilwaukeeSt. Anthony SchoolWomen, Infants and Children (WIC) City of Milwaukee Home VisitingProgramGuadalupe Head StartSixteenth Street Community HealthCenters

Artwork by Sophie Casson

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Pediatricians, OB/GYNs, midwives, doulasFaith and other community leadersSchool personnel, social workers &counselors

Bilingual and bicultural services Childcare at service sitesEducation about mental health duringpregnancy and postpartumSupport groups with clothing sharesOffering incentives (e.g., gifts donated bycommunity stakeholders, gifts for momsbringing other moms)Bus passes or coordinated transport (e.g.,ride shares)

INCREASE CULTURALLY-INFORMEDPERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH (PMH) TRAININGFOR KEY PERSONNEL WHO WORK WITHLATINA MOTHERS

INCREASE ACCESS TO CULTURALLY-INFORMEDPERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE FORLATINA MOTHERS

More research about role of father in PMHServices for fathers and couplesPMH education resources for the family

Extending BadgerCare Plus Prenatal coverage(health insurance for undocumentedmothers) to one year. Note this coverage iscurrently only provided until the end of themonth in which the baby is born.

Directory describing agencies, servicesprovided, staff skills (e.g., language, PMH),and what to expect for clients

INCREASE ENGAGEMENT WITH PARTNERS/FATHERS

ADVOCACY REGARDING HEALTH CARE POLICY

DEVELOPMENT OF A REFERRAL DIRECTORY

Recommendations

Study Findings

Contact Us:Lisa M. Edwards, Ph.D. Department of Counselor Education & CounselingPsychology ~ Marquette UniversityLisa.edwards@marquette.edu

www.proyectomamamke.com

Services NeededAffordable/free servicesTherapists trained in perinatal mental healthSupport groupsFlexible services (e.g. open groups, childcare)Bilingual therapists

Strengths and Resources Cultural traditionsFamily and social supportCuarentenas (postpartum recovery period)Herbs, soups and teasCommunity clinics and programs formothers with culturally-relevant services

Barriers to ServiceFinancial (e.g. insurance, cost of counseling)Lack of transportation and/or childcareLack of resources (e.g. bilingual services)Fear of children being removed by CPSStigma/judgmentUndocumented status

Risk Factors for PPDFinancial stressMarital conflictTraumaLack of social supportBaby's health concernsImmigration/political stress