CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Valley Women’s Health serves patients across Utah at 12 locations, providing essential care for a wide variety of needs from adolescence through menopause and beyond. With decades of experience in all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, their providers offer an unrivaled combination of medical expertise and personal service.
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In recent years, Valley Women’s Health has begun to tackle the elusive and often misunderstood mental health challenges that some new moms face. Emotional ups and downs after giving birth are normal and often exacerbated by lack of sleep, breastfeeding and physical changes. But if the symptoms persist or become severe enough to interfere with a mom’s ability to function, it’s time to ask for help.
“Sometimes, it’s not just the ‘baby blues,’” said Sarah Roberts, a nurse practitioner specializing in maternal mental health. “Sometimes, it really is hormonal or chemical, and we need to do a little bit more.”
Women might struggle with more than just feeling down after giving birth, Roberts added. Postpartum depression presents itself in a variety of ways, including intrusive thoughts, severe anxiety and obsessive behavior.
In Southern Utah and across the state, Valley Women’s Health is working to break down the barriers that prevent moms from getting the support they need. Roberts joined the practice seven years ago and transferred to the St. George clinic in 2021 to help improve access to mental health resources for local women.
Many women are silenced by the stigma attached to postpartum depression and anxiety, Roberts said. Especially in smaller, more traditional communities like St. George, mental illness is often disregarded as something that either isn’t real or can be worked through.
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Another obstacle that many women encounter while seeking help is a lack of mom-specific resources. In most cases, attending an inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment program isn’t feasible for new moms, and many mental health providers have extensive waiting lists.
Currently, Valley Women’s Health provides medication management as well as natural, conservative measures to help with mental health if patients want to avoid medications. They connect moms with resources in the community, including support groups and therapists. Telehealth appointments are available to make these services more accessible.
“The biggest misconception about postpartum depression and anxiety is that there’s only one way to treat it,” Roberts said. “But there are so many different options out there. Medication is just one of many resources they can access, and we tailor a treatment plan for every patient that’s very individualized.”
At Valley Women’s Health, patients undergo routine mental health screenings throughout their pregnancy and after giving birth. If their results generate concern, the clinic will reach out to offer an appointment with Roberts or another mental health provider. The consultation addresses their current symptoms and past medical and psychiatric history, if applicable, to formulate a customized treatment plan.
Additionally, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is now live and available 24/7/365 in English and Spanish. The hotline is available for pregnancy, postpartum and post-loss needs. Moms can call or text anytime to connect with a counselor for confidential conversation and support.
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“We offer quick and easy access to these resources,” Roberts said. “We just want to educate and help in any way we possibly can. That’s why we’re here.”
A woman’s body is always changing, and the quality of medical care she receives can have a monumental impact on her overall wellness. Valley Women’s Health assists with the diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, pre-menstrual syndrome, irregular menstruation, lack of menstruation and other health conditions affecting women throughout every stage of life.
The clinic also offers a complete spectrum of gynecological care including annual exams and pap smears, premarital exams, birth control and IUDs, STD screenings, family planning education, cancer screenings and hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, Valley Women’s Health partners with Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital to perform surgical procedures such as hysteroscopies, hysterectomies, tubal ligations, urogynecological repair and vaginal wall repair.
“It’s a small practice, and with small practices comes very individualized care from providers that are genuinely so passionate about what they’re doing,” Roberts said. “If any help is needed, we’re here for you.”
Visit ValleyWomensHealth.com or call 435-628-1662 to learn more and book your appointment today.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Resources
Valley Women’s Health | Address: 295 S. 1470 East, Suite 200, St. George | Telephone: 435-628-1662 | Website.
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