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.
Other articles by HVP News Reporters