Postpartum Depression: Legislation in the Works

Postpartum depression is something that touches most of us parents in one way or another - through personal experience or as a partner, friend, or family member.  And while this is an important issue, you might wonder why we're talking about it here on Activistas.  Action, mamas, action.  There's legislation that needs our support.  The Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression and Care Act would support research into this widespread and often devastating illness.  It was introduced shortly after a new mama committed suicide in 2001 and it still. hasn't. passed. 

Support More Research: If you think this legislation is a good idea, be sure to let your representatives in Congress know.  That's how they know if an issue is important to their constituents.  If you don't tell 'em, they don't know.  If you tell them often and in a LOUD VOICE, they're less likely to forget.  Just like when my husband tells me he can't read my mind.  Neither can the Oregon delegation, apparently! So speak up, mamas, for yourself, your friends, and all the mamas-to-be among us who might suffer less because of this bill, which has stalled and needs a lift.

Help Yourself or a Friend: If you can't wait for national legislation and research, there are resources to assist new mamas and their support networks right here in Portland, including the Baby Blues Connection, which offers loads of information and hosts free support groups around town.  You can also volunteer for this group, from stuffing envelopes to drawing on your own experience postpartum experience to help other new moms.  And these days, for every topic there is at least one blog - in this case, check out (non local but solid) Postpartum Progress.  Yet another case of mamas helping mamas. 

Know any other resources?  Got an opinion about this legislation?  Do tell.  Keepin' all the moms smiling is important business, mamas, because even with a seriously sunny disposition this is one challenging job. 

Comments

[Sarah]

Looking back on it, the body chemistry stuff aside, what would really have helped me (and my family) the most would have been extensive support. It was just really overwhelming to have two children to take care of instead of one. So as for additional ideas, I would say paid family leave could make a big impact on post partum depression rates.

[Katherine Stone]

Thanks Activistas for activating your readers! We can use all the help we can get to support new moms. And thanks for the shout out!
Katherine Stone - Postpartum Progress