The inspiration behind Sue’s Center
Sue was a spirited and bright woman from Indiana who loved being a mother. Sue had five babies between 1971-1976. After having a tubal ligation to prevent pregnancy, Sue unexpectedly had a sixth baby in 1986.
In addition to the physical and mental impacts of pregnancy and parenting six children, Sue also experienced abuse in multiple romantic relationships and developed an addiction that eventually took her from her children and this world in 1994.
The daughter Sue had in 1986 went on to become a licensed clinical social worker. In the hopes of helping women like Sue have better outcomes, she founded Sue’s Center in January 2025.
Why is it needed?
In the United States, 1 in 5 people experience a mental health disorder during pregnancy and the year after birth. Up to 1 in 10 partners experience emotional and mental health challenges during and after their partner's pregnancy. The #1 complication of pregnancy is depression and anxiety. Overdose and suicide are a leading cause of death for postpartum people in the US, and Indiana has the 3rd highest maternal mortality rate in the US.
Our mental health during this time is closely linked to our physical health and the environment we’re in. While it is common knowledge that this is a vulnerable period, most providers are not extensively trained in perinatal needs. This can lead to misdiagnoses and ineffective treatment.