Jenny's Light Postpartum Resources

Whoa Mamma! is Now Here

Rebekah Stivers, founder and CEO of “Whoa Mama!” Maternity Wear, donated these products to Jenny’s Light. “Whoa Mama!” is a global retailer of haute couture maternity sleepwear and lingerie for new and expecting moms. Through our new online shop at jennyslight.org, every item will be sold at wholesale prices – and every penny will go to our foundation.

Thank you, Rebekah!

steps to get help

Steps to take if you have symptoms of depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy:

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it is very important to get support immediately. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Though it can be scary to ask for help, they can help keep you and your baby safe and help you take the first steps towards getting better.

Tell someone you trust how you are feeling. It is important that you feel safe with the person and that they support you in a non-judgmental way. Ask them to help you find support. Examples of someone you can tell:

Your partner
A family member
A friend
A healthcare professional
A religious leader

Review the complete list of steps to follow if you or someone you know may need help.

about jenny’s light

On December 19, 2007, Jennifer and Graham Gibbs Bankston tragically passed away. Jenny suffered silently with postpartum depression but her symptoms could have been detected and treated. Jenny’s Light was created by her family to be a source of information, hope and inspiration. We strive to stop this type of tragedy from happening to others. The mission of Jenny’s Light is to improve and save lives by increasing awareness of all perinatal mood disorders including postpartum depression.

Jenny’s Light Presentation

On May 26, 2010, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services co-sponsored a training event for New Jersey healthcare providers. Perinatal Mood Disorders: Unexpected Outcomes gave attendees insight into PMD’s impacts on families, how parents handle a sick baby, the specific issues that trauma and abuse survivors face throughout pregnancy, and how untreated PPD can lead to tragic outcomes. Randy Gibbs spoke about his sister, Jenny Gibbs Bankston, who suffered from undiagnosed postpartum depression and took her infant son’s life and then her own. Randy is the executive director of Jenny’s Light, an organization founded in his sister’s memory. Email Randy if you are interested in Jenny’s Light speaking at your event.

Recent Media

Becky Lavelle (Jenny’s twin-sister), a pro triathlete won the Rev3 Florida Half-Ironman on Sunday, October 28th in Boca Raton, FL to cap-off a great season. She used a great 56 mile bike leg and a strong 1/2 marathon run (1:24!) to win the event by 90 seconds. She is 37 and has been competing in triathlon for 18 years (15 as a pro). What an amazing athlete! Congratualtions Becky!

Post-race interveiw: http://vimeo.com/52339210
Pro race recap: http://vimeo.com/52378429

May issue of Triathlete magazine

The May issue of Triathlete magazine features a story on Jenny’s twin-sister Becky and her unbelievable 2008 season, winning the prestigious Toyota Cup overall and having her best season ever. From Triathlete magazines website: Triathlete’s May issue features a story on pro triathlete Becky Lavelle and the tragic loss of her twin sister Jenny and her nephew Graham. Due to the overwhelming response from readers, we are providing follow-up information on the impact of postpartum depression on women across the country. Read the entire article‘

Read the follow up article

5/10K & Kids Fun Run

Cooking With Jenny’s Family & Friends Cookbook Now Available!

Jenny’s Light Earns over $8,500 From The Janus Charity Challenge People’s Choice Awards

We Proudly Announce Circle of Moms

A Sweet New Way To Support Jenny’s Light

Whoa Mamma! is Now Here

5th Annual Fun Runs

Every Woman Counts

steps to get help

JL featured on Groupon

about jenny’s light

Recent Media

May issue of Triathlete magazine