What we do
Global Experience
In "After Birth," we are working to investigate the postpartum experience through interviews with practitioners, mothers and their partners in an effort to learn, connect and expand our understanding of the global impact of perinatal mental health by unveiling the varying prevalence, reported to affect 20% of mothers. It dives into the intricate tapestry of cultural perceptions, and practices surrounding these conditions.
We focus on the impact and potential of understanding these cultural nuances, foreseeing a future where this knowledge shapes more effective support systems and treatment methods.
Regan Rouse, through photography and insightful interactions, doesn’t just highlight statistical data; she works to connect viewers emotionally with women from varied backgrounds, each sharing their own unique and relatable experiences.
We genuinely hope for After Birth Project to make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of perinatal mental health, and cultural understanding, inviting funders to be part of this passionate goal.
Looking for support?
Suspecting signs of postpartum depression? Our comprehensive resources hub is designed to point you towards the support and information you need.
“My career as a documentary photographer in Denver working with growing families provides me with a window into the changing landscape of their evolving lives. The joy I find in mirroring, and processing my own experiences alongside my clients through visual art led me to “After Birth.”
Regan Rouse
Documentary Perspective
Central to this project is the imagery. The camera captures revealing moments, typically overshadowed in clinical or staged settings. These images offer intimate glimpses into the lives of individuals grappling with personal or professional stories of postpartum mood disorders. Viewers are invited to witness the emotional spectrum of perinatal mental health through these 'before and after' snapshots. We hope to provide a perspective that bridges the clinical and the personal, making the experiences of PPD, PPA, & PPOCD less stigmatized and ultimately, making the conversation more accessible to a wider audience.
The Personal + The Professional
Detailing Regan Rouse's personal journey, “After Birth" chronicles her transformation from a new mother grappling with postpartum anxiety to using art and conversation to investigate her own experience. Motivated by her results, Regan is driven to provide connection for those without the proper support, or looking for community, connecting through photography with other mothers. Also fueled by the desire to understand the complexities, and build on the meager reliable bodies of research.
“I began to reach out to professionals in the field, in an effort to learn about the challenges; from societal stigma to the political and financial repercussions of speaking up.”
“After Birth is not just about gathering information; it's about sharing in human stories.”
Outreach and Empowerment
Beyond the documentary project, central to "After Birth" is its outreach and empowerment program. This initiative aims to extend the project’s reach, creating an influential platform for support, education, and community building. This segment of "After Birth" focuses on establishing community workshops and seminars, designed to educate about postpartum depression, offering coping strategies and a space for sharing experiences. In collaboration with healthcare professionals and maternal health organizations, these workshops could serve as crucial touch-points for new parents.
Awareness campaigns form another key aspect of the program, aimed at de-stigmatizing PPD and advocating for better mental health care. Through these diverse initiatives, "After Birth" not only informs and educates, but also fosters a supportive community, amplifying its impact and embodying the spirit of outreach and empowerment.