Beyond the Birth

re: Beyond the Birth

Susan — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:34:18 GMT

My problem wasn't mood disorder, it was exhaustion! I was in labor for 19 hours (over night) with my first daughter. Please, please, remember that the reason your new mom doesn't want to hold her new baby isn't because she's not bonding with the baby, its because she's exhausted!!!! All I wanted to do was sleep. But I knew I had to hold her, feed her, change her or the social worker would be showing up at my bedside! Please try to investigate your mom's refusal, maybe she's so exhausted she's afraid she'll drop the baby or fall asleep holding her!! I know I was! I've been wanting to speak about this since my daughter was born 13 years ago. So glad I finally have the opportunity to do so. I know there have to be other moms out there like I was!!!!

re: Beyond the Birth

Michele Hackney — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:01:05 GMT

The nurse practitioner was correct to point out that a personal history of depression increases the likelihood during the postpartum period. In the OB office in which I work, patients with a history of depression are encouraged to take an antidepressant during pregnancy to decrease the chance of a more severe depressive state following the birth of their child. I have a background in psychiatric/mental health nursing and am often the "go to" nurse for patient education concerning pregnancy and postpartum depression.

Some patients are hesitant to take medication during pregnancy; however, there are antidepressants considered safe for use. It is one of those situations in which the benefits outweigh the small possibility of risk. Numerous research studies indicate that infants fare better on many levels when their mothers are emotionally present to care for them.

I would love to see more units designed to treat women suffering from postpartum depression and/or anxiety. Unfortunately, most insurance companies are not willing to cover in-patient mental health services unless the woman is immediately suicidal or homicidal. Considering the well-documented impact of untreated mental health conditions on the mother, infant, and other family members, this type of treatment should be more readily available and encouraged.

re: Beyond the Birth

Lorettajo Kapinos — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:34:57 GMT

Overall, we need more mental health services available. This is a great plan for so many new moms. It's scary enough to be a parent, regardless of past medical history.

When I had my second child, I saw a nurse practitioner. She asked about my prior history of depression and told me I was at higher risk for postpartum issues because of it. So, after my daughter was born, I watched myself more carefully, as did my husband. That nurse practitioner's moment of education allowed me to seek help when I needed it-probably a lot sooner than I would have otherwise.

I really hope this program at UNC can start to take the stigma out of mental health issues.