Postpartum Depression

October 24, 2007, is Blog Day for the MOTHERS Act. You can read a ton more about it at Postpartum Progress. Since I have to run to get to work, I'll quote them directly about the Act:

What is the MOTHERS Act? The Moms Opportunity to Access Help, Education, Research and Support for Postpartum Depression Act, or MOTHERS Act (S. 1375), will ensure that new mothers and their families are educated about postpartum depression, screened for symptoms and provided with essential services. In addition, it will increase research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression. The bill is sponsored by Senators Menendez and Durbin.

And, stepping into my public health voice: Between 15 and 40% of mothers in the US suffer from postpartum depression, depending on population subgroups. While almost all new mothers get the "baby blues", postpartum depression is much more serious and long-lasting. Postpartum depression can strike any woman, but rates are exponentially higher among low-income women, women of color, adolescent mothers, women with a history of depression, and women who have a history of current or previous abuse. Very few women receive treatment. Untreated depression can have a life-long impact on a woman and on her children.

Please take a moment to call your senator about the bill today. More information is available at Postpartum Support International.

It's an enormous amount of work to be a mom. We, as a country, should do everything we can to support women in raising the children they chose to have. Here's me with my awesome mom.

Mom and I, originally uploaded by zannect.