Alameda Health System’s (AHS) Growing, Glowing, and Afterglow Project (GGAP) held its second annual graduation to celebrate forty mamas and birthing people who completed the six-week perinatal wellness group.
The GGAP is a virtual program facilitated by a therapist and a community health outreach worker that provides group therapy and case management for English and Spanish-speaking AHS patients. The program supports pregnant and post-partum mothers and birthing people with anxiety and depression and helps increase social support.
“Being a new mom can be very lonely. Joining this group has helped me connect with other mothers and get the support I need. I’ve learned ways to better handle stress and cope. I highly recommend this program to new moms,” said Ailyn Gallo Estrada, GGAP graduate.
According to Pamela Neher, clinical supervisor for Integrated Behavioral Health and GGAP, GGAP was developed to reduce depression and anxiety and increase social support during the pregnancy and postpartum period.
“Being part of the group added a sense of comfort in knowing that I’m not alone in the struggles I face as a mom. Sometimes we’re so caught up in caring for babies and everyone else it’s difficult to interact with others. This program allowed us to take some time for ourselves, and I appreciate that,” said Jasmin Alcazar, GGAP graduate.
The graduation celebration included yoga, meditation, sound bath, face painting and wrapped up with a catered luncheon.
AHS patients interested in participating in the Growing, Glowing and Afterglow Project, should ask their AHS provider to refer them. For additional behavioral health resources in the community visit the AHS Behavioral Health webpage.