One of the problems with women getting hit so hard by postpartum depression and other related illnesses is that honest information about such issues is completely glossed over by most everyone who prepares women for childbirth and beyond. In my birth prep class, the nurse from my hospital mentioned the baby blues, maybe a sentence about PPD, and then said, "But none of my patients ever have that problem, and you won’t either." The book What To Expect When You’re Expecting devotes two-and-a-half pages to it (see pgs. 398-400) and includes information like "Probably the only good thing about postpartum depression is that it doesn’t last very long — about 48 hours for most women." Then the authors go on to talk about such remedies as getting help from others, unwinding with a cocktail, going out to dinner, and getting to know other new mothers. Finally, at the very end, there is one single paragraph that mentions seeking counseling if it lasts for more than two weeks accompanied by " … sleeplessness, lack of appetite, a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness …" Two pages, and only one paragraph that begins to get at the truth of this terrible illness. Yet this is the quintessential guide for pregnant women everywhere. I think it’s important to get over the fear of upsetting mothers with uncomfortable information in pregnancy. I wish someone had told me what intrusive thoughts were before my son was born, so I wouldn’t have sat alone in fear that I had lost my mind.
The Truth Doesn't Hurt
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You are so right! Almost a year ago, I began what would have been a two-year course to become a Doula. Doulas of North America, DONA, is the organization that trains women to become the first line of defense for new mothers. (A Doula sees the mother at least once before labor and delivery, stays with and coaches the mother through labor and delivery, and makes one postpartum home visit to make sure all is okay.) Finally I thought, here is an organization that covers postpartum! To my amazement, and disappointment – "nothing" of the three phases, nor respective symptoms in Baby Blues, Depression, nor Psychosis was ever mentioned in either the Child Birth Class nor the Seminar I attended as part of the Doula Certification Process. I immediately wrote DONA a letter of introduction, and asked them to please include the vital postpartum information in their training of women who want and already have Doula Certification. Almost a year later, and still no reply from DONA. How affective can professionals be toward prevention if they are not properly trained to know what to look for in a postpartum mother. From 1972 until 1992, the very term "post-partum" was omitted from the DSM's, the diagnosis code book doctors must use to properly diagnose patients. Medical students during those twenty years, were not trained in postpartum symptomatologies, and these are some of the very doctors who are not able to help at-risk mothers today. I wonder, are the medical students of today being adequately trained so that future medical care for mothers will be a given right, rather than a non-issue? Perhaps a professional who might read this could let us know? We have a long way to go, but Post Partum Progress will get us there. Thanks Katherine!
Hello, I live in Mooresville, Indiana
My name is Crystal, I have a four year old daughter and she has changed my life! I have always wanted to be in this field. I have been searching and searching the internet for schools so that I could get rainning. But I am haveing such a big problem not being able to find any. Could you help me?
Crystal Senteney
hello my name is francesca i am so inspired by you i suffered from ppd for one and a half years until i became si desperate i abandoned my precious baby it has been alomost two years since i have been away from him the guilt is so horroble i talk to the father of my baby boy, amy son often and plan to be a part of his life again, but i am so afraid to go back!! help any advice also i kept a huge journal for wich i kept notes of my experriences in mental hspitals, and programs the wrong information i was given the terrible treatment and education given to women with ppd and my story with this disease which aslo turned into a somewhat socail study of womens issues it turned into 300 pages for which i would like to turn into a book to help other women do you know any information to help me with this. again i greive fro your loss, and i send you much love in my heart. francesca 415 574 9288 all mothers suffering please call me any time day or night i want to help!!!