Arizona Gov. Napolitano Proclaims May "Postpartum Mood Disorders Awareness Month"
Arizona's public awareness work this month has been impressive. They're really on the right track!
The state register includes the following notice:
"WHEREAS up to 80% of new mothers experience changes in their emotional health following childbirth, regardless of race, age, culture or socioeconomic status. 15-20% experience more severe symptoms, collectively known as Postpartum Mood Disorders; and
WHEREAS, in 2003 there were 90,783 live births in the state of Arizona, resulting in an estimated 13,617-18,156 mothers who struggled with severe postpartum emotional symptoms in Arizona alone. Postpartum Mood Disorders (PPMDs) have been called “The most significant complication associated with childbirth." PPMDs interfere with mother-infant bonding and disrupt the entire family unit; and
WHEREAS, there are five forms of Postpartum Mood Disorders, including the milder "baby blues" and more severe Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Panic Disorder, and Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The most severe disorder, Postpartum Psychosis, is a life-threatening mental illness associated with a 10% suicide/infanticide rate; and
WHEREAS, with proper awareness, education, intervention, and resources, Postpartum Mood Disorders are nearly 100% treatable; and
WHEREAS, increasing public awareness among all Arizona families on the prevalence, identification and treatment of Postpartum Mood Disorders has significant potential to save lives and prevent the unnecessary suffering experienced by so many families following childbirth;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janet Napolitano, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim May, 2006 as POSTPARTUM MOOD DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH."
Not only has the guv declared May "Postpartum Mood Disorders Awareness Month," but the state's press outlets are also telling the stories of local women who have suffered - and recovered - from perinatal mood disorders, including PPD.
At the same time, the standard of care for pregnant and postpartum women in Arizona is improving. Last week, one Arizona hospital unveiled a new and progressive program for its obstetric patients. The Louisa Kellam Center for Women's Health Nesting Place, at Del E. Webb Memorial Hospital in the West Valley, launched a screening program for PPD on May 18. All women who give birth in the Nesting Place suites will be screened for signs of postpartum depression, combined with an effort to raise awareness about postpartum mood disorders with the woman's spouse/partner and other family members. The straightforward survey includes 10 questions and takes adds a mere 5-10 minutes to the "to do" list for health care providers and birthing women. New moms who score above a certain number on the survey will be referred for professional help.
"Our committee has been working on this for about six months now,” Melinda Roberts, a registered nurse at the Nesting Place, told a reporter for Independent Newspapers. “Due to the overwhelming number of women who face this problem, we felt the need is there for a screening program. PPD is totally treatable. So every woman, prior to their discharge from this facility, will be surveyed with questions dealing with feelings, thoughts, and actions that might indicate PPD."
All around, good news for Arizona women and their babies!