LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Imagine a mother without a trusted friend to talk with, to ask questions and to comfort her as she faces the challenges of mothering an infant.

More than 600 women give birth in Lake County each year, and as many as one in five of those mothers lack a support network of family and/or friends to help them adjust to the life changes a new baby brings.

Even the strongest among us would struggle in that scenario, and when the mother suffers, the baby usually suffers too.

In some cases, depression can take hold and threaten the bonding process between mother and baby that is essential to the baby’s healthy development.

Mother-Wise strives to prevent the onset of perinatal depression by supporting local mothers when and where they need it most.

The Saathi home visiting program matches caring volunteers from our community with moms who would benefit from some extra support.

Saathis are required to attend a full-day training seminar, where they learn and practice skills for home visiting, including engaged listening and values.

Saathis also learn some of the signs and symptoms of perinatal mood disorders so they can help a mom find more support if she needs it.

The volunteer training seminar previously planned for Saturday, Jan. 28, has been rescheduled.

The next training will be Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Please mark your calendars and join them.

For more information call Jaclyn Ley at 707-349-1210.