Dr. Marlene Freeman, director of the Women's Mental Health Program in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, will talk about a new treatment for postpartum depression at 3 p.m. today, Friday, May 19, in the auditorium of Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital (350 N. Wilmot Rd.). This briefing is free and open to the public.

A pilot study by Freeman indicates that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce symptoms of depression in women after childbirth. Research indicates that women's stores of omega-3 fatty acids decrease during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Freeman is an assistant professor in the UA departments of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Nutritional Sciences. Her timing is stellar: May 14-20 has been designated Postpartum Depression Awareness Week by the City of Tucson!