Getting ahead of postpartum depression



Low-cost, easily attainable solutions to postpartum depression

Getting ahead of postpartum depression


Many mental health issues are a lot less stigmatized than they were twenty years ago, especially in the United States. Celebrities openly discuss depression, medications, sobriety, twelve-step groups, and recovery. But according to the New York Times’ Corinne Purtill, writing for the newspaper’s “In Her Words” series, postpartum depression still goes largely unchecked, in part due to OB-GYNs failure to address the potential for it during a pregnancy. Luckily, Purtill points out, recently launched programs help.

“Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for Mothers of Newborns” or the ROSE Program, offers five sessions that train expectant mothers in how roles and relationships change postpartum. These group classes teach assertiveness skills so expectant mothers can ask for the support that they need. Many prenatal clinics across the country, especially those that provide health care for low-income women, are offering the ROSE Program.

Mothers and Babies Program is a cognitive behavioral therapy program offered online or in-person. According to Purtill, it “teaches expectant and new mothers how to identify harmful thoughts, cultivate support networks and seek out healthy mood-boosting activities.” It’s available in more than 20 American states as well as Kenya and Tanzania.

READ MORE: I was ashamed of my prenatal depression

Both programs have good track records, significantly reducing postpartum depression for participants. According to Purtill, “Women who go through the course experience less stress and depression after childbirth, and their children benefit from more responsive parenting and have better development outcomes.”

Both expectant and new mothers face a 1-in-9 chance of experiencing postpartum depression. Researchers estimate that 25% of those cases emerge during the pregnancy itself. But prior to these programs, there was not much focus on counseling women during pregnancy, offering some insurance over a possibility. As Purtill states, regarding the possibility of depression, “In the United States, many expectant mothers get little more than a checklist of questions about their current mood or a cursory discussion with their provider.”

Yet depression can have a significant effect on both mother and baby, and of course family overall. Addressing maternal depression early can, and does, save a great deal of pain down the line.

Resources

Postpartum Resource Center of New York
Statewide, on-line Perinatal Mood Disorders Resource Directory
Moms on Call and Family Telephone Support
Training Institute including the Circle of Caring
PPD Support Group program
Telephone: 631-422-2255
Toll Free: 855-631-0001 Hablamos Espanol
Support for moms and dads. They are open 7 days a week 9am-5pm. All calls are returned the same day. There is no fee for this program.

Postpartum Support International 
Contact: Sonia Murdock
Region: State-wide
Postpartum Resource Center of New York
Phone: 631-422-2255 Landline
Toll Free: 855-631-0001
Hablamos Espanol
sonia@postpartumny.org 

Contact: Krista Shugart
Region: Counties Surrounding Albany: Montgomery, Schoharie, Green, and Columbia Counties
TEXT OR CALL: 518-227-1218 
kshugart.psi@gmail.com

Contact: Kari Esh
Region: Columbia, Dutchess, Ulster & Green Counties
TEXT OR TALK: 845-481-3544 
info@circadianparentcoaching.com
Kari Esh is on leave until mid-2021. In her absence, please reach out to Krista Shugart or Sonia Murdock.



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