"A great advocate": N.Y. state senator backs Staten Island mother's push for better postpardum care
Originally published in
Staten Island Advance
on
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As Staten Islander Alexsis Gilles continues to advocate for mental health care and support for mothers who have experienced a traumatic childbirth, she has been able to connect with State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who sees the need for meeting women’s needs in postpartum care.
She’s also been working with Scarcella-Spanton, who has attended a support group.
“Alexis has been a great advocate,’' the senator said, noting she’s working with Gilles and considering whether legislation or a pilot program might be best to address the need for better follow-up care for postpartum women.
A more comprehensive plan will be in place heading into the January session, Scarcella-Spanton said.
“I had the privilege to meet with her support group, and so many women simply feel they just need someone to see if they are OK,’' said the senator, who represents the North Shore and parts of Brooklyn. ”Postpartum mental health check-ins are vital, and we should be meeting women where they are at, and more frequently."
