Finding the Right Support

Patient Testimonial

Amanda Bagley

During a difficult pregnancy with her daughter, 28-year-old Amanda Bagley experienced elevated anxiety. The feeling of despair was not new for the young mother, but the care she received in response made all the difference.

In a routine visit to Concord Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bagley shared how she was feeling with Tiffany Burr, RN, and Heidi Hallonquist, MD. That led to an unexpected follow-up call from Hallonquist and a referral from Burr to talk with a counselor on the Postpartum Emotional Support (PPES) team at The Family Place.

I've never had somebody reach out to support me so personally,” Bagley says. “I was reassured by Heidi that I was not the only one going through this. Any time after that when I had any questions or had anxiety, both Heidi and Tiffany made me feel like it was okay to feel that way.”

Bagley’s support has continued since the birth of her baby girl in May 2023, and she is grateful that Concord Hospital offers free postpartum counseling services. Over the last several months, she has formed a close bond with Audrey Redmond, a PPES counselor who has helped Bagley take control.

I've dealt with anxiety since I was 11,” Bagley says, “and I’ve never been able to figure out how to cope with it until I met Audrey. For anybody experiencing this, I can say it takes time to feel better, but finding the right support is enough to change your entire life.