STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As Staten Islander Alexsis Gilles continues to advocate for mental health care and support for mothers who have experienced a traumatic childbirth, she has been able to connect with State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who sees the need for meeting women’s needs in postpartum care.

Gilles, of Grasmere, said she gave birth to her daughter, Ella Rae, two years ago after a very challenging pregnancy and delivery during which she hemorrhaged severely, nearly bleeding to death. Looking back, Gilles, a licensed social worker for the New York City Board of Education, said she needed more assistance recovering from the trauma once she returned home to care for her daughter.

It opened her eyes to the need for support, so she initiated a series of virtual, donation-based g

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