RSS
Home
Keep Calling--Reaching Out to Mothers with Postpartum Depression
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
For some mothers struggling with postpartum depression, a phone call from a friend might be just what the doctor ordered. More specifically, phone calls from other women who have overcome PPD seem to be a catalyst to better mental health says one Canadian study. Talking with someone who has "been there" and triumphed over their difficult time has been shown to greatly benefit mothers in depressive limbo.
While many women do suffer from some degree of baby blues after the birth of their children, some display significant depressive symptoms that need further attention. One's risk for PPD is greatly increased if the depressive thoughts/feelings last longer than two weeks.
In the aforementioned study, "women who had overcome PPD were briefly trained in how to establish a phone relationship, provide support and identify depression so they could refer depressed mothers to professional care." They then made regular phone calls to "at-risk" mothers. The study included 701 "at-risk" women of which half received standard postnatal care and half got peer support. With standard care, 25% of the mothers had significant depressive symptoms 12 weeks after delivery. Only about half as many women who had peer support 14% had such symptoms.
Upon deciding that professional help is needed, the first step for mothers is to speak with their OB/GYN who can then determine the degree of help that is needed and can direct the patient to further assistance.
The Beaumont Hospital Parenting Program offers a free service to mothers in Southeast Michigan. Talk therapy as well as further resources for local specialists in your city can be obtained by contacting: Deanna Robb, Beaumont Parenting Program, 3601 W. 13 Mile, Royal Oak MI. 48073 (248) 555-4295
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
