January is Postpartum Awareness Month

In 2011 the mayor of Edmonton Alberta, Stephen Mandel declared January Postpartum Depression Month. This was the first city in Canada to declare an official  period of awareness for Postpartum Depression. The awareness has now grown across Western Canada.




If you suffer from this, you may feel alone but in reality, you are not. Postpartum depression affects approximately 15-30% of Moms in the first few years after giving birth. This number could be higher
as many Moms may not come forward because of the stigma attached to PPD & PMD or they may not even realize they are suffering from depression. A big percentage of these Moms do not get help. We can change this stigma through awareness.

Postpartum Depression is not the only Perinatal Mood Disorder. Others include: postpartum anxiety/panic, postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and postpartum psychosis.  Perinatal mood disorder can occur due to mood changes related to pregnancy and/or following the birth of a baby.

Wikipedia Definition:
Postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, is a form of clinical depression which can affect women, and less frequently men, after childbirth. Studies report prevalence rates among women from 5% to 25%, but methodological differences among the studies make the actual prevalence rate unclear. Among men, in particular new fathers, the incidence of postpartum depression has been estimated to be between 1.2% and 25.5%.[1]Postpartum depression occurs in women after they have carried a child, usually in the first few months, and may last up to several months or even a year.[2] Symptoms include sadness, fatigue, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, reduced libido, crying episodes, anxiety, and irritability. It is sometimes assumed that postpartum depression is caused by a lack of vitamins,[3] but studies tend to show that more likely causes are the significant changes in a woman's hormones during pregnancy[citation needed]. On the other hand, hormonal treatment has not helped postpartum depression victims. Many women recover because of a support group or counseling.[4][5]
Postpartum depression. (2010, December 20). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 09:26, January 1, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Postpartum_depression&oldid=403359748

How do you know if you have Perinatal Mood Disorder?
1. You may feel out of sorts, not like yourself.
2. You may have trouble getting up and doing normal everyday activities.
3. Your eating and/or sleeping habits may change and you may see significant weight change.
4. You may experience feelings such as: sadness, depression, hopelessness, worthlessness, agitation, anxiety and/or panic.
5. You may have obsessive or intrusive thoughts.
6. You may have abrupt changes in mood and energy levels.
7. You may be irritable, have trouble concentrating, making decisions or even be confused.
8. You may develop new fears.
9. You may have a lack of interest in your baby or an extreme over protectiveness.
10. You may have a lack of interest in normal activities, have a desire to run away or feel that your life is spinning out of control.

What can you do if you think you have Perinatal Mood Disorder?
1. First and foremost, TALK TO SOMEONE. Your Dr., a health nurse, your doula or midwife, your pediatrician, a support group, your moms group.
2. Talk to a nutritionist about diet changes. Eating healthy, drinking lots of water and resting when you can makes a big difference.
3. Talk to a holistic practitioner about supplements, acupuncture, acupressure and massage.
4. Get enough exercise.
5. Hire a postpartum doula to help around the home and with baby.
6. Talk to a psychologist or psychiatrists.
7. Read, find information on Perinatal Mood Disorder in books and online. A great website for information is http://www.ppda.ca

If you think you know someone that is suffering from Perinatal Mood Disorder, Perinatal Mood Disorder Awareness Ltd. recommends:

1. Don't be shocked or disappointed if your partner, friend or relative says she believes she may have a perinatal mood disorder. It is more common than you think, it is diagnosable, and it is treatable.

2. Take some time to be sure that you understand what perinatal mood disorders are. You can do this in many ways: Research & reading on the internet on websites like ours; Speak with a few healthcare professionals; Do some reading at the library or in the pregnancy/postpartum section at a bookstore.

3. Simply be there for, and listen to, the person in your life who is affected by a PMD. Often that is all someone who is affected by a mood disorder needs. Do not offer unwanted advice, or draw conclusions, or judge. Simply listen, offer support and some comfort. Reassure this person that they are not alone and they will get better.

4. Encourage your partner, relative or friend to get the help and treatment they need. Offer to go with them to a doctor appointment or support group.

5. Ask what kind of support they need in their life right now to make things a little bit easier. It will be different for everyone, so be respectful of their wishes. Some Moms will want help with the baby, others may only want help with household things, or possibly errands.

6. It is crucially important that someone dealing with a mood disorder eats very healthy, lots of fresh food from all of the food groups, and lots of foods know to promote brain health. Often Moms with babies and children of any age find eating healthy to be a challenge. This can be exacerbated by the onset of a mood disorder such as depression. Without being so forward as to tell this person what to eat, do what you can to help her eat better and get the nutrients she needs. Be subtle but effective.

7. If you are the partner of the person experiencing a perinatal mood disorder, be sure that you are being as supportive and understanding as you can possibly be, and also be sure to get some support for yourself. It is not easy caring for someone affected by mental illness. There is a lot of literature out there with information on how to support a partner affected by mental illness, and how to support the partner as well. Do some research. Be informed.

 If you would like to support the awareness programs go to http://www.ppda.ca to find ways to help.