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To underscore today's "Blog for the MOTHERS Act" event, it is important to know the basis of this very important legislature. Postpartum depression is an oft-stigmatized and misunderstood mental disorder, and is consequently under-diagnosed. In conjunction with the other BlogHer MOTHERS Act posts, I'd like to take this opportunity to provide a primer of sorts for PPD. Education and advocacy are the first steps towards successful treatment of all women who suffer from this disorder.
What, exactly, is postpartum depression, and what separates the disorder from the "baby blues?" According to the National Women's Health Information Center, one should contact their doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer:
* Feeling restless or irritable
* Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed
* Crying a lot
* Having no energy or motivation
* Eating too little or too much
* Sleeping too little or too much
* Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
* Feeling worthless and guilty
* Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
* Withdrawal from friends and family
* Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the heart beating fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing)After pregnancy, signs of depression may also include being afraid of hurting the baby or oneself and not having any interest in the baby.
Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), one of the Congressmen who introduced the MOTHERS Act, offers the following information on the legislation:
A major part of prevention is informing new mothers about the symptoms and providing them with the services that are available in their community. This bill helps mothers by providing important education and screening on postpartum depression that can lead to early identification and treatment. The two grants help health care providers educate, identify and treat PPD.
Because the exact cause of PPD isn’t known, research continues to be the key to unlocking the mystery of this condition. This legislation incorporates House legislation, the Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act, which would expand and intensify research at the National Institutes of Health with respect to PPD and psychosis, including increased discovery of treatments, diagnostic tools and educational materials for providers.
The MOTHERS Act will be instrumental in overcoming PPD by allowing greater funding for research and education. Meanwhile, if you feel that you may be suffering from postpartum depression or know someone else who might be, please don't hesitate to be your own strongest advocate. After contacting your physician, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following steps for coping with PPD:
* Try to get as much rest as you can. Try to nap when the baby naps.
* Stop putting pressure on yourself to do everything. Do as much as you can and leave the rest!
* Ask for help with household chores and nighttime feedings. Ask your husband or partner to bring the baby to you so you can breastfeed. If you can, have a friend, family member, or professional support person help you in the home for part of the day.
* Talk to your husband, partner, family, and friends about how you are feeling.
* Do not spend a lot of time alone. Get dressed and leave the house. Run an errand or take a short walk.
* Spend time alone with your husband or partner.
* Talk with other mothers, so you can learn from their experiences.
* Join a support group for women with depression. Call a local hotline or look in your telephone book for information and services.
* Don’t make any major life changes during pregnancy. Major changes can cause unneeded stress. Sometimes big changes cannot be avoided. When that happens, try to arrange support and help in your new situation ahead of time.
For more information:
Postpartum Education for Parents
