The Perinatal Project: Mental Health Advocacy for Mothers: Today's press conference on the Hill

Many thanks to the fabulous Adrienne Griffen, advocate-mom and PSI coordinator for the state of Virginia, for this recap of today's Capitol Hill press conference to re-introduce The MOTHERS Act into Congress:

"The press conference was terrific. Senator Menendez and Representative Rush were well-educated in their understanding of the need for legislation that would screen women for PPD and provide information for them, as well as ongoing research. The five women who spoke were all passionate, articulate, and , in the words of Sen Menendez, 'forces to be reckoned with.'

Brooke Shields spoke emotionally about her experience with PPD following the birth of her first daughter, at times tearfully explaining how disconnected she felt from her daughter and how she wished she could "disappear permanently." She implored Congress "from the bottom of my heart" to pass this much-needed legislation.

Mary Jo Codey, the former First Lady of New Jersey and a longtime postpartum depression awareness advocate, also recounted her experience with postpartum depression 23 years ago following the birth of her son and her experience with electro-shock therapy treatment. Her message to Congress was the same: No other women should have to suffer the way that she did and that it would be a fitting Mother's Day present to women throughout the United States to pass this legislation.

Carol Blocker spoke about the postpartum psychosis that led to her daughter's suicide following the birth of her only child. She was tearful throughout the press conference as she recalled that her granddaughter asked yesterday whether they could make a cake for her mother.

Susan Stone, president of Postpartum Support International, spoke forcefully about the need to help women everywhere, adding that Iran was a recent addition to the list of countries where PSI volunteers are active. She explained how PPD affects women without regard for race, education, age, or socioeconomic status. Ms. Stone recounted that PSI's message to women is that "you are not alone, you are not to blame, and that with help, you will be well" -- important words for any woman experiencing PPD who feels isolated or like a bad mother.

Sylvia Lasalandra, a mother from New Jersey, told of her experience with postpartum psychosis, how she felt herself a "monster" who feared doing harm to her newborn daughter, and of how her parents cared for her daughter for several months while she recovered. She has since written a book called A Daughter's Touch, which was also the basis for an award-winning short film. (I was moved to tears by her story). She threatened Congress that if they did not act on this legislation that she would be back with her Sicilian mother (in dressing gown) in tow. Sen Menendez referred to Ms Lasalandra as a "firecracker," and she really was hot about this issue.

When asked whether they had been informed about PPD during any time prior to their experience, all the women responded that they had not, and they encouraged early education and screening as the primary tool for preventing PPD.

All eyes were on Brooke Shields, as you might imagine, and she was terrific - emotional, truthful, humble (in one instance, she reached over to retrieve Ms. Lasalandra's papers before the fell from the podium), compassionate (when Mrs. Blocker was tearing up, she tried to find a tissue for her), and truly an outstanding advocate for this issue. I really hope that she provides the celebrity hook that is needed to get things done.

I was amazed at how much press coverage was there -- shows what a celebrity can do for a cause."

Thanks again, Adrienne, for sharing this play-by-play from the press conference!

p.s. The companion bill in the US House, the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Act (HR 20), now has over 110 sponsors. It's big progress!

Mental Health Advocacy for Mothers

Today's press conference on the Hill

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