Welcome Back

This month, we are proud to share the exciting news that we are acquiring the incredible nonprofit organization Parent Support of Puget Sound, which will enable us to offer more resources for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss support. Check out the statement below from their ED, Doug Lacy-Roberts, who will serve on our board, on the history of the organization and its new era under our umbrella here at Perinatal Support Washington.

Parent Support of Puget Sound's (P.S.) volunteers and clients are thankful for the acquisition of P.S. into Perinatal Support Washington (PS-WA). PS-WA’s mission and objectives align well with P.S.’s and together, we are uniting to provide a greater level of service and outreach to local families with pre-infant/infant losses.

For over 30 years, P.S. proudly achieved its mission of supporting parents and others who have had a miscarriage, still-birth, SIDS, or other infant loss. P.S. and its volunteers positively impacted many lives and its vision and objectives will continue to be met and achieved as a result of its merger into PS-WA.

Thanks to Dr. Ayanna Gore and the PS-WA team for their work on the proposal and a special thanks to P.S. representatives Casey Raker, Ali Furtwangler, Liz Schoos, and Sanjay Radhakrishnan for all their hard work. P.S. representatives are committed to working with PS-WA to ensure a smooth merger transition and implementation.

Doug Lacy-Roberts

Outgoing President of P.S.

An Interview with LeChante' Raiwalui, our Parent Resilience Specialist/ Indigenous Emotional Support 'Bestie'

In this interview, we hear from LeChante' about the Parent Resilience Program, culturally matched care, vulnerability, and more.

"I hold space often for those facing a sense of loss of self, navigating the impacts of colonial harms, anxiety and depression, and navigating relationships with loved ones. My goal is to affirm these experiences and allow enough space to sit with them as they need. Then, when families are ready to move forward or access the wellness toolbox, I am there and ready to guide them on this path."

Full Interview

A New Report from Global Perinatal Services

In June 2023, Global Perinatal Services conducted a needs assessment focusing on the perspectives of clinical and non-clinical birth workers serving Eastern and Central Washington. This assessment aimed to illuminate the challenges, experiences, and needs of BIPOC birth workers in the region. The ultimate goal was to advance equitable, inclusive, and culturally tailored perinatal care, and to improve maternal and child health outcomes among BIPOC communities in the region.

This overview highlights key findings from two interview cycles with eighteen birth workers serving Central or Eastern Washington. Read more below.

Full Report

It's National Breastfeeding Month -This Year's Theme is Nourish, Sustain, Thrive

Every August we at PS-WA celebrate chestfeeding (the more inclusive term we like to use for breastfeeding) while acknowledging that not everyone is able to, and offering our support. We wanted to share a few partner orgs that help with common issues when trying to chestfeed, and as always, our Warm Line is available if you are having difficulties chestfeeding, having feelings of disappointment or guilt around not being able to chestfeed, or just need emotional support for any issue around your parenthood journey.

Warm Line: 1-888-404-7763

Kelly Mom

Infant Risk Center

La Leche League International

MotherToBaby

Updates on Staffing and More

So far this year, we have been learning and growing strategically, with a focus on our mission to transform perinatal mental health in Washington. Under the guidance of our Interim Executive Director, Dr. Ayanna Gore, we've been restructuring, expanding our board, and extending our program reach. We are excited about the next chapter in our journey. In case you were wondering, we have secured a search firm to assist in finding our next permanent Executive Director! We will keep you updated on the hiring process and share the official job posting soon.

We're Hiring!

The Parent Resilience Program is hiring a Peer Support Specialist Serving Latinx/Spanish-Speaking Families.

This is a full-time remote role based in King County, see link for details!

Job Posting

Save the Date!

Parent Support of Puget Sound, which is now a part of PS-WA, will be holding its annual Walk to Remember on Oct 13th at Gene Coulon Beach Park in Renton. As stated by P.S., "In every step, we carry the love and memories of those we hold dear. Together, we walk, we remember, and we honor." More info coming soon!

Meet Our Newest Board Members

We are proud to announce the addition of 4 new board members to our team whose skill sets bring a wealth of experience. You can read their bios on our About Us page, and if you are interested in joining our board, please contact: ayanna.gore@perinatalsupport.org

Parent Support Warm Line 1-888-404-7763

Se habla español

With your support, we can shine a light on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and give families the care they need. Please support our lifesaving services.

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