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.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Understanding 'Warning Strokes'

    What to expect if you experience stroke symptoms, even if they disappear

    Diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “warning stroke,” can be challenging because symptoms often disappear within an hour. However, it’s important to seek emergency assessment to help prevent a full-blown stroke. read more »
  • Managing your family's year-round health

    Protect everyone from infectious diseases

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight off infections. read more »
  • What to know about Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life

    Each year, an estimated 500-1,000 people nationwide are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While there’s currently no cure, treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. read more »
  • Bring back family bonding this fall

    3 ways to free up busy schedules to spend time with loved ones

    Busy fall schedules often leave little time for the things that matter most – sharing special moments with those you love. This year, as time seems to speed up during another school year, making family bonding a priority in your household can start with a few simple tricks. read more »
  • Top tips for a more organized kitchen

    Save time and money

    Better organization in the kitchen means spending less time searching for the right ingredient or tool so you can have more time for savoring meals with family and friends, and more time for personal pursuits. read more »
  • 6 small, kind gestures to make a big impact each day

    Performing acts of kindness improves individual well-being

    Everywhere you look, you can see moments of kindness. From a friend sending a thoughtful text message to a stranger holding the bus for someone running late or a person paying for someone else’s coffee, acts of kindness happen every day. read more »
  • Keeping babies safe

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers for babies include safe sleeping habits, product recalls, baby proofing & car safety read more »
  • Tips to get tour student prepped for college entrance exams

    Help get your teen ready

    Is the SAT or ACT on the horizon for your high schooler? A lot of emphasis is placed on college entrance exams, and your child may be anxious about their scores. read more »
  • More than two-thirds of Americans plan to get a flu shot this season

    CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® encourage consumers to get an annual flu shot and stay up to date on routine vaccinations

    CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is prepared to meet patients' vaccination and other preventive health care needs as flu season approaches. CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® are offering the annual flu vaccine at locations nationwide. CVS Pharmacy is also offering the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which has been approved for adults ages 60 and up. read more »
  • 10 phrases to say to children every day

    Instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem

    As parents, you play a pivotal role in shaping your child’s character, confidence, and overall development. Every interaction is an opportunity to instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem. read more »