In Response To The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents
On August 28, 2024, almost six years before Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, released “a New York Times Opinion Essay on the critical need to address parent and caregiver mental health & well-being” the doors opened at Relief Parenting Respite and Resource Center. The goal? Prevent and help parents recuperate from parental burnout; to give all parents in my community the relief they need and deserve.
Relief began in an exhausted blur after birthing two babies and experiencing several years of extreme postnatal depletion. “(Relief is) everything I wish I had all in one place”; affordable and reliable childcare, a quiet place to rest, the ability to get work one, camaraderie and non-judgmental support, as well as vetted community resources.
It turns out, I am not alone; as confirmed by the US Surgeon General, these desires are more than just wants, they are needs. Unfortunately, there are no other non-medical professional centers devoted to caring for parents and Relief Parenting Respite and Resource Center remains the first and only of it’s kind.
As a passionate advocate for parental care, both as the Owner of Relief Parenting and an Advanced Postpartum Doula, when I read the essay by Dr. Murthy, I felt seen and validated. Finally! A person of high authority, in a position to enact change, recognizing and giving voice to the population of overwhelmed parents.
Relief Parenting Center aligns with the US Surgeon General recommendations for Communities, Community Organizations, and Schools:
Foster open dialogue about parental stress, mental health, and well-being in culturally appropriate ways.
Relief Parenting’s weekly social support groups offer non-judgmental space for authentic conversation
Equip parents and caregivers with resources to address parental stressors and connect to crucial support services.
As a trusted community Resource Center, Relief formally partners with local practitioners, highly-rated group and private medical practices, and reputable businesses so that we may collaboratively enhance the care and support parents need.
Create opportunities to cultivate supportive social connections among parents and caregivers.
Weekly child-caregiver classes are where parents come to make friends, learn strategies, and interact with their children. Our schedule is always evolving as our Center strives to meet the needs of our families.
Elevate the voices of parents and caregivers to shape community programs and investments.
In order to fulfill our mission of providing parents with the relief they need and deserve, we often ask families to participate in client surveys, offer their feedback, and share their experiences with others.
Strengthen and establish school-based support programs.
Community outreach and education is one of our main priorities. We participate in Seacoast Community Events as well as frequently engage in local sponsorship opportunities and provide educational workshops.
Parents have always known what they need, but they often don’t have the social support and/or resources behind them to take action. I am hopeful that with the recommendations of the U.S. Surgeon General, the critical care parents need will be recognized, resources for well being will be made accessible, and the impactful work Relief Parenting has been providing since 2018 will become a model of care for other communities.
Parents, the Surgeon General recommends the following actions to help yourself and your fellow parents:
Remember, caring for yourself is a key part of how you care for your family.
Nurture connections with other parents and caregivers.
Explore opportunities to secure comprehensive insurance coverage for yourself and your family.
Empower yourself with information about mental health care.
Recognize how mental health challenges manifest and seek help when needed.
Krista Maltais is the Owner of Relief Parenting Respite and Resource Center. She is a mother of two, wife to her high school sweetheart, and passionate advocate for parental support.
Krista holds a BS in Family Studies from the University of New Hampshire, is an Advanced Postpartum Doula and Trainer with DONA International, and the author of “My Baby, Our Doula, and Me”; a book about sibling adjustment and postpartum doula care.
www.KristaMaltais.com