This important call-to-action from Susan Stone, president of Postparutm Suport International (PSI):

Last Friday, Senator Robert Menendez reintroduced The MOTHER's Act at a Capitol Hill press conference. Also speaking were Congressman Bobby L Rush, NJ First Lady Mary Jo Codey, actress Brooke Shields, author Sylvia Lasalandra, advocate Carol Blocker and PSI president Susan Dowd Stone.

While The MOTHER's Act is gathering steam, we still need Senate co-sponsors from BOTH sides of the aisle. Please call and write your local and state senators TODAY, reference the Capitol Hill press conference and ask them WHERE THEY STAND on this issue. Ask them to endorse this legislation. We must capitalize on this momentum to create more sponsorship for this important legislation. Please forward this email to all related consortia, healthcare facilities, maternal child health agencies and organizations.

You may find out who your local and state senators are by visiting this website.

Your support has gotten us this far. Please join in the final push!

Posted by Sarah M. at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (3)

This Mother's Day, one of my consulting clients, the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB), has teamed up with Mental Health America (MHA) in support of its "Real Lives" program to increase awareness of perinatal mental health.

MHA's "Real Lives" program is one-of-a-kind, offering a forum for people to share stories about the challenges of dealing with mental health issues.

This virtual support group in-the-making holds potential to make a powerful impact by letting moms know that they are not alone and that help is available. For more information, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 02:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

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!

Posted by Sarah M. at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1348) | TrackBacks (4)

Thanks to AWHONN for speaking out swiftly and strongly after to today's re-introduction of The MOTHERS Act into Congress. Here's their release, hot off the press:

"The 'Moms' Opportunity to Access Help, Education, Research and Support for Postpartum Depression Act' (MOTHERS Act), introduced today by Senator Menendez, is groundbreaking legislation that has the potential to help countless families and save lives.

The MOTHERS Act would award states grants to educate new mothers about PPD, screen them for the condition in the first year after birth and provide needed support in the event of a PPD diagnosis. A second grant program under the proposed law would subsidize direct medical assistance to PPD mothers and their families and support
needed research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of the condition."

Posted by Sarah M. at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (2)

Hot off the press, here's the release just issued by the offices of Senator Mendez and Representative Rush, in conjunction with Postpartum Support International (PSI):

A MOTHER'S DAY MESSAGE FROM BROOKE SHIELDS, SEN. MENENDEZ, REP. RUSH AND MARY JO CODEY

WASHINGTON - On Friday morning, leading into Mother's Day weekend, actress Brooke Shields will join U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Mary Jo Codey, wife of former New Jersey Governor Richard Codey, and others to announce the introduction of The MOTHERS Act in the Senate.

The legislation would initiate new federal investment in postpartum depression education, detection, and treatment programs for new mothers. Similar legislation - the Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Act - has been introduced in the House by Rep. Rush.

WHO: Brooke Shields, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), Mary Jo Codey (longtime postpartum depression awareness advocate, wife of former New Jersey Governor Richard Codey), Carol Blocker, (whose daughter, Melanie Blocker Stokes, took her own life after battling postpartum depression)

WHEN: FRIDAY, May 11, 10 a.m.

WHERE: 538 Dirksen Senate Office Building (Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Hearing Room), Washington, DC

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1689) | TrackBacks (3)

Postpartum Support International (PSI) is now offering free Perinatal Mood Disorder Info Sessions via a 1-800 teleconference , with the next scheduled session this week - May 9 at 9 p.m. Eastern.

These Wednesday evening sessions, which are informational only, will be limited to the first 15 callers, offering participants the chance to ask questions and get information from PSI healthcare professionals. The sessions are open to any and all women who feel they may be suffering from a pregnancy-or-birth-related mood disorder (including depression, anxiety), as well as concerned partners, family members or friends.

Participants must call 1.800.944.8766 five minutes before the call begins. For more detailed instructions, click here.

Sessions will last approximately one hour, and callers can choose to remain anonymous.

Important: These info sesions are NOT meant to take the place of visits to healthcare providers, and they do not provide therapy! They provide educational information that can help you understand perinatal mood disorders, supporting you in getting the professional help you need.

THE CALL SCHEDULE:

Wednesday, May 9, 9 PM EST, Facilitator Tonya Honeycutt, PsyD

Wednesday, May 16, 3 PM EST, Facilitator Anne D.S. Smith, CNM

Wednesday, May 23, 9 PM EST, Facilitator Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW

Wednesday, May 30, 3 PM EST, Facilitator Birdie Gunyon Meyer, RN, MA, CLC

Posted by Sarah M. at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The B.S. that goes on in Congress is enough to choke a horse. I'm appalled at Rep. Nathan Deal's attempt to railroad the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Act at yesterday's House subcommittee hearing. He could very well co-opt, delay, or kill this bill, all in the interest of abortion politics.

In an obscene waste of taxpayer time and money, the ranking member decided to divert attention away from PPD by placing the subject of abortion-related depression at the center of his opening remarks. Ironically, Deal is a sponsor of the Blocker-Stokes Act - but it appears that he plans to use HR 20 as a staging ground for another agenda entirely. At best, it's a distraction from the issue of PPD. At worst... It's the lowest form of Capitol Hill slime.

Here's CQ HealthBeat and Kaiser's coverage of what went down:

The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee on Tuesday debated legislation (HR 20) that would aim to identify causes and treatments for postpartum depression, and some Republicans on the panel indicated that the measure should be amended to include language on "postabortion depression.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), would "expand and intensify" research at the National Institute of Mental Health and other agencies on postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. The bill also would provide grants through HHS for the "establishment, operation and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services" for women with the conditions and their families (HR 20 text, 5/2). Rush has been working for passage of the bill since 2001.

Rep. Nathan Deal (R-Ga.) -- the ranking member on the subcommittee and co-sponsor of the legislation -- said in his opening statement that postpartum depression "has consequences not only for the woman but for the child and the family as a whole." He added that more should be known about all aspects of depression, including depression that might occur after undergoing an abortion.

Deal's reference to abortion "triggered a rebuke" from Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), who called the reference "offensive," CQ HealthBeat reports. DeGette said that postabortion depression has not been recognized as a clinical condition by established medical professionals, adding that U.S. women have waited too long for action on postpartum depression to have the hearing diverted into a "political theatre."

Deal cited witness testimony from women who said they developed depression after undergoing abortion. He also said that he would not attempt to modify the bill to include research on the condition, but that his 'Republican colleagues might do so.'

Let me be frank: Thousands of new mothers suffering terribly from this misunderstood, grossly under-diagnosed illness need HELP NOW. Help that can be greatly facilitated by the federal government's funding of new research and public education. A new mama struggling in the depths of darkness - and a newborn baby who needs immediate care and affection - doesn't give a rat's ass about any other issue. She's not a part of your political game. She needs HELP for the condition of PPD, and she needs it NOW.

Deal, or no deal? If you want to assist Rep. Nathan Deal in focusing his attention on the issue at hand... Click here to contact his Washington, DC office, or call them at 202.225.5211. Let Deal's staff know that when he tries to railroad a hearing on a public health policy crucial to women, babies, and families, he doesn't speak for you. And you're not buyin' what he's sellin'.

Posted by Sarah M. at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (84) | TrackBacks (17)

Tomorrow, May 1 at 12 noon is the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing re: the pending Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act (HR 20) - To be held in room 2123, the Rayburn Building on Capitol Hill.

Today, April 30, is your LAST CHANCE to contact the offices of the members of this subcommittee and let them know how important it is to the women, children, and families of this country that they move the bill forward!

The panel at tomorrow's hearing includes Catherine Roca - chief, Women's Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health; Nada Stotland - professor of psychiatry and obstetrics/gynecology, Rush Medical College, Chicago, representing the American Psychiatric Association; Mary Jo Codey - former first lady, State of New Jersey; Carol Blocker - mother of Melanie Blocker-Stokes; Priscilla Coleman - associate professor of human development and family studies, Bowling Green State University; and Michaelene Fredenburg - president, Life Perspectives.

For more on the bill's namesake, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A first-of-its-kind Postpartum Depression (PPD) Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Chicago, sponsored by The Melanie Blocker-Stokes Foundation and Postpartum Support International (PSI).

Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL) is expected to attend, where he will be honored with the first Melanie Stokes Leadership Award for his tireless advocacy on behalf of women, children, and families.

When passed by the US Congress, The Melanie Blocker-Stokes Act (HR 20) will provide for research on and services for women with postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum psychosis (PPP) - the condition that took Melanie's life soon after giving birth to her daughter.

Posted by Sarah M. at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A Congressional hearing has been scheduled for May 1 on the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Act!

The voices of women's and children's advocates need to be heard loudly, clearly, and in large numbers if this legislation has a hope of being ratified this time around - Here are some sample messages for the key members of Congress, in support of the Blocker-Stokes Act. Contact them well BEFORE May 1:

Dear Chairman Dingell:

To personalize for YOUR member of Congress:

Date

For more about the tragic, and preventable, story of Melanie and the family she left behind, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 09:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (4)

An important call-to-action on children's mental health (which is, of course, strongly connected to maternal and paternal mental health):

The first week of May is Children's Mental Health Week 2007. On Tuesday, May 8, 2007, communities across the nation will hold events to commemorate the second annual National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.

In conjunction, national organizations are sponsoring a congressional briefing in Washington, DC, on that day. The
national partners for Awareness Day include Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the National Association of Social Workers. Data will be presented to encourage the continued support of comprehensive, community-based, mental health services for children and youth, and to raise awareness about the effectiveness of school-based mental health programs. Speakers will share their personal stories to "put a face" on the issues that affect children with mental healthcare needs and their families.

You have a powerful role to play at the community level. The invitation to members of Congress and their staff to attend the Awareness Day briefing on Capitol Hill is made more effective when they hear from their constituents: you.

Here's what you can do:

1) Contact your Congressional representative and senator and encourage him or her to attend the Awareness Day Briefing on Capitol Hill. To find your legislator’s contact information, click here:

Let them know how the issues that will be discussed affect your family and your community. If you have it, share data that illustrates how these issues are affecting your district or your state. By supporting National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, you can lend your voice to those who don’t have a vote.

ALSO: Free, downloadable materials are available for use by community advocates and professionals in raising awareness and educating the public. Press kits and other resources are available in both English and Spanish.

Posted by Sarah M. at 02:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (1)

Heads Up: This week, on Thursday, March 22 at 2 p.m. Eastern, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of Maternal-Child Health Programs (AMCHP) will co-sponsor a Live Webcast on Maternal Depression.

The speakers represent two states currently grappling with maternal depression as a public health issue - Diana Cheng, MD, Medical Director of Women's Health for the Maryland Department of Health, and Laura Miller, MD, from the Women's Mental Health Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The webcast is free and open to professionals and advocates working in the field of maternal-child health and mental health. But you do need to register online in advance to get the call-in info and password.

To access the downloadable presentation slides for this webcast, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Postpartum Support International (PSI) has announced that registration is now open for its Annual Conference 2007, set for June 20-23 in Kansas City, Missouri.

This year's theme: "Supporting Families: Fostering Perinatal Emotional Health & Reducing Vulnerability." And the lineup of speakers and workshops looks great!

To download the conference brochure, get more info, or register online, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 01:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

More on Rosie O'Donnell's public discussion of her struggle with depression:

Apparently, this Friday's topic on Rosie's daytime talk show, "The View," will be women and depression, with guest co-host Linda Dano, the well-known soap opera actress who is a depression survivor-turned-advocate. Read more about Rosie's experiences in this Associated Press story.

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Just published at People magazine's website: A new article in which actress, PPD survivor, and women's health advocate Brooke Shields is quoted as offering her personal support to pop singer Britney Spears (whom the tabloids have speculated is suffering from severe postpartum depression).

To read the story, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (2)

Some of the celebrity gossip news agencies have published accounts today about pop singer (and mother of an infant and a toddler) Britney Spears, who is currently in a rehab/psychiatric care facility in California. Their stories claim that Spears is suffering from severe postpartum depression (PPD).

Whether or not Spears herself confirms experiencing PPD remains to be seen. And regardless of her diagnosis, watching this young woman's emotional unraveling - while being stalked by photographers night and day - has been heartbreaking. We applaud her family for helping Spears get professional help, and we wish for her a healthy return to her children.

I shudder to think of the way the mass media is likely to spin the PPD story. But maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised, and they'll handle this story with minimal stigma/sensationalism and maximum dignity! (Pigs can fly.)

Posted by Sarah M. at 02:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (1)

Congratulations to Cynthia Wainscott, a tireless champion for women's mental health and perinatal wellbeing, for her nomination by President George Bush to the National Council on Disability (NCD).

Cynthia, who has spoken publicly about her mother's struggle with depression and her daughter's experience of PPD (most recently at the National HMHB Coalition briefing on Capitol Hill last fall), has been a board member of Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association) since 1999. She also directed a pilot site for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) program "Depression: Awareness, Recognition, and Treatment," a groundbreaking public education campaign that developed a training model for education programs nationwide.

I can testify that Cynthia is at her finest when speaking about her personal experiences of depression and her vision for change - she's an impassioned, inspiring advocate for women and families!

Posted by Sarah M. at 09:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Just received this policy-related press release from Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association):

Senators Propose Protections for Americans with Mental Health Needs

"Senate leaders today introduced legislation that holds the promise of ending insurance discrimination against people who participate in employer-sponsored health care plans and need help for a mental health or substance abuse problem. Mental Health America applauds the leadership of Senators Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), Edward Kennedy (D-Mass) and Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.) in crafting this long-sought measure to bring fundamental insurance protections to the nearly 60 percent of Americans who rely on employer-sponsored coverage.

For more information and recent public opinion survey findings related to mental health insurance coverage, go to www.mentalhealthamerica.net. "

Posted by Sarah M. at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (1)

A new study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine & Biology found that high copper levels are associated with postpartum depression (PPD).

Here's a summary of the findings from Reuters:

"High copper levels tied to postpartum depression"

For the abstract of this study, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

More new news on the simultaneously glorious and pesky thyroid gland, from an Associated Press (AP) report:

"Debate grows over female thyroid testing and pregnancy"

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Have you heard about the major changes being enacted by the Chinese government on adoptions to American parents? Under the new restrictions, parents who take antidepressant medication and/or have a history of depression are prohibited from adopting from China.

Others who are no longer eligible to adopt are single mothers, couples who have been married less than two years, anyone who has been divorced and re-married less than five years, a couple that includes an adult over age 50 or who is overweight, etc.

According to the Chinese government, these restrictions may...or may not...be temporary. FYI, China is currently the number one nation for American overseas adoptions.

If you're thinking of adopting a child - whether from the U.S. or abroad - the National Council on Adoption is a good place to start educating yourself and gathering information. For a good primer on international adoption, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 01:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (9)

Ms. magazine has released its:

Top 10 Victories for Women in 2006

In the field of health, their editors cite these developments:

The Food and Drug Administration issues two approvals for women's health and lives: after a long campaign by women's rights and reproductive health organizations, emergency contraception is approved to be sold without a prescription for women 18 and over; Gardasil, a vaccine for women and girls that prevents the spread of certain strands of the human papilloma virus (HPV) that can cause cervical cancer, is approved.

Posted by Sarah M. at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | TrackBacks (3)

Important new data, and good news that the mainstream media is sharing it with the broader public!

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has drawn a deluge of media attention this week, with coverage from Time Magazine, CNN, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, MSNBC, and many others.

The study, which is based on data from over two million people in the Danish health and civil service registers, finds that first-time mothers are at an increased risk for a host of mental health disorders that include but also go far beyond postpartum depression - anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia - with the greatest risk during the first three months after childbirth.

They also found that first-time childbearing women had a risk of postpartum mental illness at a rate 7.3 times higher than for women who had given birth previously.

The study found postpartum depression affecting 10 to 15 percent of all mothers, but the team also notes that this data is an "underestimate," given the fact that approximately 40 to 50 percent of postpartum mental illness goes undiagnosed.

At least one previous study found that some new fathers also suffer from depression after a child is born, but the current JAMA study argues against any association between fatherhood and the onset of mental illness.

Also published in this edition of JAMA: a group-authored editorial, "Postpartum Depression: A Major Public Health Problem."

Posted by Sarah M. at 01:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

A commentary published in the latest edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) draws attention to "Postpartum Depression: A Major Public Health Problem."

Here's an excerpt from the commentary's intro:

Postpartum psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, have received increasing attention in the United States for several reasons.

Coupled with entry of the newborn into the family, postpartum depression affects crucial infant and adult developmental processes. The disruption to the early mother-infant relationship contributes to short- and long-term adverse child outcomes. The negative effects of maternal depression on children include an increased risk of impaired mental and motor development, difficult temperament, poor self-regulation, low self-esteem, and behavior problems.

Posted by Sarah M. at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

NBC NIghtly News with Brian Williams recently interviewed advocate Jessica Banas about her Online PPD Support Group and her personal experiences with postpartum depression (PPD).

The interview is scheduled to air on Tuesday, December 5. Click here to check local listings and times.

Posted by Sarah M. at 03:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is recognizing the global impact of depression. A new WHO report, "Burden of Disease, 2002 to 2020" just published in the Public Library of Science journal Medicine, projects that depression will be among the top killers worldwide in years to come - By 2030, WHO projects that depression will rank among the five causes of death.

That's right. Depression.

Could there possibly be a bigger red flag for policymakers?

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm really pleased to be able to share this good news from Postpartum Support International (PSI), who held a successful fundraiser last night in New Jersey:

PSI's ANNUAL FUNDRAISER HONORING CBS CARES & COLD CASE ATTENDED BY LEGISLATORS, NATIONAL HEALTH ADVOCATES

Postpartum Support International (PSI) held their annual fundraiser last night at the Green Brook Country Club in N. Caldwell, NJ. The gala honored CBS Cares and CBS critically acclaimed series Cold Case for their groundbreaking Public Service Announcements on postpartum depression with PSI’s Excellence in Media Outreach Award.

Matthew Margo, Senior Vice-President of Program Practices at CBS accepted the awards on behalf of CBS Cares and Cold Case which were presented by Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW, President of PSI.

New Jersey resident Sylvia Lasalandra, a postpartum depression survivor and the author of the book A Daughter’s Touch, was the evening’s official hostess. Dr. Alexis Menken, NJ State Coordinator for PSI and Chairperson of public relations, welcomed the guests.

Former Governor and State Senator President Richard Codey and Mary Jo Codey addressed the audience as honored guests of the evening’s program.

In addition, Governor Jon Corzine, Senator Robert Mendendez, and Manny Alvarez, MD, Health Managing Editor for FOX News and Chairman, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences for Hackensack University Medical Center, spoke to guests about legislative and advocacy efforts to prevent, detect, and treat perinatal mood disorders, a major public health issue. Presenters congratulated CBS and PSI on this groundbreaking public service announcement campaign of primetime PSAs, which will run through fall 2007.

As First Lady of New Jersey, Mrs. Codey worked tirelessly to raise awareness and increase screening for postpartum depression since making public her own personal struggles with the disorder and continues to serve in this important role today.

Governor Jon Corzine praised CBS Cares and Postpartum Support International for their groundbreaking collaboration on raising awareness of this issue.

Senator Robert Menendez acknowledged the importance of this collaboration in raising national awareness of this family issue and spoke about The MOTHERS ACT, the proposed federal legislation that will mandate education and screening for postpartum depression, based on New Jersey’s groundbreaking legislation, co-authored by himself and Senator Richard Durbin (IL). He spoke of Senator Edward Kennedy's interest and support of this legislation, which is most encouraging.

Manny Alvarez, MD, Managing Editor of Health for FOX News and Chairman of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Hackensack University Medical Center addressed the audience on Perinatal Mental Health: A Family Affair.

PSI is the world's largest organization offering support, referrals, education, training and resources to health care providers, women and their families coping with perinatal mood disorders. The organization was founded in 1987 by Jane Honikman and has its home office in Santa Barbara, CA. The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum.

PSI has a volunteer coordinator in every one of the United States and in 26 countries around the world. PSI disseminates information and resources through the volunteer coordinators, the website and an annual conference. The goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health. For help women, partners and families may call 1.800.944.4773 (1.800.944.4PPD) or visit their website at www.postpartum.net to be directed to their local coordinator.

Posted by Sarah M. at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)

At a Capitol Hill event this morning in DC, the almost 100-year-old National Mental Health Association announced a new name, new activities (including an Advocacy Network of citizen-advocates), and a renewed mission.

The launch of Mental Health America's new name coincides with a sharp-looking new website, featuring - among other things - a research-based primer for women in their childbearing years who are considering using a psychiatric medication:

Because there is a risk of birth defects with some psychotropic medications during early pregnancy, a woman who is taking such medication and wishes to become pregnant should discuss her plans with her doctor. In general, it is desirable to minimize or avoid the use of medication during early pregnancy. If a woman on medication discovers that she is pregnant, she should contact her doctor immediately. She and the doctor can decide how best to handle her therapy during and following the pregnancy. Some precautions that should be taken are:

* If possible, lithium should be discontinued during the first trimester (first 3 months of pregnancy), because of an increased risk of birth defects.

* Benzodiazepines are not recommended during the first trimester.

The decision to use a psychotropic medication should be made only after a careful discussion between the woman, her partner, and her doctor about the risks and benefits to her and the baby. If, after discussion, they agree it best to continue medication, the lowest effective dosage should be used, or the medication can be changed.

For a woman with an anxiety disorder, a change from a benzodiazepine to an antidepressant might be considered. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be beneficial in helping an anxious or depressed person to lower medication requirements. For women with severe mood disorders, a course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes recommended during pregnancy as a means of minimizing exposure to riskier treatments.

After the baby is born, there are other considerations. Women with bipolar disorder are at particularly high risk for a postpartum episode. If they have stopped medication during pregnancy, they may want to resume their medication just prior to delivery or shortly thereafter. They will also need to be especially careful to maintain their normal sleep-wake cycle. Women who have histories of depression should be checked for recurrent depression or postpartum depression during the months after the birth of a child.

Women who are planning to breastfeed should be aware that small amounts of medication pass into the breast milk. In some cases, steps can be taken to reduce the exposure of the nursing infant to the mother's medication, for instance, by timing doses to post-feeding sleep periods. The potential benefits and risks of breastfeeding by a woman taking psychotropic medication should be discussed and carefully weighed by the patient and her physician.

A woman who is taking birth control pills should be sure that her doctor knows this. The estrogen in these pills may affect the breakdown of medications by the body - for example, increasing side effects of some antianxiety medications or reducing their ability to relieve symptoms of anxiety. Also, some medications, including carbamazepine and some antibiotics, and an herbal supplement, St. John's wort, can cause an oral contraceptive to be ineffective.

Also worth checking out: Mental Health America's fact sheets, "Depression & Women". and "Postpartum Disorders". (Though it should be noted that the postpartum fact sheet needs updating... The resource organization Depression After Delivery no longer exists, as it has officially been absorbed as part of Postpartum Support International (PSI).)

Posted by Sarah M. at 04:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

Last night in Indiana, actress-turned-perinatal-mental-health-advocate Brooke Shields spoke publicly about her experience of postpartum depression (PPD) for the first time since publishing her personal account, Down Came the Rain.

The occasion was a 30th anniversary dinner gala for Meridian Services, a mental health service provider. After her 40-minute speech, Shields took part in a panel discussion with physicians from Meridian Services and the Voss Center for Women, who sponsored the event.

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yet another juicy twist in the celebrity standoff between the Cruise camp and Brooke Shields, which began last year when Tom publicly went after Shields for taking antidepressant medication to treat severe postpartum depression.

All's well that ends well?

Posted by Sarah M. at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The national nonprofit program Operation Special Delivery is making a big difference for moms left at home while a military dad is overseas.

Operation Special Delivery is the brainchild of CAPPA, the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association, and offers a free, volunteer labor doula to military wives who give birth while their partners are deployed. Any military wife can apply for this program - all it takes is a few minutes to fill out a form. And the doulas - professionally-trained women who support birthing mothers throughout labor and delivery - are fabulous and committed.

The Daily Press in Newport News, Virginia recently published a feature story on the program that has been picked up by major news services - hopefully helping to spread the word to expectant moms, as well as to professional doulas who can volunteer their services by joining the program.

To read testimonials from moms who have participated, click here. To apply for doula support, click here. To volunteer your services as a doula, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 02:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Some CBS News affiliates are airing a story on an important but little-understood topic: The problem of depression that can affect new moms after adopting a child.

Some experts in the maternal-child health field say post-adoptive depression is more common than you might think, and often goes undiagnosed and untreated.

For the print version of the CBS Philadelphia affiliate's recent story on post-adoption depression in mothers, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 01:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Another twisty turn in the "Tom Cruise vs. PPD moms" and "Tom Cruise vs. psychiatry" fiasco:

From an Associated Press (AP) report, "Shields says Cruise has apologized."

Posted by Sarah M. at 01:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (5)

Well, well, well.

Uber-actor Tom Cruise gets dropped by his film studio for losing money at the box office, and within 24 hours his business partner is speaking to the media about the "deep regret" Tom feels in the wake of his well-publized tirade against PPD survivor and author Brooke Shields, the use of psychotropic medications for postpartum depression, and the entire profession of psychiatry. Amazing what can happen when the dollar signs get pinched!

People magazine was the first of many national publications to quote Cruise co-producer and business parnter Kathleen Kennedy on this point, fo