“Baby blues”, a common condition following the birth of a baby, is characterized by sadness, anxiety or exhaustion. Approximatley 7 out of 10 women experience this, and usually it lifts in the first few weeks after the baby is born. Postpartum depression that does not lift by itself after a few weeks may require medical help. Approximatlely 1 in 10 women will experience postpartum depression, usually within the frst year after the birth of a child.

For many reasons mood disorders after pregnancy often go undiagnosed. As a society we place great expectations on new parents – media images portray perfect bonding between a radiant, new mother, supportive father and perfect infant.

The real and painful stigma faced by individuals living with mental illness is only magnified for new moms experiencing a perinatal mood disorder. Shame. Guilt. Embarrassment. Fear the authorities will take the baby. Being a bad mother – these feelings only add to the new parent’s stress and sense of inadequacy. Seeking medical help for a physical illness is supported and even taken for granted. However, admitting to depression or a diagnosis of mental illness is frequently met with denial, disbelief, or lack of sympathy.

As with many illnesses, prevention is the best medicine. During the third trimester of pregnancy health care providers can discuss any unrealistic expectations and ask if the pregnant mother-to-be has supportive people to help out after the baby arrives. If necessary, a referral can be made to psychological services.
After the baby arrives, family and friends can help by dispelling the myth of perfect motherhood and being understanding if housework or unimportant tasks go undone. Pediatricians who see new mothers and babies for well-baby visits may notice if the newborn is affected by the mom’s lack of enthusiasm or attentivelness. This is a perfect time to refer a new mom for screening, parenting education or counseling services.

One to two per 1000 new mothers will experience postpartum psychosis. This is a psychiatric emergency that requires hospitalization and immediate separation of of the mother and baby. Dial 211 to find emergency services in your county.
General information and help is available online at several excellent sites:

• Postpartum Support International – www.postpartum.net has online resources for mothers, family and partners, and healthcare providers. Many are available in English and in Spanish.

• Postpartum Resource Center of New York – www.postpartumny.org also has links to variety of resources, not the least of which is a site that caters to men with Paternal Postnatal Depression.

www.postpartummen.com Here, new fathers who are feeling low, or who may need to find help for a wife or partner who seems depressed, will find that they are not alone.

Community resources may include support groups for new mothers, mother and baby programs at local libraries, and programs and services sponsored by local Mental Health Associations and hospitals. Call our Perinatal Network staff at Maternal-Infant Serrvices Network to learn about resources that are available in your community.

Caren Fairweather, MPS, is the executive director of Maternal-Infant Services Network (MISN) of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties, a not-for-profit organization that coordinates health and human services for pregnant women and children. Contact MISN at 1-800-453-4666 or visit www.misn-ny.org.

For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.