Uplifting New Moms Through upSTART Community Programs

Briana Kirksey felt lost and without purpose—and then she got pregnant with her first child.

She knew things had to change when her nurse told her that she had prenatal depression. Ms. Kirksey’s nurse recommended that she apply for upLIFT, which is part of the upSTART Community Programs (upSTART) launched by Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital.

upSTART includes a suite of programs designed to promote children’s early brain and language development, perinatal maternal mental health, social drivers of health and maternal-child health and wellness. upLIFT is a program for women experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and in the year after giving birth. During their time in upSTART, a licensed social worker meets with participants in person or virtually to help them learn new tools and strategies to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Approximately one in 10 women experience postpartum depression, making these Baylor programs essential for new moms, particularly those with little or no support system. There is high demand for these programs, and donor support is crucial for sustaining these deeply needed services. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has given more than $70,000 to help support upSTART and program participants like Ms. Kirksey.

She applied to upLIFT because she didn’t want to pass the trauma from her past onto her child and wanted to be the best version of herself.

“I feel like it was one of the best programs I went through trying to become a first-time mom.”

“The trauma that I needed to deal with was able to be talked through. My favorite thing that I learned was ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts). I really liked that concept because it really helped me to be more of a positive person in life and with my child. I have a new positive outlook on life and motherhood.”

Over eight Zoom call sessions with a social worker, and with the assistance of workbook materials, Ms. Kirksey has worked through the traumatic events of her past and learned about the tools she could use to overcome her negative thinking and depression. Today, she is a published author and small business owner of You Are Loved, a mental health and suicide prevention brand.

To Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Ms. Kirksey said: “Thank you for donating to upSTART Community Programs because you made it possible for someone who couldn’t really afford therapy to get the help and the healing that they need to be a successful mom … Your support is always needed. There are more mothers out here like me that do need the help and can’t afford it … I was happy to have this opportunity because it changed my life.”