PPD: What you need to know

Postpartum Depression:What You Need to Know : 

Shari Schock, MOPS Council Coordinator Postpartum Depression:What You Need to Know

The Goal of Pregnancy – To have a baby? : 

The Goal of Pregnancy – To have a baby?

Myths of Motherhood : 

Myths of Motherhood Myth #1 – Motherhood is Instinctive Myth #2 – The Perfect Baby Myth #3 – The Perfect Mother

The Reality : 

The Reality Hormone Changes Sleep deprivation Alone at home 24/7 job caring for baby Little time for self Overwhelmed Life is never quite her own again

The Most Common Complication During and After Pregnancy… : 

The Most Common Complication During and After Pregnancy… DEPRESSION! A mood disorder that interferes with everyday life for an extended time.

Forms of Postpartum Depression : 

Forms of Postpartum Depression Baby Blues Postpartum Depression Postpartum Psychosis Postpartum PTSD Postpartum Anxiety

Down and Dirty on causes of depression… : 

Down and Dirty on causes of depression… Changes in hormone levels Stressful life event Family history Mom does not bring it on herself No shame or blame with postpartum depression; just the need for help!

Consequences of Postpartum Depression : 

Consequences of Postpartum Depression Mother Ability to parent Lack of energy Trouble concentrating Irritable Not able to meet child’s needs for love and affection Feel guilty Lose confidence in herself as a mother Infant Delays in language development Problems with emotional bonding Behavioral problems Sleep problems

What if you are feeling depressed? : 

What if you are feeling depressed? You are not alone. Your experience is real. This is a medical condition, just like a broken bone is. It is treatable! There is hope as long as you let others help you. Keep coming to MOPS! Be open to others if they feel you need help. GET HELP! You have much to lose if you don’t. Take the PPD self-test on the handout.

What can you do to help someone else? : 

What can you do to help someone else? Be aware of signs and symptoms Encourage the mom to seek medical help from a healthcare provider Listen and be proactive Provide support

My own journey through postpartum depression… : 

My own journey through postpartum depression…

For more information: : 

For more information: Postpartum Support International Postpartum Depression Helpline: 1-800-944-4PPD www.postpartum.net

Questions? : 

Questions? We are all in this together! “Even in the darkest moments of depression, there is hope.”

“Listening” : 

“Listening” On the outside looking in You see a smile and all is well Yet if you look a little closer You’d see the pain in which I dwell. You ask me how I am But the truth you do not seek For if I show you my pain You do not let me speak.   On the inside looking out I see the joy in others’ lives I wonder where my joy has gone Its absence hurts my eyes.   Through the haze I see the days go by And I watch my child grow I fear my acts will scar her Or is she just too young to know. My child is so precious to me The most beautiful thing I’ve seen I love her more than life itself And yet sometimes I’m so mean.   I don’t know why I get so angry When her cries are just her speech She does not deserve my anger Or my attitude of defeat.   You tell me she’s a good baby Don’t you think I already know? Your words just drive the pain harder When all I want is to let go.   Why are you so scared to hear The truth behind my smile? I need for you to understand To listen for a while. It is the illness that I suffer A bad person I am not As a mother I do my very best I give it everything I’ve got.   In time I will be well again But for now I need you here For a shoulder just to cry on Or an understanding ear. Sherri Hardy , Client of the Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre, Infant Clinic May 30, 1996