Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a mental health disorder affecting women during the first year after having a baby. The "baby blues" affects 80% of all new mothers. Almost 20% experience Postpartum Depression which is more persistent depression and lasts longer and very rarely, a woman may develop Postpartum Psychosis, the most dangerous of these depressive disorders, both for the mother and the baby.
Between 400,000 and 580,000 women suffer from PPD in the U.S. each year. In comparison: Each year, approximately 50,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, 250,000 people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and 10,400 people are diagnosed with Multiple
Sclerosis.
Gestational diabetes screening is mandatory, but PPD screening is not. The incidence of gestational diabetes is 1 in 20, the incidence of PPD is 1 in 5.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for women during the first year after childbirth.
PPD negatively impacts the cognitive and emotional development of children up to age five.
Children of depressed mothers see their primary care physicians more often and have higher rates of prescription medication and hospitalizations than children of non-depressed mothers.
State-Level Legislation
Illinois: Former Governor Blagojevich signed a bill sponsored by Don Harmon of Oak Park requiring doctors, or people who work pre- or post-pregnancy with women to offer the option of taking one of four approved inventories to screen for PPD.
New Jersey requires all health care professionals providing postnatal care to screen for PPD and health care professionals providing prenatal care must educate women and their families about the disorder.
Texas passed the “Andrea Yates Bill” (H.B. 341) in September 2003, requiring prenatal healthcare professionals to provide expectant mothers with resources regarding counseling, etc.
Minnesota, California, and New York are currently considering legislation similar to the New Jersey law.
In Chicago, Family Ministries partners with Catholic Charities, the Office for Councils, the Archdiocesan Women's Committee and individuals and parishes in this outreach ministry. |
