The Role of Hormones During Pregnancy

Taken from http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/connecticut/ECThormones.htm

A woman's first pregnancy is one of the most exciting and dramatic events of her life. As conception progresses to implantation, and an embryo eventually becomes the fetus that ultimately will be the highly anticipated bundle of joy, numerous changes take place within the woman's body to enable this miraculous process to occur. While a woman's physical changes may be obvious, several other ones may be subtle, including a growing sense of immense emotional attachment and reprioritization. The vast majority of these changes are attributable to the hormones of pregnancy.
The first trimester of pregnancy begins with conception. As egg and sperm unite, and the conceptus implants into the endometrium or uterine lining, a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is produced. HCG has a very predictable rise in the early weeks of pregnancy and peaks around 70 days. HCG is thought to support the pregnancy by ensuring ovarian production of progesterone until the placenta is well formed around the tenth week. HCG is thought to be the hormone responsible for a number of symptoms associated with early pregnancy, namely nausea and resultant vomiting and the sometimes overwhelming fatigue that can plague the very early expectant woman.
Progesterone is one of the major hormones of pregnancy and is primarily produced by the placenta. Levels of progesterone in the body rise as pregnancy progresses. Progesterone functions to inhibit the smooth muscle in the uterus from contracting and decreases prostaglandin formation, both of which allow the fetus to grow with the expanding uterus. As progesterone levels increase, other smooth muscle in the body may also be affected, such as that in the lower esophageal sphincter, which results in increased heartburn and acid reflux, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Progesterone softens cartilage as well and may be responsible for the commonly occurring hip and pubic bone pain that also occurs. This hormone also can cause tenderness in the breasts early on and the bloated feeling many women experience throughout pregnancy.
Estrogens also increase during pregnancy and are also produced primarily by the placenta. Among other functions, estrogens increase uterine blood flow. Prolactin, the hormone that allows for lactation postpartum, also increases throughout pregnancy, and its production is thought to be stimulated by increasing levels of estrogens.
The rise in estrogen, as well as progesterone and other hormones in pregnancy, is also in part responsible for the magnification of emotions a pregnant woman experiences. Increased circulating levels intensify the myriad of feelings a pregnant woman has. The joy of being pregnant may often move a woman to tears. Anxiety in regard to how a woman may feel about herself and the way her body is changing is normal, and her concerns regarding her own health and the health of the fetus are paramount. Anticipation of the new role of being a mother and the changes a new baby will bring to the family may be overwhelming. The pregnant woman should be encouraged and supported by her spouse, family, and health care providers in all her concerns.
After delivery, hormone levels rapidly decrease, and their fall may contribute to postpartum adjustment issues and postpartum depression. During this time, it is very important that the new mother be aware that being overwhelmed is normal to some extent, but if these feelings are pervasive, she should seek medical attention. Occasionally, very low dose hormone replacement may be of help, as can antidepressants.
A newborn in its mother's arms is the result of an incredible orchestration of numerous events, many of which are primarily the result of the vital role hormones play in pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider about any questions or concerns you may have regarding the role of hormones in pregnancy, and he or she will be happy to elaborate.
Editorial provided by Anandi Subramanian, MD. Dr. Subramanian is a practicing OB-GYN in Norwalk, CT. She is with Women's Health Care of New England and has offices in Norwalk, New Canaan, and Ridgefield, CT.

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Postpartum Depression, great tips.

This article was taken from www.thediaperlady.com I have also read Elizabeth Pantley’s book, The No-Cry Sleep Solution. I posted this article to again show that PPD shows itself in so many different forms. It is an illness. I have been having so many women write to me and I just again wanted to point out that this is an ILLNESS. Do not be afraid to talk about it, let others know what you are feeling. My PPD got so bad I was afraid to say anything because I thought I would be judged and my baby would be taken away from me. I am not afraid to tell my story now to help others. Please, talk about your feelings, see you doctor! There is so much help out there and you are not alone.
Postpartum Depression
By Elizabeth Pantley, author of Gentle Baby Care and The No-Cry Sleep Solution
QUESTION: I know that it’s normal to have the “baby blues” right after you have a baby, but my son is six weeks old. I thought everything would be wonderful by now and I would be so in love with my baby. I thought mothering would come easily. It’s not that way at all! I can’t sleep, even when he’s sleeping. I feel hollow inside, like the real me is gone. Sometimes I cry for hours; other times, I feel angry enough to explode. Life feels like an endless amusement park ride, and sometimes I just want to get off. Why am I such a terrible mother?
Learn about it
You’re not a terrible mother! You are a mother who is suffering from a condition known as postpartum depression, a condition that is treatable. While as many as 80% of mothers experience a temporary and mild condition referred to as the baby blues, up to 15% of women have the more severe reaction you’re experiencing. Having PPD doesn’t mean that you have done something wrong, or that something is wrong with you; it is an illness and it can be cured. Once you learn more about what’s causing your despondent emotions and take some steps toward treatment, you’ll be on the road to finding yourself again and enjoying your baby.
What is postpartum depression?
PPD is a medical condition - a specific type of depression that occurs within the first few months after childbirth. It is caused by the biochemical and hormonal changes that happen in the body after pregnancy and birth…nothing that is within your control.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression? While PPD affects all women differently, a few typical symptoms can help your physician make the diagnosis. You probably are not experiencing everything on the following list, and the degree of symptoms may range from mild to severe, but if a number of these apply to you, you may be suffering from PPD.
Symptoms of postpartum depression may include but are not limited to:
Feeling hopeless, worthless or inadequate
Frequent crying or tearfulness
Insomnia or sleepiness
Lack of energy
Loss of pleasure in activities you normally enjoy
Difficulty doing typical daily chores
Loss of appetite
Feelings of sadness and despair
Feelings of guilt, panic or confusion
Feelings of anger or anxiety
Extreme mood swings
Memory loss
Over concern for baby
Fear of “losing control”
Lack of interest in sex
Worrying that you may hurt your baby
A desire to escape from your baby or your family
Withdrawal from social circles and routines
Thoughts about hurting yourself
If you suffer from extreme degrees of any of these symptoms, particularly thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby, or if you have additional physical symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion or paranoia, then please call a doctor today. NOW. Your condition requires immediate medical care. If you can’t make the call, then please talk to your partner, your mother or father, a sibling or close friend and ask them to help you arrange for help. Do this for yourself and for your baby. If you can’t talk about it, rip this page out and hand it to someone close to you. It’s that important. You do not have to feel this way.
What can a doctor do about postpartum depression?
As with any form of depression, help is available and only as far away as your healthcare provider - contact your ob/gyn or midwife to start with, if that’s most comfortable for you. She can help you get the professional care you need from someone who has experience dealing with this condition. In the longer term, it’s important that your therapy take place with a professional who has experience in treating PPD; the malady is different from other forms of depression, and it is very specifically related to your role as a new mother.
PARENT TIP: “In the time it takes you to read this chapter, you could set up an appointment with a doctor. Remember, this is a medical problem and it can be serious; for your sake, for your baby, and for all those who love you, you must make that call. With help, you will regain your life and your perspective." Vanessa, mother of Kimmy (12) Tyler (10) Rachel (5) and Zachary (3)
A visit to a doctor for the symptoms you’re feeling is nothing to fear. Your condition is something your doctor has seen before  so you need not feel at all self-conscious. As for treatment, there are a variety of options, depending on how severe your symptoms are. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and may suggest medication, such as antidepressants. (Make sure that you let him know if you are breastfeeding so that the proper medication can be prescribed.) In addition, he will tell you that therapy and support are critical for recovery.
What can I do about PPD?
The first step you can take is to understand that you have an illness that requires action on your part so you can heal. Forgive me for repeating this, but it is important: Take that first step and call a doctor. In addition, the following things can help you begin to feel better right away:
Talk to someone. Whom do you trust? Whom do you feel comfortable talking to? This might be your spouse or partner, it might be your mother, your sister or brother or a friend. It can really help to share your feelings with someone who cares about you. Even if you feel you can’t talk specifically about PPD, just discuss your feelings and your new role as a mother and its effects on you.
Read books about baby care and parenting. Knowledge is power. Reading may help you feel more confident, which in turn will help you feel more in control of your situation. It will also give you the knowledge you’ll need to ward off the unwanted advice or criticism that can come your way during the early months of parenting, and that can be especially hard to take when you are feeling depressed.
Join a support group. PPD support groups allow mothers who are dealing with depression to talk with others who have similar feelings. A list at the end of this section can help you find a group in your area. You might also call your health care provider, your local hospital, or your church for information. While PPD support groups are an excellent choice, any group for new mothers in which you can share your feelings about motherhood can help you feel better about yourself. Choose your support group with care, as you’ll want to be around people who support your parenting decisions. Being with a group who criticizes or questions your mothering choices will make you feel worse, not better. Conversely, spending your time with like-minded people will boost your self-confidence and help you feel more confident as a mother. This idea shouldn’t be seen s a cure, but rather one part of the process of recovery.
Accept help from others. If anyone offers to help you - whether it is to take your baby for a walk, cook a meal, or drive your older kids to sports practice - accept! Learn to say yes. You don’t have to do everything to be a good mother. It’s natural for human beings to lean on each other, so go ahead and do a little more leaning.
Get some extra sleep. Put your efforts to get your baby to sleep through the night on hold right now; this will come in time. Forget about the clock. Just sleep - both of you - whenever you can. Extra sleep will help you feel better.
Relax your standards. This is not the time to worry about a spotless house, gourmet meals, the corporate ladder, or your manicure. Try to stick to the basics and concentrate on yourself and your baby.
Get some fresh air. When possible, put your baby in the sling or the stroller and take a walk. The exercise and open spaces will help you feel more energized. Try to work a daily stroll into your schedule. If you have older children, walk them to school. If the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor walking, then drive to a shopping mall for an indoor walk.
Feed yourself healthy foods. You can eat properly without much effort. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, and simple but nutritious meals. And eat frequently. Going long stretches without food wreaks havoc on your system. Simple snacks like an apple with peanut butter, a bagel, or yogurt with cottage cheese are easy to prepare and prevent your blood sugar from dipping and adding to your feelings of depression. Continue to take vitamins, and drink plenty of water.
Love yourself. You are going to be okay. Take it one step at a time…but do take steps (such as those outlined in this section). With help and time, you’ll develop a refreshing and healthy outlook on your new role as a mother.




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Post Adoption Depression

Article taken from www.adoption.org



Post Adoption Depression Syndromeby June Bondfrom Roots and Wings, Spring 1995
You've been through infertility hell and back again. You ran through the maze of the adoption process and you've finally reached your goal. You have your baby in your arms. You are finally a member of the "parenthood club", complete with stroller, burp pads, car seat, and mini van. The moment they put your baby in your arms, you knew what heaven felt like. As one of my former clients said, "I knew if I died on the way home, I would feel complete. "

Suddenly three or four weeks later, a strange sense of anxiety comes over you. Some clients describe the feeling as panic. Some say it is a gross feeling of inadequacy for the total responsibility for this little person. Others describe it as a "cloudy blue feeling", while others go as far as to call it a depression. What I call it is Post-Adoption Depression Syndrome, (PADS).
The general population recognizes post-partum blues as a natural and expected part of the birth process. Most people identify those feelings of anxiety with "just getting those hormones back into kilter. " But, the truth is that many adoptive parents suffer from the same post placement blues, and feel very confused when they cannot rely on the "hormone theory" to explain their feelings.
There are several other very likely reasons to explain theses common feelings shortly after the placement of the baby. Perhaps one of the most reasonable explanations is the completion of one of life's biggest goals. Parenthood has loomed as an almost unattainable goal for so many adoptive families for such a long time. Reaching that goal has required time, money, effort, emotional strain, and patience.
Suddenly the emotional rush from the attainment of this long desired goal is exhilarating. I sometimes relate the attainment of this goal to the Jewish nation reaching the promised land after forty years of struggle. How can almost anything compare ever again in terms of emotional satisfaction of finally being in the land of milk and honey. . . the land of parenthood? Likewise, how can any of us keep that level of emotional high forever?
Think back to the attainment of other life's goals that you and others around you have reached. . . completing high school, getting your college degree, marriage, getting a long desired position, completion of a major project. . . Do your remember the let down after walking across the stage at graduation and returning from your beach trip? Feelings of being "let down" are very common after reaching major life milestones.
Another reason that PADS can occur is the unique stresses of the adoption process itself. Many adoptive parents feel that they must face and sometimes resolve their feelings about infertility again with the placement of a child. Insensitive questions about your infertility and the reasons that you chose adoption can bring back a whole series of feelings that you thought may have been resolved earlier. Some adoptive families that have a close relationship with the birth mother even seem to suffer some of the grief process with her.
One client mentioned that she could not completely erase the birth mother's feelings of loss and grief with her own feelings of satisfaction and attainment. "It is almost a bitter sweet victory, " stated one recent adoptive mother. The adoption process can also bring with it certain legal uncertainties that can easily cause feelings of anxiety and depression. Unresolved birth father issues and rights are one of the most common points of post adoptive stress. Fears about the unexpected costs and newly disclosed health and background information can also trigger stress and fears.
It is important to recognize that adoptive parents also go through many of the same stress points that birth parents go through as new parents. Stress adjustment scales indicate that factors like the addition of a new family member, added financial responsibility, lack of sleep, increased family responsibilities all contribute to rising stress levels. These stresses are often enhanced with adoptive families. The cost of the adoption is usually more than the cost of a birth. Lack of sleep and increased family responsibilities are compounded with the adoptive family by the limited paid maternity leave that many companies allow for the adoption of a child.
Clearly, PADS is a real feeling for many adoptive couples. What are some suggestions that can help you as a new adoptive parent deal with these feelings?
1. Recognize that Post Adoption Depression Syndrome is common and there are several valid reasons for feeling down after your child is placed with you. This does not mean that you have made a bad decision or are different from many other new parents.
2. In focusing and sharing birth mother grief . . realize that the birth mother made a positive plan for her and her child. You are an integral part of this special plan. If you share in her feelings of loss and grief, then take positive actions to help you both feel good about the plan that has come together for the adoptive triad. Write her a letter, make her an album, make certain that she knows what a great job she has done in giving this precious gift of life to you. Recognize that her grief is a natural part ofthe healing process.
3. Being anxiety ridden about certain legal risks and unresolved/unexpected issues is often a major source of stress. As adoptive parents, we must all accept the fact that with adoption comes certain risks. But, before accepting an adoptive situation make sure that the risks are ones that you can comfortably handle. It is a good plan to keep your head in control when evaluating each potential adoption situation. Once the baby is placed in your arms, the head control is usual replaced by heart control. Ask questions and know in your head the limit that your heart can endure.
4. Go to an infant parenting seminar. These seminars are often a part of child birthing classes at most hospitals. Call your local hospital to see when a class is being offered. Some hospitals will even allow a neonatal nurse to work one on one with you to show you how to care for your new born. Added confidence can relieve some of your feelings of anxiety and inadequacy about properly caring for this little, but very demanding little bundle.
5. Arrange for time to adjust to your new status. Unfortunately, many companies do not allow adoptive parents to take paid time off. With the rising cost of adoption, many families simply cannot afford to take time away from work without pay. Consequently one alternative is to rearrange your work schedule, if possible, to be more flexible for the first six - eight weeks. Another suggestion is to make plans for food and other necessities for the initial weeks in advance. One client I knew has a casserole shower from her local dinner club. Fifteen frozen casseroles came in very handy when the new baby arrived. "I wanted to spend every available minute with the baby. Clearly cooking was a low priority for me. " stated one adoptive mother. Paperplates, utensils, and cups can also cut down on work time and give you more time to relax and adjust.
6. Many adoptive couples feel that they must be super parents. They can pick up a baby on Friday, go back to work on Monday, have a meeting on Wednesday night, keep the church nursery on Wednesday night, have gourmet club at your house for the regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Saturday night, never missing a meeting or activity- all on four hours of sleep a night. Realize that birth parents usually take six weeks off of regularly scheduled activities. This time is not just for the healing of the body, but also for adjustment and bonding to the baby. Allow yourself the same time frame to adjust. Take a sabbatical from other responsibilities for six weeks and learn to love your baby.
7. Join an adoption support group, if you have not done so already. Share your feelings with others. A former client confided that she did not feel comfortable complaining about the baby's colic and her lack of sleep. "I felt like people would say that I asked for him. . . shut up. " Adoptive parents are not superhumans. We are real parents, who get tired, irritable, and have REAL feelings. Share your feelings with another adoptive parent in the support group.
Bringing your baby home is one of the highlights in your life. It is the beginning of a long and wonderful journey called parenthood. As with most journeys, there can be detours and bumpy spots in the road. Learning where the pot holes are makes the journey a little bit smoother.
June Bond is a Certified Adoption Investigator who has published numerous articles on adoption in local, state and national publications. Mother of six chidren, four of whom are adopted, she was recently recognized as South Carolina's Adoption Advocate of the Year for 1995.

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Exercise after baby...

Believe me I too never knew that I could find time to exercise after my baby was born. I was so tired all the time. Although I did not know that I was suffering from postpartum depression, one thing that my mother kept telling me was, "Get out of the house and start walking." Ok, sounds easy enough, right? Not that easy at first. However, I did find that if I was awake early I did start to go out and take my son, and of course myself, out for a walk around the neighborhood. I spent a lot of time at the mall walking around, and I did try to go to the pool a few times and swim. Even now, three years later, you still never get a full night sleep with a child in the house, but exercise helps with the fatigue. I just started working out again after a year and the fatigue that I was feeling is going away.

So, even if you do not think that you can implement exercise as part of your day, please try. I wish I did it sooner after my son was born. It is hard, but it has its benefits.

Exercise After Baby
July 14th, 2008
Finding time to shower can be a major accomplishment when you have a newborn. But exercise speeds your recovery and helps you shed pregnancy pounds. Here’s how to fit it into your baby’s schedule.
by: Tracey Mallett
Planning Post-Natal Workouts
Post-natal exercise speeds up the recovery process after childbirth and helps give you the energy you need to keep up with the hectic pace of caring for a newborn.
Be patient–once you start exercising it may take a few months, or possibly longer, for you to see the results you want.
To fit in exercise at home, create a library of workout videos that are different lengths so you're equipped when some unexpected time arises.
Use a day planner to loosely plan your workouts around your baby's schedule.
If you start to feel light headed and nauseous, or notice a change in the color of your vaginal discharge, you may be exercising too strenuously.
Related stories
1. Get your Pre-Baby Body Back
2. Should you do Pilates while Pregnant?
3. Benefits of Exercise During Pregnancy
fter childbirth, I was amazed by how much my stomach looked like a deflated balloon. If this is happening to you too, don't panic–your uterus will naturally contract back to its pre-pregnancy shape a few weeks after you give birth. But this alone is not enough to get your pre-pregnancy body back.
Post-natal exercise is the key–it also speeds up the recovery process and offers a whole range of health benefits for new moms. Just be patient because it may take a few months, or possibly longer, depending on how much time you can dedicate to working out. So here's how to find more time to fit exercise into your life with baby.
Benefits of postnatal exercise
Helps reduce post-natal depression.
Is essential for your overall physical health and will help you recover from childbirth and regain your pre-pregnancy body more quickly.
Increases your energy level.
Provides stress release and some time for you to focus on your own needs.
Finding time to exercise
Use a day planner to loosely plan your workouts around your baby's schedule. In the morning after your baby's first feeding, try going for a walk with the baby in the stroller. (Start with flat terrain and progress to different elevations). When your baby goes down for her nap, try taking 15 minutes to do some core conditioning exercises. (Yes, this does require willpower, but when you start seeing results it will keep you inspired to do more.)
Join a "Mommy and Me" exercise class. Check out your local hospital, gym, community centre or pediatrician to find classes. These are a great way to bond with your newborn, meet other new moms and fit in some exercise time for you.
Create a library of exercise videos that are different lengths so you're already equipped for when you find unexpected time.
Perform exercises while you're doing daily activities, such as a couple of yoga poses while you wait for the kettle to boil (downward dog is a great way to relieve an aching back and shoulders). Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) can be done anywhere and are very valuable for achieving a strong, stable pelvic area, which is usually lax due to pregnancy hormones still present in your body (especially if you're breastfeeding).
Your post-natal exercise regimen
It's important to consult with your doctor before starting an exercise program. What kind of delivery you had will determine how quickly you can resume your exercise routine, but it's generally advised that you wait until your six-week post-natal check up.
Once you get the green light and feel up to a regular exercise routine, I recommend Pilates for core conditioning and weight training and cardio for weight loss. Try to fit in two or three weekly sessions of cardio activity (walking, running and hiking) for 30 to 45 minutes, plus general body conditioning at least three times a week.
Exercise safety tips
Invest in a good support bra. Your breasts are going to be larger than normal from the milk production and will need a lot of extra support.
Be careful of high-impact sports due to lax pelvic ligaments and joints left over from pregnancy. (This is why core abdominal work is key after pregnancy to help prevent lower back and joint injuries).
Make sure you drink lots of water to replenish yourself, especially when breastfeeding.
Listen to your body. If you're feeling tired, go easy on yourself. Try not to push yourself until you feel ready.
If you start to feel light headed and nauseous, or notice a change in the color of your vaginal discharge, consult your doctor. You may be exercising too strenuously.
Enjoy this amazing time with your baby. A little extra weight is a small price to pay for the wonderful new person in your life, so be patient and your body will be back to normal in no time.
Meet our expert:
Tracey Mallett (http://www.traceymallett.com/ is an internationally-recognized certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist. She is the author of "Sexy in 6: Sculpt Your Body with the 6 Minute Quick Blast Workout." Tracey is the creator and star of the "3-In-1 Pregnancy System," for pre- and post-natal mothers. Her newest videos are "Renew You" and "Super Body BootCamp." A proud mother of two, Tracey, lives in Los Angeles.

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What to expect when your baby comes home.

This was taken from www.webmd.com Great questions for when you first bring your new baby home and what to expect!

10 Questions About Your Newborn Baby's First Week
New parents have plenty of questions about newborn babies. Be prepared by talking to your doctor.

Bringing a new baby home is an exciting -- and overwhelming -- experience. No matter how prepared you are, you're bound to have many questions about your newborn.
It helps if you have some idea of what issues come up and how to deal with them. Before your baby's birth, or before you leave the hospital, go over this list of questions about newborn baby care with your pediatrician.

1. How can I protect my baby from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?
Experts in newborn care say the best way to protect your baby from SIDS is to always put her down to sleep on her back. The rate of SIDS deaths has fallen significantly since the American Academy of Pediatrics launched its "Back to Sleep" campaign. Ask your doctor about other steps you can take to reduce your baby's risk.
2. Will my baby and I bond right away, and what should I do if we don't?
Many parents worry if they aren't overwhelmed by adoration at the first sight of their newborn baby. Try to be patient when it comes to bonding. These early days aren't easy -- for you or your child -- and it will take a while to get to know each other. Talk to your doctor about what to expect.
3. When will my newborn have her first physical exam after we leave the hospital? What will happen at that first checkup?
Most doctors schedule a first checkup at age 2 weeks, especially for the first baby. Ask about vaccines and early screening tests your newborn will receive. All newborn babies need to be checked and begin routine immunizations by age 2 months.
4. How should I care for my baby's umbilical cord stump and circumcision area?
Your doctor can give you detailed directions for caring for your newborn's umbilical stump and circumcision area. Your doctor can also advise you what to watch for in terms of infection.
5. How much will my baby sleep, and how can I tell if he is sleeping too much?
Newborn babies sleep a lot during their early days. Your doctor will be able to tell you what is normal and whether you should wake your baby to feed.
6. How often should my baby eat, and how should I deal with any feeding problems?
Whether you're breast or bottle-feeding, you're likely to have questions. Ask your doctor or hospital staff for names of lactation consultants, in case you have any breastfeeding problems. A qualified consultant in newborn baby care will help you and your baby get off to a good start. Breast milk is the "perfect food" for newborn babies for at least the first four months of life. It provides benefits, such as protecting against infections through the transfer of maternal antibodies, that no formula can.
7. How often will my newborn go to the bathroom, and how will I know if there are problems?
Elimination is right up there with sleeping and eating on a newborn's list of activities. Your doctor can tell you what problems to watch out for.
8. When and how often should I bathe my newborn?
Ask your doctor when you should give your baby her first bath, and about basic infant hygiene. Don't overdo it: newborn babies don't have an opportunity to get very dirty, and too much bathing can irritate delicate skin.
9. How can I tell if my baby has jaundice? Are there other newborn health conditions I should watch out for?
Many newborn babies have mild jaundice because their livers are not fully developed. Ask your doctor about jaundice and other newborn health conditions.
10. When should I call the doctor?
Find out what symptoms or behaviors warrant a call or a visit to the doctor.

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Governor Quinn Proclaims May 2009 Postpartum Mood Disorders Awareness Month in Illinois

Article taken from Postpartum International Quarterly Newsletter. Second Quarter, 2009 Volume XX, Issue 2

Governor Quinn Proclaims May 2009 Postpartum Mood Disorders Awareness Month in Illinois

Chicago, Illinois – Illinois GovernorPat Quinn proclaimed May 2009 Postpartum Mood Disorders Awareness Month in order to raise awareness of the common illness experienced by moms and moms-to-be.“I am proud to declare May 2009 as Postpartum Mood Disorders Awareness Month in Illinois. By increasing public awareness of these disorders, we can identify women who will benefit from treatment, saving them from unnecessary distress and suffering,” said Governor Quinn.In Illinois, the Postpartum DepressionIllinois Alliance (PPD IL) works to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of maternal mental health issues throughout the state. PPD IL offers ahelpline (847-205-4455) and website(www.PPDil.org) for women and their families so they can learn more aboutpregnancy & postpartum mood disorders and access local resources such as support groups and trained healthcare providers.“We want women to realize that theyare not alone, they are not to blame andwith help, you can be well again,” said Dr.Sarah Allen, Chair of PPD IL Alliance.

The PPD IL Alliance has chosen May, as it is home to Mother’s Day, to educate women and their families and friends about the nature of this illness. Approximately 15% to 20% of pregnant women and 15%of new mothers experience major or minor depression in the first year after giving birth. Symptoms differ for everyone but may include:• Many worries and panic attacks• Feelings of sadness, fear, anger and guilt• Possible thoughts of harming the babyor oneself• Lack of interest in the baby• Appetite & sleep disturbance• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.

“In this day and age, I think it’s deplorable that so many women still haveto suffer in shame and silence with a disorder that, when identified and treated early, does not have to be an impediment to a woman and her family’s ability to enjoy the birth of a child,” said U. S. Rep. BobbyL. Rush (D-IL) who recently re-introducedH.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act of2009. “I lend my voice and full support of the work of the PPD IL Alliance and other groups throughout our state and nation who are as committed as I am to working to ensure that all new mothers get the support they need to ensure that this special time of their lives is a safe, healthy and happy one.”

Symptoms of depression and anxiety occur in up to 20% of expectant and new moms, making these the most common complication of pregnancy, affecting nearly 1million women every year in the United States alone. Yet despite their prevalence,perinatal mood and anxietydisorders are under-detected by health care professionals and many women go without treatment.

Vanessa, a survivor of PPD describes her experience:“I was diagnosed with postpartum depression 6 weeks after the birth of my son. I was sleep deprived, anxious, short tempered with my family, and plagued by horrible intrusive thoughts of my infant son falling over the balcony, or falling down the stairs. I also couldn’t look at knives and had to hide them away. I was so horrified by the vivid pictures of this in my head. As a result of these thoughts I could barely eat and was always nervous and anxious.“I knew this was not how itwas supposed to be since Ialready had a 5 year old daughter and never suffered from these symptoms after her birth. I was afraid to be with my children alone so decidedto stay with my mom for a few weeks. With medication and talk therapy I began my way to recovery. My saving grace was an online support group. I was able to read the feelings of others suffering and post my own. I felt an instant bond and was so thankful.

I made apromise to myself and God that if I got through this horrible illness, I would help others. I was able to come off my antidepressant medication after 9 months and I became a moderator for PPDsupportpage.com and a telephone helpline volunteer for the PPD IL Alliance. My son is now 4 years old and Ifeel that time in my life was a blur. I make sure I spread the word about PPD and how common it really is. I feel that this illness was dealt to me for a positive reason. I am able to touch others that suffer and tell them that it isn’t a life sentence. PPD can be treated and cured.” PPD IL Alliance is the Illinois subsidiary of Postpartum Support International, the world’sl argest non-profit organization supporting women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
For more informationabout pregnancy &postpartum mood disorders& PPMD Awareness month
Contact: Dr. Sarah Allen,Chair IL PPD Alliance847 791-7722sarahfcallen@comcast.net.
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For moms who want to change the world....

I just found this website.http://www.momsrising.org/ click the link and sign the petition. They also have lots of information for Moms out there..check it out!

When we read the Wall Street Journal article this week in which the former CEO of GE, Jack Welch, states there's "no such thing as work-life balance," our blood really started boiling.No such thing!? What we want to know is, "Why not already?"We're tired of people bemoaning that work-life balance isn't possible, while there are real-life solutions in the form of family-friendly policies at our disposal--policies which also up the corporate fiscal bottom line by helping to retain and advance women. Yes, it's true: Recent research underscores that having women in leadership is correlated with improving the fiscal bottom line for businesses1.Join us in asking the CEOs of the leading Fortune 500 companies to take action and put policies in place which enable women to advance to the top in their careers and also take care of their families.Click here now to sign the letter: http://momsrising.democracyinaction.org/o/1768/t/1878/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1926
CEOs--and former CEOs who are business thought leaders--aren't innocent bystanders as we all struggle with work-life balance. They have the power to do something about it by making significant changes in the workplaces they oversee.Our economy now depends on the millions of women who work outside the home, and the vast majority of these women are mothers. In fact, women now make up almost half of the workforce and obtain more than 50% of college degrees2. With this information in mind, a big question comes forward: Why have so many workplaces failed to catch up to 21st Century realities when there are win-win solutions available? The answer: Too many employers don't understand the benefits of having family-friendly policies like flexible work options and paid family leave which can simultaneously increase productivity, as well as attract and retain high quality employees.This isn't just rhetoric. Recent studies show that companies with women in leadership are actually doing better fiscally even in this tough economic environment. For example, a Pepperdine University study found that Fortune 500 companies with the best track records for having women in leadership roles fiscally outperformed industry medians as measured by revenue, asset growth, and equity. Other studies found that hedge funds with women in leadership did significantly better over time3.Don't forget to sign on to our open letter to the top CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. We're asking them to take the initiative to implement company policies which address the needs of the modern workforce, of which women - and mothers - can be key contributors to their fiscal success.Sign the letter: http://momsrising.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=VY6%2FkEL4OqkxwfG%2FEc%2F6YNmLDNnrhAQUWe need 10,000 signatures by NEXT Wednesday the 22nd so we can make sure the letter gets in the hands of these CEOs by National Parents' Day (July 26). We can't think of a better way to celebrate that day than by handing over a letter with so many thousands of signatures that it can't be ignored.The more signatures, the more effective we'll be - so tell your friends, tell your family, tell your co-workers. Together we can make work-life balance better for every mom.Onwards!Kristin, Joan, Mary, Katie, Sarah and the rest of the MomsRising TeamP.S. Everyone needs to be able to structure their work lives in a way that allows them to meet both business and personal needs. Fact is, good work/life fit is of value to everyone and as a consequence it is good for business. MomsRising has a growing resource for both businesses and individuals interested in the ever greater opportunities to realize this ideal. Check them out at http://www.momsrising.org/work

[1]http://momsrising.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=RzorURenJVGNmNAJ31gQXdmLDNnrhAQU and http://momsrising.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=NDNkfZoShpk2CuzS%2Fo7nu9mLDNnrhAQU[2]U.S. Department of Labor http://momsrising.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=AvJ4JIIQ8E%2Fu25VC7OumZ9mLDNnrhAQU andU.S. Department of Education, http://momsrising.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=oPGZr9bvQzMEtJcouCVZ49mLDNnrhAQU[3]http://momsrising.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=fwaVKiyZJ408iJTBccyTk9mLDNnrhAQU and http://www.miller-mccune.com/business_economics/profit-thy-name-is-woman-1007

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Sleep Cycles for Mom and Baby

Good article..I know it is so hard when you are home with a newborn and you are totally sleep deprived. The biggest thing I did when my son was born was to make sure that he got to know the difference between night and day. When he woke up at night I did not turn on any lights. I had night lights in all the rooms. This way he did not think it was time to wake up. I fed him and put him right back down. I did not start playing with him and only changed his diaper if needed.

I have heard stories that mothers did not know why the baby would not sleep during the night. Daddy had night duty and he would turn on all the light and be on the computer. The baby thought it was time to play! Big no, no. Baby needs to know night time is sleep time! Good luck and get some rest.


By Catherine Kedjidjian
In this article:Why No Shut-Eye?The Danger of Sleep LossSet Your Sleep Clock BackTips to Get More Rest
Learn how sleep loss in moms, which often starts when one adjusts to her newborn's erratic sleep patterns, can significantly affect a woman's safety, health, and emotional stability.
Do you sleep like a baby? If you are a new mom, the answer is very likely, "Yes." Unfortunately, that's not a good thing. As adorable as sleeping infants look, their sleep patterns are not so sweet for their exhausted mothers. Newborn babies have short sleep cycles, waking every three to four hours to eat, day or night—and, of course, their mothers wake with them. But here's the really bad news: sleeping interruptions continue even after night-time feedings end. When you tuned into your baby's schedule, your sleep clock was reset, your sensitivity heightened. Before you had children, you may have slept through a parade of wailing bagpipes; now a cricket's chirp sends you bolting down the hall to check on your baby—or your toddler or teenager.
Why No Shut-Eye?

Hormones—while necessary for bonding—are a culprit in sleep loss. "Hormones can affect sleep, especially in high doses," says Suzanne Griffin, MD, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical Center and a private practice psychiatrist in Chevy Chase, Md. "Vasopressin and oxytocin are present in high levels during the postpartum period in both the mother and in the infant. That's why a new mother's sleep rhythms are in synch with her baby. Hormones facilitate the coupling of mom and baby."
So, when you were nursing and otherwise bonding with your newborn, your body was flowing with hormones that disturb sleep. But when you stopped nursing and your period returned, you regained your monthly hormonal fluctuations that cause bloating, tender breasts, and headaches, which also disturb sleep.
According to the Women and Sleep Poll commissioned by the National Sleep Foundation, 74 percent of women ages 30 to 60 do not sleep eight or more hours per night during the workweek. In fact, the average woman hits the sack for only six hours and 41 minutes during the workweek. According to Dr. Griffin, the healthy range of sleep per night for the average woman is seven to eight hours. Obviously, there's a gap—and it's a chasm that is bigger and can cause more safety and health problems than a pothole on the expressway.
The Danger of Sleep Loss
Your safety, health, and emotional stability depend on your ability to get enough sleep each night. The obvious problem with sleep loss is that a tired woman is not a fully-functional woman. Performing daily tasks in a state of exhaustion is not only difficult, it also can be deadly. How safe are you, your child, and the other children in the car if you are a sleep-deprived car pool driver? The Women and Sleep Poll found that 50 percent of women have driven while drowsy, and 14 percent have dozed off at the wheel.
Studies published in the medical publications Lancet and the Journal of the American Medical Association indicate that sleep deprivation can cause an increase in hunger and a decrease in metabolism. That dangerous one-two punch is not just an annoyance that keeps you from fitting into your pre-pregnancy jeans. It can hinder weight loss or cause weight gain and can lead to high glucose levels, which are precursors to diabetes.
Two thirds of women surveyed by the National Sleep Foundation reported that lack of sleep causes problems in their relationship with their spouse or children. As if you need statistics to back this up: depression and anxiety are associated with sleep deprivation. If you are tired, you are likely to be on edge, less tolerant, and maybe not too nice to those whom you love most.

Set Your Sleep Clock Back
The first few weeks of your newborn's life, your best bet is simply to follow the schedule that your hormones have set for you and your baby: sleep when your baby sleeps, day or night. You won't get a continuous eight hours of sleep, but every little bit helps. "Daytime naps can partially compensate for nighttime sleep loss," assures Dr. Griffin.
Tips to Get More Rest
Throughout the early weeks, try to maintain good sleep habits; that practice will help you get back into a normal sleep pattern later on. Sleep-promoting steps you can take include:
Go to bed at a regular time every night.
Avoid alcohol and anything high in caffeine, sugar, and salt.
Exercise regularly, but don't work out within three hours of bedtime.
Eat a light snack (but not a full meal) before bedtime. If your snack includes dairy products, you'll get a dose of the natural sleep-promoting substance tryptophan.
Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
If you have problems falling asleep, get out of bed. Go into another darkened room and pick up a quiet activity – but don't fall asleep in that room. When you feel drowsy, go back to bed. "It should only take 15 minutes or so to fall asleep," says Dr. Griffin. "If it takes longer, it's a signal to go to a physician or seek a sleep specialist."
When your baby begins to sleep for longer stretches at night, you can start to reset your sleeping pattern. Have the baby's dad take over nighttime feeding, or hire a baby nurse for night duty if possible. Cut out daytime naps to build up "sleep pressure" and continue to follow your good bedtime and sleep habits. Then, you'll be able to enjoy the view of your sweet, slumbering child before you head off to bed for a good night's rest.

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Signs and symptoms of Depression

Article taken from www.helpguide.org

Understanding Depression
Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Help

Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when emptiness and despair take hold and won't go away, it may be depression. More than just the temporary "blues," the lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re exhausted all the time; and just getting through the day can be overwhelming. When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, but with help and support you can get better. But first, you need to understand depression. Learning about depression — including its signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment — is the first step to overcoming the problem.
In This Article:
What is depression?
Signs and symptoms
Depression and suicide
The faces of depression
Types of depression
Causes and risk factors
Roads to depression recovery
Related links
Print Authors
Text Size
What is depression?
We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but clinical depression is much more than just sadness. Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all — instead, they feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic.
Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.
Are you clinically depressed?
If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression.
you can’t sleep or you sleep too much
you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
you feel hopeless and helpless
you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
you are much more irritable and short-tempered than usual
you have thoughts that life is not worth living (Seek help immediately if this is the case)
Signs and symptoms of depression
Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted — the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that's when it's time to seek help.
Common signs and symptoms of depression
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in or ability to enjoy former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex.
Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
Psychomotor agitation or retardation. Either feeling “keyed up” and restless or sluggish and physically slowed down.
Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued and physically drained. Even small tasks are exhausting or take longer.
Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Harsh criticism of perceived faults and mistakes.
Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.


Depression Signs and Symptoms



Clinical depression is distinguished from situational depression by length and severity


Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better
and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.


Loss of interest in dailly activities
No interest in or ability to enjoy former
hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex.


Appetite or weight changes
Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change
of more than 5% of body weight in a month.


Sleep changes
Either insomnia, especially waking in
the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).


Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Either feeling “keyed up” and restless or sluggish
and physically slowed down.


Loss of energy
Feeling fatigued and physically drained.
Even small tasks are exhausting or take longer.


Self-loathing
Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Harsh
criticism of perceived faults and mistakes.


Concentration problems
Trouble focusing, making decisions, or
remembering things.

-->Depression in men
Depression is a loaded word in our culture. Many associate it, however wrongly, with
a sign of weakness and excessive emotion. This is especially true with men. Depressed
men are less likely than women to acknowledge feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness.
How is depression expressed in men? Frequently, it comes out in more “socially
acceptable” forms. Anger, aggression, reckless behavior and violence, along with
substance abuse, can be signs of an underlying depression. You might hear complaints
about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest or sudden excessive
interest in work and hobbies. Even though depression rates for women are twice as high
as those in men, men are a higher suicide risk, especially older men.-->
Depression and suicide
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain.
Thoughts of death or suicide: A serious symptom of depression
A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted. Most people who are suicidal don't want to die — they just want to stop hurting. Take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for help.If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. Speak up if you're concerned and seek professional help immediately! Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking action.
See Suicide Prevention: Signs of Suicide and How to Help a Suicidal Person.
Thoughts of Death or Suicide
If you are feeling suicidal, know that there are many people who want to support you during this difficult time, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Reach out for help!
If you are considering suicide, read Coping with Suicidal Thoughts and Getting Help or call 1-800-273-TALK now!
The faces of depression
Depression often looks different in men and women, and in young people and older adults. An awareness of these differences helps ensure that the problem is recognized and treated.
Depression in teens
While some depressed teens appear sad, others do not. In fact, irritability—rather than depression—is frequently the predominant symptom in depressed adolescents and teens. A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy, or easily lose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in young people.
To learn more, see Depression in Teens.
Depression in older adults
The difficult changes that many older adults face—such as bereavement, loss of independence, and health problems—can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. However, depression is not a normal part of aging. Older adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of depression, and so the problem often goes unrecognized. Depression in older adults is associated with poor health, a high mortality rate, and an increased risk of suicide, so diagnosis and treatment are extremely important.
To learn more, see Depression in Older Adults.
Depression in men
Depression is a loaded word in our culture. Many associate it, however wrongly, with a sign of weakness and excessive emotion. This is especially true with men. Depressed men are less likely than women to acknowledge feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness. Instead, they tend to complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies. Other signs and symptoms of depression in men include anger, aggression, violence, reckless behavior, and substance abuse. Even though depression rates for women are twice as high as those in men, men are a higher suicide risk, especially older men.
Depression in women
Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. This is due in part to hormonal factors, particularly when it comes to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression. As for signs and symptoms, women are more likely than men to experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively, overeat, and gain weight. Women are also more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder.
To learn more, see Depression in Women.
Many new mothers suffer from some fleeting form of the “baby blues.” Postpartum depression, in contrast, is a longer lasting and more serious depression triggered, in part, by hormonal changes associated with having a baby. Postpartum depression usually develops soon after delivery, but any depression that occurs within six months of childbirth may be postpartum depression.
See Postpartum Depression: Signs, Symptoms, And Help For New Moms
Types of depression
Depression comes in many shapes and forms. The different types of depression have unique symptoms, causes, and effects. Knowing what type of depression you have can help you manage your symptoms and get the most effective treatments.
Major depression
Major depression, or clinical depression, is characterized by the inability to enjoy life and experience pleasure. The symptoms are constant, ranging from moderate to severe. Left untreated, major depression typically lasts for about six months. Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but more commonly, major depression is a recurring disorder. However, there are many things you can do to support your mood and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Atypical Depression
Atypical depression is a common subtype of major depression. It features a specific symptom pattern, including a temporary mood lift in response to positive events. You may feel better after receiving good news or while out with friends. However, this boost in mood is fleeting. Other symptoms of atypical depression include weight gain, increased appetite, sleeping excessively, a heavy feeling in the arms and legs, and sensitivity to rejection. Atypical depression responds better to some therapies and medications than others, so identifying this subtype can be particularly helpful.
Dysthymia (recurrent, mild depression)
Dysthmia is a type of chronic “low-grade” depression. More days than not, you feel mildly or moderately depressed, although you may have brief periods of normal mood. The symptoms of dysthymia are not as strong as the symptoms of major depression, but they last a long time (at least two years). These chronic symptoms make it very difficult to live life to the fullest or to remember better times. Some people also experience major depressive episodes on top of dysthymia, a condition known as “double depression.” If you suffer from dysthymia, you may feel like you’ve always been depressed. Or you may think that your continuous low mood is “just the way you are.” However, dysthymia can be treated, even if your symptoms have gone unrecognized or untreated for years.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
There’s a reason why so many movies and books portray rainy days and stormy weather as gloomy. Some people get depressed in the fall or winter, when overcast days are frequent and sunlight is limited. This type of depression is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seasonal affective disorder is more common in northern climates and in younger people. Like depression, seasonal affective disorder is treatable. Light therapy, a treatment that involves exposure to bright artificial light, often helps relieve symptoms.
BIPOLAR DISORDER - When Depression is Just One Side of the Coin
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is characterized by cycling mood changes. Episodes of depression alternate with manic episodes, which can include impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, rapid speech, and little to no sleep. Typically, the switch from one mood extreme to the other is gradual, with each manic or depressive episode lasting for at least several weeks. When depressed, a person with bipolar disorder exhibits the usual symptoms of major depression. However, the treatments for bipolar depression are very different. In fact, antidepressants can make bipolar depression worse.
See Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of Manic Depression
Depression causes and risk factors
Some illnesses have a specific medical cause, making treatment straightforward. If you have diabetes, you take insulin. If you have appendicitis, you have surgery. But depression is more complicated. Depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, and is not simply cured with medication. Experts believe that depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. In other words, your lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills matter just as much — if not more so — than genetics. However, certain risk factors make you more vulnerable to depression.
Causes and risk factors for depression
Loneliness
Lack of social support
Recent stressful life experiences
Family history of depression
Marital or relationship problems
Financial strain
Early childhood trauma or abuse
Alcohol or drug abuse
Unemployment or underemployment
Health problems or chronic pain
The cause of your depression determines the treatment
Understanding the underlying cause of your depression may help you overcome the problem. For example, if you are depressed because of a dead end job, the best treatment might be finding a more satisfying career, not taking an antidepressant. If you are new to an area and feeling lonely and sad, finding new friends at work or through a hobby will probably give you more of a mood boost than going to therapy. In such cases, the depression is remedied by changing the situation.
The road to depression recovery
Just as the symptoms and causes of depression are different in different people, so are the ways to feel better. What works for one person might not work for another, and no one treatment is appropriate in all cases. If you recognize the signs of depression in yourself or a loved one, take some time to explore the many treatment options. In most cases, the best approach involves a combination of self-help strategies, lifestyle changes, and professional help.
Ask for help and support
If even the thought of tackling your depression seems overwhelming, don’t panic. Feeling helpless and hopeless is a symptom of depression—not the reality of your situation. It does not mean that you’re weak or you can’t change! The key to depression recovery is to start small and ask for help. Having a strong support system in place will speed your recovery. Isolation fuels depression, so reach out to others, even when you feel like being alone. Let your family and friends know what you’re going through and how they can support you.
Make healthy lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes are not always easy to make, but they can have a big impact on depression. Take a good look at your own lifestyle. What changes could you make to support depression recovery? Self-help strategies that can be very effective include:
Cultivating supportive relationships
Getting regular exercise and sleep
Eating a healthy, mood-boosting diet
Managing stress
Practicing relaxation techniques
Challenging negative thought patterns
For help getting started and following through with positive lifestyle changes, see Dealing with Depression: Self-Help and Coping Tips.
Seek professional help
If positive lifestyle changes and support from family and friends aren’t enough, seek help from a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments for depression, including therapy, medication, and alternative treatments. Learning about your options will help you decide what measures are most likely to work best for your particular situation and needs.
Are antidepressants right for you?
Medication can help relieve the symptoms of depression in some people, but they don’t work for everyone and they come with drawbacks of their own. Learning the facts about antidepressants and weighing the benefits against the risks can help you make an informed and personal decision about whether medication is right for you.
ee Antidepressants: What You Need to Know About Depression Medication
Effective treatment for depression often includes some form of therapy. Therapy gives you tools to treat depression from a variety of angles. What’s more, what you learn in therapy gives you skills and insight to prevent depression from coming back.
Some types of therapy teach you practical techniques on how to reframe negative thinking and employ behavioral skills in combating depression. Therapy can also help you work through the root of your depression, helping you understand why you feel a certain way, what your triggers are for depression, and what you can do to stay healthy.
See Depression Treatment: Therapy, Medication, and Lifestyle Changes That Can Help.

Feeling Suicidal? Coping with Suicidal Thoughts and Getting Help
Helping a Depressed Person Taking Care of Yourself While Supporting a Loved One
More Helpguide articles:
Dealing with Depression: Self-Help and Coping Tips
Depression Treatment: Therapy, Medication, and Lifestyle Changes That Can Help
Antidepressant Medications: What You Need to Know About Depression Medication
Related links for depression
Signs and symptoms of depression
Signs and Symptoms of Mood Disorders – Lists the common signs and symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
Stories of Depression: Does This Sound Like You? - Read personal stories of depression, review the signs and symptoms, and learn how to get help. (National Institute of Mental Health)
What Does Depression Feel Like? – Provides a list of signs and symptoms and ways you might feel if you're depressed. (Wings of Madness)
When Depression Hurts – Article on the painful physical symptoms of depression, including what causes them and how treatment can help. (Psychology Today)
Male Depression: Don't Ignore the Symptoms – Learn about the distinct symptoms of depression in men and the dangers of leaving them untreated. (Mayo Clinic)
Types of depression
The Different Faces of Depression – Discussion of the different subtypes of depression, including atypical depression, melancholic depression, and psychotic depression. (Psychology Today)
Atypical Depression: What's in a Name? - Article on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of atypical depression. (American Psychiatric Association)
Dysthymia: Psychotherapists and patients confront the high cost of “low-grade” depression – In-depth look at the causes, effects, and treatment of dysthymic disorder. (Harvard Health Publications)
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Winter Depression – Guide to seasonal affective disorder and its symptoms, causes, and treatment. (Northern County Psychiatric Associates)
Depression causes and risk factors
What Causes Depression? - Article describes the many causes of depression and gives advice on taking back control of your life. (Psychology Today)
Co-occurring Disorders and Depression – How medical disorders can affect depression and vice versa (Mental Health America)
Joanna Saisan, MSW, Melinda Smith, M.A., Robert Segal, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., contributed to this article. Last modified in June 2009

Postpartum Depression: Do All Moms Need Screening?

Postpartum Depression: Do All Moms Need Screening?

July 17, 2009 by bethann17 Edit

Great Article from www.time.com Great debate still on the Melanie Stokes Act. Question: How could a few simple questions hurt any new mother? I personally do not see how taking five minutes for someone to see how you are could hurt you…what are your thoughts?

Clarification Appended: July 12, 2009

A month after Melanie Blocker-Stokes gave birth, she stopped eating and sleeping. She had convinced herself that she was a terrible mother, and she was paranoid that the neighbors thought so too. Over two months, Blocker-Stokes was repeatedly hospitalized for postpartum psychosis; prescribed a cocktail of antipsychotic, antianxiety and antidepressant drugs; and treated with electroconvulsive therapy. Despite her family’s efforts to help, Blocker-Stokes leaped to her death from the 12th story of a Chicago hotel in 2001, when her daughter was 3½ months old.

Now the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act, familiarly known as the Mothers Act, has passed the House and is headed for the Senate. If it becomes law, it will mandate the funding of research, education and public-service announcements about postpartum depression (PPD) along with services for women who have it.

The legislation has sparked surprisingly heated debate, dividing psychologists and spurring a war of petition drives aimed at either bolstering the bill or blocking its passage. “I just can’t understand it,” says Carol Blocker, Blocker-Stokes’ mother. “It breaks my heart that women would be against a bill that would help mothers.”

But not everyone agrees that the Mothers Act is destined to help. At the root of the dissent is the issue of screening: Does PPD screening identify cases of real depression or simply contribute to the potentially dangerous medicalization of motherhood?
Although the current version of the Mothers Act does not specifically include funding for PPD testing, an earlier one did (it was based on a New Jersey law that mandates universal PPD screening), and critics say the new act will naturally lead to greater use of screening if it passes. Opponents of the bill contend that mental-health screens are notoriously prone to giving false positives — research suggests that as few as one-third of women flagged by a PPD screen actually have the condition — and say testing is a gambit by pharmaceutical companies to sell more drugs.

But clinicians and researchers say screening is intended not as a diagnostic tool but as a way to identify patients who need further evaluation. Studies suggest that PPD affects as many as 1 out of 7 mothers and that failing to treat it exposes women and their babies to unwarranted risk. “Postpartum depression is not a benign, uncommon thing. We screen all infants for [the genetic disorder] phenylketonuria, which is extremely rare. Why don’t we screen women for this?” asks University of Pittsburgh Medical Center psychiatrist Katherine Wisner.

Why? Because increased screening could lead to an increase in mothers being prescribed psychiatric medication unnecessarily. That concern lies close to the heart of Amy Philo, 31, of Texas, who has become a leader of the anti–Mothers Act movement. In 2004, shortly after her first son was born, he choked on his vomit and needed emergency treatment. Her son recovered, but after the incident, Philo became preoccupied with his safety and felt severe anxiety about protecting him — a common symptom of PPD. “After a one-minute conversation with my doctor, he gave me Zoloft and said it would make me and my baby happy,” she recalls. But Philo says she started having suicidal and homicidal thoughts, which got stronger when another doctor raised her dosage. Eventually, Philo says, she weaned herself off the drug, and her violent feelings disappeared. (Zoloft, like other antidepressant drugs in its class, carries a black-box warning that it can increase suicidal ideation in patients ages 24 and under but not in adults of Philo’s age.)

Some psychologists argue that universal PPD screening misses the point because the greatest risk factor for postpartum depression is not giving birth, in fact, but previous depression. Women develop depression at the same rate whether or not they have given birth, according to Stony Brook University psychology professor Marci Lobel. “Women who have been healthy all their lives, who haven’t suffered lots of anxiety and depressive symptoms, are unlikely to have problems in the postpartum period — not even close to likely,” says Michael O’Hara, a University of Iowa professor of psychology. Further, say experts, while pregnancy hormones may impact a small subgroup of vulnerable women, they have little to do with PPD in most cases. In a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2000, researchers used drugs to mimic the postpartum decline of pregnancy hormones in 16 women, eight with histories of PPD and eight without. Five of the eight women who had previously experienced PPD developed mood symptoms. But none of the women who had never been depressed postpartum were affected.(Read “The Risks — and Rewards — of Pills and Pregnancy.”)

Still, there’s no denying that the postpartum period is a difficult one for many women. Some new mothers contend with clinical depression, but many more experience the normal feelings of “baby blues,” the short-lived postpartum sadness that affects at least half of all mothers. “[We] should be addressing the social factors causing women to be upset after they give birth, not locating the problem within the women,” says Paula Caplan, a clinical and research psychologist.
On either side of the screening debate, experts agree that mothers need help, says Ingrid Johnston-Robledo, director of women’s studies at the State University of New York at Fredonia. She adds that opposing arguments over PPD screening need not be mutually exclusive. “The problem with women’s reproductive-health issues is that they tend to be ignored or exaggerated,” she says. “We need to find a way to come down in the middle: acknowledge women’s depression but not assume that all women who struggle with the transition to motherhood are depressed.” Ensuring the proper support of mothers, however — whether that means treating depression or caring for women in their new roles — would require an effort much more ambitious than a single law.

The original version of this article stated that after Amy Philo’s newborn suffered an accidental choking incident, Philo’s preoccupation with his safety included fear of hurting her baby herself. However, Philo says that particular feeling did not intrude until later, after she began taking antidepressant medication.

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Postpartum Depression talk radio show with Hoag Hospital

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/OC-Family-Radio/2009/01/12/Postpartum-Depression

Great talk radio show from Hoag Hospital in OC County. Please listen, great info on postpartum depression.

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Postpartum Depression - NJN News Healthwatch Report

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w-itz_H89E


Great info from the State of NJ and public service announcement. Do we need mandatory screening for new mothers? Should more questions be asked of us from our doctors? There were times that I wished my doctor or pediatrician asked me questions about me, I would mention I was not sleeping, why did nobody pick up on that? That was the first sign for me, insomnia. Even when I went to talk to my doctor the second time and told him some of my symptoms all he told me was to stop breastfeeding. It kind of made sense at the time, but why did he not see the symptoms that I was explaining to him and say to me, "Look I think you have postpartum depression and this is what we need to do." I will never know why it took a few visits to him and me finally breaking down and saying, "I need help!" We all need to be more educated on this topic, not only the public but the doctors and nurses dealing with new mothers. Again, you are not alone, if you need help please talk to you doctor and do not feel ashamed.

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Real Videos of Women and Postpartum Depression

http://www.health.com/health/condition-video/0,,20194003,00.html
Heart to heart videos of women and their stories on Postpartum Depression. This one hit home to me because I too at one point could not give my son a bath anymore as I thought I might drown him. Remember, it takes time. Please seek out therapy. Talk to others about your feelings. The more that you keep your feelings inside the worse that they become. Remember that you are not alone. I wrote my story to let others know that you WILL get through this, but it does take time. It does take the help of others, therapy and possibly medication. You are not alone!

This link also has links to other stories as well. Again, speak to your doctor if you have any of the feelings or emotions that you just read about or watched.

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Women and heart disease

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200011

I know that this goes off the beaten track of my blog about PPD and Depression, but I just found out that I lost an old friend to a heart attack. That has made three friends that I have know since High School that have died in the past year, I am only 42. They were all women. Two that I know were from Heart Attacks and one was from Diabetes. As women we tend to think that heart disease is a "man" problem, but it is the number one killer of women. The link above has some great information. We, as women, tend to put others first, our family, jobs, chores, but we need to take care of ourselves as well. We need to make the time to make sure that we are well, so that we too will be around to tuck our babies in at night and tell them that we love them. My son left for camp before and he said, "Mommy, I need you." All I could think about was, "What if one day I am not here for him?" I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it.

Stacey, rest in peace my friend, I will miss you. Please from today forward, let's take care of not only the others in our lives, but of ourselves also!

Antidepressants and weight gain

http://www.webmd.com/depression/features/antidepressants-weight-gain

Great article I found on www.webmd.com about the correlation of taking antidepressants and weight gain. Again, if this may be a concern for some of you out there, please talk to you doctor or therapist and see if there is something that may be causing weight gain or trouble with weight and taking prescription medication.

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PSI Conference

Reminder: PSI Conference in LA They are also taking donations for this event as well if you would like to donate your product or service.


Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Attached please find the conference brochure and registration form for this year's Postpartum Support International's (PSI) annual conference. This year PSI has teamed with the newly formed Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force to address both the clinical and community needs in treatment of perinatal mood disorders. Perinatal mood disorders affect up to 20% of women and therefore will present in all sectors of mental health treatment. As such, the conference is designed to meet the educational needs of the entire field by spanning a broad range of clinical and community topics applicable to all regions; Los Angeles and beyond. Please register online at http://psi.eventbrite.com/, or send registration forms to PAC/LAC, 5530 Corbin Ave. Suite 323 , Tarzana , CA 91356 or by fax at 818.708.2950. We hope to see you there for this informative and inspiring conference. The cut-off date is July 17th for the discounted hotel room rate of $145.00/night. To book online with group discount, please go to: https://reservations.synxis.com/lbe/rez.aspx?hotel=11535&arrive=08%2F03%2F2009&nights=4&adult=1&group=PSIAUG2009&promo=&iata=&step=1

Please forward to anyone and everyone who might be interested in joining us for this great conference in LA in August. See attachment for Silent Auction items donations. Please consider making a donation to our silent auction.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you in LA!!

Postpartum Support International

Stress and Weight Loss

http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/adrenalglandweightgain.aspx?

Great Article and this is a wonderful website for women to look at for many topics. I have read many articles on "stress" and weight loss. I too have been struggling with weight loss, I eat right, take my supplements, and of course I could exercise more, but I do believe the stresses can effect weight loss and of course, weight gain.

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