Here is a good reference site on depression during and after pregnancy sponsored by the US government. It contains a good overview of perinatal depression, including causes, symptoms and treatments. Please click the link below.
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/postpartum.htm
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Some Lifestyle Tips to Combat Depression
Postpartum depression affects each woman differently. For some, medication is needed to control the symptoms and return to their normal lifestyle. For those who would like to try alternatives to medication, or perhaps to help their medications work better, we offer these simple lifestyle tips:
Skin to skin time with baby every day: helps with bonding, elicits hormones for bonding and feeling better. Undress baby and place on your bare chest. Then, cover to keep warm, put your feet up comfortably, and relax for half an hour.
Omega-3 fatty acids (1000-3000mg every day)
Vitamin D (800-2000 IU every day)
Bright light - helps you make vitamin D, and light helps chase away the darkness inside. Sunlight is perfect.
Exercise - Well known for improving mood, appetite and sleep. So take a walk in the sunshine every day!
Talk to a friend - face to face is best.
SLEEP! Sleep is brain restoration time. Find someone to spend the night and care for the baby when he/she wakes up so you can get a good night's sleep.
Skin to skin time with baby every day: helps with bonding, elicits hormones for bonding and feeling better. Undress baby and place on your bare chest. Then, cover to keep warm, put your feet up comfortably, and relax for half an hour.
Omega-3 fatty acids (1000-3000mg every day)
Vitamin D (800-2000 IU every day)
Bright light - helps you make vitamin D, and light helps chase away the darkness inside. Sunlight is perfect.
Exercise - Well known for improving mood, appetite and sleep. So take a walk in the sunshine every day!
Talk to a friend - face to face is best.
SLEEP! Sleep is brain restoration time. Find someone to spend the night and care for the baby when he/she wakes up so you can get a good night's sleep.
New Federal Funding for Postpartum Depression and Psychosis
New federal legislation was passed in March to provide federal money to combat postpartum depression and psychosis.
The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act provides education and support services to women and their families suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis. The MOTHERS ACT stands for The Mom’s Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act. The new law will also support research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression and psychosis.
Read more about the new law at the following website: http://www.postpartum.net/News-and-Events/Legislation.aspx
The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act provides education and support services to women and their families suffering from postpartum depression and psychosis. The MOTHERS ACT stands for The Mom’s Opportunity to Access Health, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression Act. The new law will also support research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression and psychosis.
Read more about the new law at the following website: http://www.postpartum.net/News-and-Events/Legislation.aspx
Dayton Area Health Resources Related to Postpartum Depression
There are many postpartum depression resources for women and their families in the Dayton area. For current information, please contact Many Shades of Blue, the Dayton Area Perinatal Depression Resource and Support Network at 1-866-848-3163 or locally at 1-937-401-6844.
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