Volunteer Spotlight -Shannon from the Warm Line!

The Parent Support Warm Line is often our entry point to all of the services we offer. The Warm Line is answered by staff and volunteers who share life experiences with our callers. By providing peer support, no caller ever feels alone or misunderstood.

We wanted to highlight the personal experiences of a long-time volunteer, Shannon Sandeno, including what led her to the Warm Line and what she wants other parents to know. 

How were you first introduced to the Warm Line? I first heard of the Warm Line from a friend who was on the board 11 years ago. She told me about PSWA, and I immediately knew I wanted to volunteer, but I didn’t feel enough time had gone by from my own experience to be helpful. It just wasn’t a good time. I signed up for the PSWA newsletter though, and one day, 9 years later, I was reading the newsletter, and the “Volunteers Needed” grabbed my attention. I knew it was time and I’ve been volunteering ever since.  

What have you gained working on the Warm Line? 

It’s very rewarding to know I’m helping someone who is going through challenges like I  was after my daughter was born. It can be a very isolating and lonely time when you’re experiencing postpartum challenges, and it’s really hard to reach out. I feel honored that parents let me into their lives and that I can give back by connecting to and supporting them.  

Do you have any overarching advice for a person experiencing a perinatal mood and/or anxiety disorder? 

You are not alone in your struggles. 1 in 5 women experience postpartum challenges.  With the right support, you will feel like you did before it started. You will get better by getting the support you need.  

What does a call on the Warm Line often look like when speaking with a parent?  

It really varies. Some parents call in the middle of a crisis, and some are very straightforward about what’s happening to them. Some parents go into detail about what’s happening and want to talk for a long time, and others get right to the point. When the call is wrapping up I always let them know they can reach out before our next scheduled time to talk. I want them to know that they’re not alone in what they are going through.  

What role have you seen peer support play? 

I think peer support helps parents let their guard down and, in turn, receive more support from the volunteer. When they know the person they’re talking to has lived experience with pregnancy or perinatal challenges, they’re often able to have more trust in the process.