In Plymouth, the difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues—discussed at the Board of Health meeting on the 8th.
Board Member and pediatrician, Dr. Teri Reid, says pediatricians are on the front line to help in a diagnosis because they see mothers very early on during the well-child visit.
WATD’s Bobbi Clark has more:
Doctor Reid says postpartum depression is much more common than we realize…
“…one in seven women can be affected by it. This depression can start anytime during pregnancy and can start after pregnancy; it’s more common after pregnancy.”
And more common than depression is what’s called the “baby blues.”
“That is so common, 70% of women will get that—and that occurs usually within the first week after you’ve had a baby. It doesn’t last long, but you get feeling maybe a little sad, maybe a little tired, and possibly a little overwhelmed.”
But, Dr. Reid says, if those symptoms continue…
“…so now you’re feeling so sad that you cry all the time, or you’re feeling angry or irritable. You just can’t get out of bed, you cannot take care of the baby, in fact, you’re not really interested in taking care of the baby. There’s a detachment that occurs.”
And the Doctor cautions that the mother should not…
“…feel shamed in any way. Many women have these feelings, but you have to talk about it and get it out of the closet, basically. I would talk to anybody; family members, your friends. But you can definitely call your pediatrician that can guide you somewhere, and you can also talk to your obstetrician. There are actually some hotlines that you can call. Massachusetts has a number of them.”
Postpartum depression support in Massachusetts
- Postpartum Support International (PSI) of Massachusetts
Phone Number (warm line): (866) 472-1897,
Email: psiofmass@gmail.com confidential warm line that provides support, listings of local counselors, support groups, and information in Massachusetts. Leave a message and a trained volunteer or staff person will return your call within 24 hours. - The Day Hospital
Short term, intensive mental health treatment in a day treatment facility for both mom and infant located in Providence, Rhode Island. - National Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Phone number (helpline): (800) 944-4773 (Spanish and English)
Leave a confidential message any time, and one of the helpline volunteers will return your call as soon as possible providing basic information, resources, and support. - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)
Phone Number: (800) 662-4357
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): (800) 487-4889
Free and confidential information in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing substance abuse and mental health issues. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. - Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP) for Moms
A free referral resource for front-line providers serving pregnant and postpartum women. A mother can ask her health care provider to call MCPAP for a referral.
Parental support resources
Telephone Support
- Postpartum Support International of Massachusetts
Phone Number: (866) 472-1897 (helpline)
List of support groups throughout Massachusetts. - Parental Stress Line – Massachusetts
Phone Number: (800) 632-8188
Email: info@parentshelpingparents.org
Toll-free 24/7 confidential helpline including counseling, support and information for parents. Translator services available. - National Parents Helpline
Phone Number: (855) 427-2736
Emotional support from a trained advocate, available 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday.
