Congratulations to William Meyer, MSW, who is the Blue Devil of the Week! He was recognized for his commitment to helping new mothers. Here is a summary of why he was nominated and selected for this great honor! Read the full article by Jonathan Black in Duke Today.
What he does: Meyer spends most of his time at the Duke Perinatal Clinic of Durham, which provides care each week for 150-economically disadvantaged women with high-risk pregnancies. He counsels patients through various issues, including pregnancy and postpartum anxiety, depression and late-term pregnancy loss.
Meyer connects patients to postpartum support groups, parenting classes and nurses who make house calls. He also uses the “Parents at Duke” email list to solicit donations of strollers, car seats, bottles and other items for expectant and new mothers.
“Many of my patients were neglected or traumatized in their own childhood,” Meyer said. “I want them to feel supported while they’re pregnant and during the postpartum period. That’s going to help a woman be the best possible mom.”