More Postpartum Depression/Postpartum Anxiety Support
November 16, 2008 by Dr. Heather
Filed under Babies, Motherhood
Julie Malone of CoolMomGuide launched a support forum for moms with postpartum depression and anxiety. She’s also hooked it up to play my podcast on PPD/PPA. If you haven’t listened to it yet, hit my podcast button to the right, or listen to it over at Julie’s place!
A new mom has about a 10% chance of having postpartum depression or anxiety. This is the most common complication of childbirth. Postpartum illness impacts the entire family. Not only does it affect mom’s mood, it impacts the development of the baby — and the functioning of the entire family. Most of us are too ashamed to ask for help — yet it is very treatable! If you or someone you care about might have PPD or PPA, please listen to the podcast and take the steps to get help.
Speaking of PPD, just today I jumped over to the “Postpartum Progress” blog from your Shrinky Links over there…how fantastic is that site? Next time I see a friend in need, I’ll be sending her over there for instant reading. If she’s not yet capable of reading, I’ll read it TO her. Wow. There are even posts for my husband to read (still! after 17 months). Thanks, Dr. Heather.
You know, being the mom to two preemies, I think about how hard it would have been to have PPD AND have a baby in the hospital! I’m so fortunate that I didn’t suffer horribly with depression, because I don’t know how my body and mind could’ve handled much more stress. I am so glad that women don’t have to suffer silently with this anymore. I am so glad that people like you are putting it out there, so there is help for them. Mahalo.