Tag Archives: Perinatal Mood Disorders

Sign the petition in support of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act!

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Sign the petition in support of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act!

written by Susan Dowd-Stone

Last year the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance based in Chicago IL, created a fantastic online petition in support of the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act. The online petition generated over 24,000 signatures – in record time – to send an urgent message to Congress in support of the legislation. Thanks to the consistent efforts of Gloria Pope, Advocacy, Public Policy and Training Director for DBSA, the online petition has been reintroduced as of March 9, 2009 again in partnership with Postpartum Support International.

By clicking on this link (or copying and pasting it in to your browser) http://capwiz.com/ndmda/issues/alert/?alertid=12832296 , you will be taken to an advocacy alert page on the DBSA website where you can scroll down, enter your zip code and generate letters of support for The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act to your Congressman, Senators and committee chairs. It could not be any easier!

While U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and Congressman Bobby L. Rush have lent their power and tireless advocacy to the creation of  protective postpartum depression legislation for years, our support and constituent advocacy will add the force of the people’s will to their upcoming efforts. When well coordinated, the internet offers a constituent megaphone not previously available. Fifteen seconds of your time could forever change a nation’s view of these disorders!

The petition can track results from states and even constituencies within the state based on zip code, so will give us great information on where we need to target continuing advocacy efforts. By consolidating the petition on one website, our results are more reliable as truly representative of individual supporters.

With the legislation expected to go for a full house vote within the month before proceeding to the senate, this is a great time to go on the record in support of this critical legislation. Please visit the website and add your signature or individualize your letter today!! Then forward this link to everyone you know – colleagues, friends, family members and community organizations, so our legislators continue to understand the enormous bipartisan support that exists for this bill! We cannot wait any longer for this life-saving legislation to pass! Help make it happen THIS YEAR!!

Sharing the Journey with Didi

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Hedwige St. Louis, or Didi to those who know her, is an amazing woman doing wonderful things here in the state of Georgia. She’s spearheading the development of a statewide Perinatal resource organization, The Georgia Postpartum Support Network. Her passion for working with women struggling with Postpartum Mood Disorders springs from professional and personal experiences. As an OB, she sees women with Postpartum Mood Disorders through her practice. As a Mom, she is a survivor of a Mood Disorder, something which helped to inspire her to develop this network. Thank you Didi, for taking on such a tremendously important and much needed project!

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Tell us a little bit about who Didi is when she’s not being an OB or volunteering with Postpartum Support.

When I’m not an Ob or volunteering with GPSN, I am a mom to an amazing little guy who just turned 3. I’m married to a DJ of all things and I have a dog. I love to work out, play piano, and read. I was originally born in NYC, then due to my dad’s job I grew up in Europe, South America and the Caribbean. I came back to the US for College and have been here since.

What has been your personal experience with Postpartum Mood Disorders? Did your training and education prepare you at all?

In 2006, after having my son I experienced postpartum depression with some OCD component to it. At the time I was completely unaware and just felt isolated. I had nothing to go on and just thought something was wrong with me and if I just hung in there eventually I would be myself again. A year later my sister made a comment and that’s when I realised that I was depressed for the entire first year of my son’s life, it also explained my extreme hair loss and all the other symptoms. My training and education did not prepare me, because you never think it’s going to happen to you. Furthermore most physician are more familiar with the extremes of Perinatal Mood Disorders, but the subtle ones, where the person is functioning, are harder to catch if you don’t screen the person for it. Now I know that I was a poster child for PMD: Type A, primary bread winner, in charge of household finances, history of depression. But my experience has made me a much better physician and brought me closer to my patients.

Speaking of your training, share with us what limitations (if any) you are faced with as an OB when a woman may be presenting with a Mood Disorder during her Postpartum visit. What do you feel would give you more of an opening or provide more options for you to help women with a PMD?

Now that I have made my mission to be better educated about this illness and its many facets, I feel better prepared because rather than waiting for my patient to present with the illness, I am working to have our whole practice routinely screen our patients so we can catch them early. I also make it a point to educate my patients towards the end of the pregnancy about all the feelings they will experience and I encourage them to feel comfortable in calling our office to talk to any of the providers or nurses. Working with GPSN has also allowed me to identify more resources than i had in the beginning, both online and in the state. My goal is to have resources available to women across the state.

Share with us three things that made you laugh or smile today.

My spinning class this morning, my son’s smile and laugh and some music my husband gave me last night.

We met as you were developing a statewide support network for women and families with PMD’s. How did you get started on this project?

I started on it because I was frustrated at the lack of resources. I had several patients dealing with a perinatal mood disorders and while some did well with the couple of referrals I had, others did not. And for those who didn’t, I had no alternatives. this was frustrating because as a physician, a mom, I am used to providing my patients with answers, solutions and I couldn’t.

Tell us about GPSN. What do you hope to achieve with this organization and where do you see it going?

GPSN was started as a resource and support organization. Our goal is to provide women with the information they need so they can make informed choices and find the right treatment alternative for themselves as they are battling their perinatal mood disorders. Our goals include developing a database of health-care providers who know how to manage PMD, educate all health-care providers who take care of pregnant women so that screening for PMD becomes routine, educate the public about PMD so that family, friends and spouses will better understand PMDs and be better able to support their loved one as they are dealing with their illness. Five years from now, I would like to see GPSN actively participating in the community through our support warm-line, community workshops, support groups and continuing medical education for health-care providers.

What do you find to be the most challenging about parenting? The least challenging?

The most challenging part of parenting, the unpredictability!! I am very type A, I like to plan everything for the next month, Donovan (my son) has a different take on that, for him life is a series of discoveries, so I have had to learn to pace myself and be patient, so I let him find his path.

The least challenging…loving him. He is the best thing I have ever done and for all the pain of that first year, I would do it over in a heartbeat.

As mothers it is so important we remember to Mother ourselves, something we often push to the side. What do YOU do to mother yourself?

This year I am slowly coming into my own, but it’s taken a while for me to start taking care of myself the way I use to before having Donovan. I make time to work out just about everyday, I play with Donovan which is very therapeutic for me and i make time to read. This year I also plan on cultivating my friendships a little better and a little more.

What effect, if any, did your Postpartum experience have on your marriage?

For a while there was a distance between my husband and I. We struggled with communication, but we are working through it and I think my husband understands better the importance of sharing parenting duties, giving me a break and supporting me.

Last but not least, what advice would you give to an expectant mother (new or experienced) regarding Postpartum Mood Disorders?

Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to someone and if you don’t get helpful response, try again until you find it. Don’t give up on yourself, it’s not your fault and there are thousands of women out there who will readily embrace you and help you through this.

Thanks Lauren, those were some very thoughtful questions.

Didi

Maternal & Child Comprehensive Center: My Dream

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As I have grown and continue to grow in my knowledge and support of women and families struggling with Postpartum Mood Disorders, so has a dream of mine. And right now, it is just that – a dream. One day I hope it will become reality. This dream would be realized in the founding of an all inclusive Maternal and Child Services Center.

The Center would be non-profit to allow for sliding scale fees so that no woman or family would have to be turned away. Women of childbearing age would be accepted – intake would consist of consultation with a Nutritionist, a Case Manager to aid in Mental Health, and of course, an OB or Nurse Midwife. Once pregnant, monthly visits with the OB or NM would continue until the eighth month of pregnancy with special appointments with the Nutritionist and Case Manager scheduled every three months or more often as needed. Doulas would also be available. Childcare would also be provided on site to remove the stress of finding child-care for appointments from the mother or family’s life. We would have on-site birthing and recovery as well as Postpartum Cottages for in-patient psychiatric care – homes where a Postpartum Doula and nurses would work round the clock as the family stayed together to recover – rather than being torn apart. Days for Postpartum Care would include therapy for both mom and dad as well as joint parenting classes. At night, Dinner would be a joint effort amongst all patients – creating socialization opportunities for confidence to bloom again in this area.

We would also offer on-site Pediatric Care with Pediatricians trained to recognize signs and symptoms in both mother and child of Postpartum Mood Disorders. Children would be eligible for this care until age twelve.

Regular support for breastfeeding, formula feeding, loss of breastfeeding relationship, infant loss, miscarriage, special needs infants, Postpartum Mood Disorders in both mothers and fathers as well as classes on infant massage, yoga, and other alternative treatment options for soothing stress in families with young children would also be available.

Overall, the primary staff would consist of a Center Director, Social Workers, Psychiatrist, OBs, Nurse Midwives, Lactation Consultants and Counselors, Doulas, Nurses, Nutritionists, Peer Support Specialists, Pediatricians and Childcare Specialists.

During the Childbearing years, it is of utmost importance women take care of themselves, their bodies, and their families. This Center would enable them to do so by informing and empowering them of their options as well as providing quality comprehensive care for every aspect of their lives during this time, something all women deserve to have access to, no matter what their social or financial standing.

Sharing the Journey with Pec Indman

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Pec is one of the warmest people I have had the pleasure of emailing. Ever. She has been super supportive of all that I do and for me it’s amazing that in just four years, I’ve gone from an unsupportive OB to being able to email an expert like Pec and get a response in mere seconds. What a road! Pec is whole-heartedly dedicated to women and families struggling with Postpartum Mood Disorders and like me, I know she’ll never stop doing what she’s doing. Keep up the amazing work and thank you for sharing a bit of yourself with us!

Would you share a little bit about yourself with us?

I grew up in a very loving family. My parents were active in political movements that supported causes including civil rights and the women’s movement. I became a family practice trained Physician Assistant in the 70’s, and worked in Family Practice and women’s health. After deciding to go back to school, I completed a Master’s in Health Psychology, and then a Doctorate in Counseling. I had Megan, my first daughter just after I completed my doctoral coursework. Emily was born almost six years later, after treatment for fertility problems and a miscarriage.

How did you become focused on Postpartum Mood Disorders? What drew you in to the subject?

About 12 years ago, I was in an OB/GYN waiting room and happened to see a flier by Postpartum Support International (PSI) about Postpartum Depression. I realized that although I had years of training and experience in women’s health and mental health, and had delivered two children, I had been taught nothing about mood disorders related to childbearing. I was horrified and angry. I am still outraged that my Master’s program in Health Psychology never covered anything related to specific issues related to women’s reproductive mental health (for example, PMS, perinatal, or perimenopause/menopause). So, I joined PSI, read everything I could, and went to trainings and conferences. I began teaching for PSI and co-authored a book, Beyond the Blues, A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression. We’ve updated it several times to reflect the latest information and research, and are proud to have it in Spanish, as well. I’ve been honored to be invited to participate and contribute in the creation of several federally funded projects on perinatal mood disorders. I feel very honored to do this work. It’s the most rewarding work I’ve done. It’s also the most fun; I work with nice moms, sometimes they bring their babies, and everyone gets better! What could be more fun?

I know different approaches work for different people. What have you found to be the most successful in your practice with Postpartum Women?

My clients describe me as “warm and fuzzy.” I like to think my office is a comfortable place where women and families can feel safe and free from judgments. One of the things I find that women and families thirst for is information. So often I hear, “why didn’t anyone tell me I was at risk?” I practice a model of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is a very practical model that helps people learn how depression and anxiety distort thinking and teaches people how to think differently. My clients really appreciate the practical skills and tools.

As a mom, what have you found to be the most energizing about motherhood? The most challenging?

I feel enormous pride when I watch my girls achieve something they have worked hard to accomplish. The most difficult thing has been standing by while they have experienced life challenges, knowing I can’t take away the disappointment and pain.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in balancing motherhood and work?

I think the idea of “work/life balance” is an impossible goal that sets women up for feeling not good enough. I see it as a juggling act. Sometimes one ball is on the floor-it might be the laundry or the dishes. Or, sometimes a kid gets sick or there is a client emergency. There is no “balance”. I think the key is to be flexible and have clear priorities. Laundry and dishes will always wait for you. I am extremely lucky in that I can arrange my work schedule around my “chauffeur” mom job.

We often encourage mothers to remember to take time for themselves. What is it that YOU do to recharge your batteries?

I am an avid scuba diver and tropical fish lover. My whole family dives, and we just had a delightful family vacation in Cozumel, Mexico. I enjoy taking underwater photos, and my husband takes underwater video. So, when I can’t be with the fish, I can still enjoy their beauty and the magnificent underwater world.

Postpartum Mood Disorder recognition and acceptance has come a LONG way but we still have miles to go. What do you see as some of the hurdles we still have to cross?

We have come a long way, but we have a lot more work to do. Ideally, all women should be informed about risk factors for perinatal mood disorders, before getting pregnant or at a diagnosis of pregnancy. Women should be screened for mood problems during pregnancy and throughout the first year. In order to do this, health care providers need have a better understanding of perinatal disorders and why it so important to take them seriously. And we need to train providers to treat women and families suffering. I am appalled that the most common complication of childbearing is still so misunderstood and poorly treated. I think we need to dispel the myths that still surround perinatal mood disorders. We need to educate women and families about the problem and to be good consumers in seeking treatment. We need to train health care providers to ask the questions and screen, and we need a trained therapist on every street corner.

I believe one of the biggest keys to positive recovery for women is full family involvement -i.e., a supportive and educated husband/partner and family. Of course, education prior to an episode is wonderful but how can we best aid in this process when the family is in the midst of a Postpartum Mood Disorder Crisis?

I agree that family involvement is critical. Whenever possible it is important to include the family in the process of treatment. Often the family is confused and unsure what to say or how to be supportive. Treatment should include family whenever possible.

What makes you smile?

Hanging out with my family, being in a clear turquoise tropical ocean (I did have to learn not to smile at the fish, because it would cause my face mask to leak!), and hearing a mom say “I got my self back”.

And last but not least, if you had a chance to give just one piece of advice to an expectant mother (new or experienced), what would you say?

I have a few words of wisdom:hug and kiss your kids as often as possible, notice the positive, and remember to be emotionally flexible. Know what is developmentally appropriate for your child and have realistic expectations of them. Lastly, if it’s not a health or safety issue, be able to let it go…… somethings aren’t important to make a big issue over.