Kenosha County Behavioral Health Services is offering a new resource to help pregnant women
with mental health challenges.
“Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, Stigma, and Pregnancy” addresses topics such as
mental health and substance use during pregnancy, safe-haven options for newborns, and
prenatal and postpartum care.
It also includes a prenatal and postnatal well-being plan for mothers to record their feelings,
thoughts and other important information to share with their health care providers, as well as
resource information for providers caring for pregnant and postpartum women struggling with
mental health or substance use disorders.
This resource is available on the county website, at https://bit.ly/KCBHpregnancy, and in the
form of a brochure that is downloadable at that webpage.
“Pregnancy is an exciting time that comes with a mix of emotions and challenges,” said Kari
Foss, Director of the Kenosha County Division of Behavioral Health Services. “It can be filled
with joy, anticipation, and amazement. But while you’re sharing and experiencing happiness and
joy at your news, you may also feel stress and anxiety as you adjust to physical and emotional
changes while preparing for parenthood. Add a mental health disorder, substance use disorder,
and the stigma surrounding these concerns into the mix, and the pregnancy can become even
more challenging for you.”
Lisa Koenen, Behavioral Health Outreach Coordinator, said the new resource aims to share
information about relevant resources that are available but often difficult to locate and access.
“Our goal is to normalize the journey for pregnant women and to improve health outcomes for
both them and their baby,” said Koenen.
“We want access to care to be easy and stigma-free.”
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8600 Sheridan Road • Kenosha, WI 53140 • 262-605-6788
www.kenoshacountywi.gov