A consideration for any medication during pregnancy or with respect to lactation is an important topic of consideration. Having the best, up to date and evidence-based information is an important element. Here are some resources to consider: MOMMYMEDS.COM MEDSMILK.COM INFANTRISK.COM At Better Beginnings our approach in discussing medication as a potential part of care and...Read More

Standing from left to right: Bailee Howell, our baby whisperer; John V. DePaola, CFO; Kimberly Teitelbaum, PMHNP-BC; Elias Sarkis, MD; Angela Davenport, PMHNP-BC Sitting from left to right: Tiffany Gabriel, MSW; Robin Howell, LPN; Genevieve Camp, LMHC; Lauren DePaola, LCSW, Founder/CEO; Hailey Brown, RMHCI The Better Beginnings team is passionate about serving those we work...Read More

In approximately 1-2 out of every 1,000 births, a woman will experience an illness termed postpartum psychosis. Some common symptoms of this illness include hallucinations, insomnia (inability or lack of perceived need to sleep); delusions (strange beliefs); hyperactivity/rambling/rapid speech; persistent/heightened irritability; paranoia; difficulty communicating and rapid mood swings. This illness most often has a very...Read More

Recently, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), published an updated review on “Pregnancy-Related Deaths.” Find it HERE. The 2017 review gives more information on the following key findings from 14 state Maternal Mortality Review Committees- including Florida: Approximately 1 in 3 deaths during or within a year of pregnancy were pregnancy-related. What does that mean?...Read More

Your team at Better Beginnings The Better Beginnings team is passionate about caring for the individuals and families we have the honor of working with.Read More

Becoming a parent is one of the most significant transitions of a person’s life span. One of the things we often do not expect are the “ghosts” of our personal and family history that show up causing issues in our own relationship with our children. Whaaaat? A clinical social worker and child psychoanalyst, Selma Fraiberg...Read More

This week, 4/29-5/3/2019 is recognized as Maternal Mental Health Awareness week. Social media shares have included a look at individual experiences, education, common symptoms, the lack of care and addressing the many myths that motherhood can hold. How do we reduce the statistics from 1 in 5 (or 1 in 7, depending on what end...Read More

Thank you Nicki for sharing some of your story. Real Moms, real life- not always what we are told to expect. Nicki entrusted the Better Beginnings team to partner in her health. “My Better Beginnings story started 3 years after my daughter was born. I never in a million years thought that I would still...Read More

On Tuesday, March 19, the FDA announced approval of (brand name) Zulresso, a first of it’s kind medication for Postpartum Depression. Zulresso (generic name is brexanolone) was developed through clinical trials by pharmaceutical company, Sage Therapeutics. You can find more about the development and history of Zulresso HERE. The medication is potentially a game-changer for...Read More

Fellow providers, please do not stand in the way of your patient receiving mental health services.  There are plenty of obstacles already in the way of individuals finding and engaging with mental health services; other medical providers should not be one of them.  Mental health stigma, lack of awareness or education, fear, cultural biases, finances,...Read More