Parenthood Complications Support Network

Physicians are at higher risk than the general population to encounter difficulties on the path to family expansion. Across all sectors of society, significant stigma continues to exist around infertility, pregnancy loss and postpartum complications. Resources and supports remain insufficient and these experiences are often extremely isolating. To better support colleagues experiencing these challenges, a network was created within the Department of Medicine, comprised of volunteer physicians who have struggled across the spectrum of parenthood and who are willing to provide support to others.

Over 50 individuals have volunteered to date, the majority of whom were directly impacted as well as many partners of those impacted.

Support Network Categories

Infertility
Unplanned Childlessness
Egg Cryopreservation and/or Donation
High-Risk Pregnancy

Twin Gestation
Miscarriage
Late Pregnancy Loss

Prematurity and Neonatal Illness
Postpartum Depression and/or Anxiety
Lactation Difficulties

Resources

Volunteers also shared various resources which have been found to be helpful, including psychologists and psychiatrists specializing in pregnancy complications, in-person and online support groups, doulas, maternal fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists. To access this resource list, please click HERE. (The resource list is on the DOM’s Intranet, so you may be asked to enter your Pitt Passport credentials.)

If you are facing or have faced any infertility, pregnancy and/or postpartum complications and would like to be connected to a network volunteer who has experienced similar challenges, options include:

Email any of the five Department of Medicine Faculty Members who created this network. All communications will be kept confidential.
Contact Victoria Deans, LCSW, Program Manager of the Resident and Fellows Assistance Program and the Physicians’ Assistance Program at deansvr2@workpartners.com.