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Dr. Cheryl Beck and Dr. Robert Gable at
University of Connecticut have developed a new screening tool to assist health care professionals with identifying new mothers who may be at risk or suffering from postpartum depression. Dr. Beck suggests that doctors, midwives, and nursing staff should continuously evaluate new mothers throughout first year after giving birth as more severe of these conditions may not surface until well after 6-week obstetric check up.
While only 1% of new mothers may experience more obvious symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, an inability to sleep, poor appetite, and bizarre/irrational behavior) these are women who are at risk of hurting themselves or their new baby. Early detection of perinatal mood disorders is imperative to prevent another senseless loss of life, however our perception of mental illness and its associated diseases must change. Women need to feel confident that their healthcare professionals will take appropriate steps to get them help they need without fear of shame or consequence.
If you are concerned that someone you love is experiencing any of above symptoms, please request help in your area by going on web to www.postpartum.net. Professionals are standing by to answer your questions.
Robyn B. Surdel Robyn’s Nest ~ The Parenting Network www.robynsnest.com robyn@robynsnest.com
After having children, Robyn found that there was a need for reliable and current information on all children's issues. Not finding the medical, behavior or psychological information available to parents or grandparents, she wondered what to do. Of course, being skilled on the computer, informed about children's issues and with a desire to help others, she started her web site and put aired information on TV.
