Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act

ACOG, March of Dimes, APA & Others Speak Out On Passage of MOTHERS Act

By Katherine Stone March 23, 2010

Below is anews release from Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), sent out today to inform the media about passage of the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act. I think you'll be pleased toread the comments made about this from such organizations as the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians& Gynecologists.

And can I just say how cool it is to be quoted in a news release from a Senator's office?!! And I'm not even a Democrat …

MAJOR INITIATIVE TO COMBAT POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION TO BE SIGNED INTO LAW AS PART OF HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM

Leaders in the fight against postpartum depression are celebrating today as the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act — legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) to combat postpartum depression — will become law as part of landmark health insurance reform that passed Congress last night. The legislation will establish a comprehensive federal commitment to combating postpartum depression through new research, education initiatives and voluntary support service programs.

"Millions of mothers nationwide who are suffering or will suffer from postpartum depression are among the winners as a result of the new health insurance reform law," said Senator Menendez. "These women understand that postpartum depression is serious and disabling, and that the support structure to help prepare for and overcome it has been woefully insufficient. We will attack postpartum depression on multiple fronts — with education, support, and research — so that new moms can feel supported and safe rather than scared and alone. I applaud the incredible group of advocates and inspirational women who helped this become a reality, I applaud Rep. Bobby Rush and Sen. Richard Durbin for helping to champion this cause, and I am absolutely thrilled that this will be the new law of the land."

"Finally, women all over the country are going to have access to the kinds of support services and information that women in New Jersey have had for a number of years," said Mary Jo Codey, former First Lady of New Jersey and leading advocate in the fight against postpartum depression. "And we're going to get more research into these insidious illnesses. This is what I'd worked and hoped for over a long period of time. I almost can't believe it finally happened!"

"We are so indebted to Senator Menendez and everyone on Capitol Hill who recognized that we needed to do so much more to educate women about postpartum depression, to ensure that healthcare providers are able to identify those who suffer and to provide sufficient resources and services for recovery in every corner of our country," said Katherine Stone, author of Postpartum Progress, the author of the most widely-read blog on postpartum depression and other mental illnesses related to childbirth, and a board member of Postpartum Support International. "We needed their help to raise awareness at the federal level and make this a healthcare priority, and they've done just that. There is no doubt that this new legislation will help save the lives of many new mothers and ensure that their families have a healthier start."

"The American Psychological Association applauds the passage of the MOTHERS Act, which will improve the health and well-being of approximately 800,000 women suffering from postpartum depression, as included in health care reform legislation. The MOTHERS Act will expand research, outreach and education to mothers, families, and health care professionals on this critical issue," states Gwendolyn Puryear Keita, PhD, executive director, Public Interest Directorate, American Psychological Association.

Susan Dowd Stone, chair of the President's Advisory Council of Postpartum Support International said, "Senator Robert Menendez, you are an unwavering champion of the women and infants you represent. Against all odds, you never once set aside this initiative. You are not just the Senator from New Jersey, you are the Senator of America's mothers."

Dr. Gerald F. Joseph, president of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, applauds Senator Menendez' leadership in ensuring inclusion of the MOTHERS Act in health care reform, saying "This will ensure that women and their health care providers have the best tools available to identify and treat all women that suffer from the very real and often severe results of postpartum depression."

"Adoption of the MOTHERS Act is a positive development for women and their families," said American Psychiatric Association president Dr. Alan F. Schatzberg. "Now the many women who are suffering from postpartum depression will have the support needed to get the help for this treatable condition."

"As a nurse dedicated to caring for expectant mothers and their newborns, I applaud the passage of the MOTHERS Act. This legislation will provide much needed support services and education to women suffering from postpartum depression," said Karen Peddicord, CEO of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

"Midwives are particularly sensitive to the need for support for mothers in the postpartum period and have long advocated for more intensive follow-up for all new mothers. We are so pleased by the passage of the MOTHERS Act which Senator Menendez has championed," stated Melissa Avery, CNM, PhD, FACNM, president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

"The March of Dimes deeply appreciates the Senator's leadership on this important issue," said Marina L. Weiss, PhD, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs for the March of Dimes. "Postpartum depression is a serious problem that takes a toll on women and infants as well as on their families. The Senator's proposal, approved by Congress last night, will ensure that necessary resources are made available to promote early diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression. The provision holds great promise for improving birth outcomes for women and children in every state across the nation."

March 23, 2010 8:20 am Filed Under: Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, Postpartum Depression Policy

Congratulations!!!!

By Katherine Stone March 22, 2010

Remember when we did this?

Orwhen you decided to participate in this? And this?

How about this?

Because of those things, and the hard work of so many,you were able to accomplish this.

WAY TO GO YOU!!!!!!!!!!

March 22, 2010 10:01 am Filed Under: Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act

Still Time to Support MOTHERS Act

By Katherine Stone May 12, 2009

Yesterday, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)hosted a press conference promoting passage of the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act. Susan Stone attended and reported the following:

"The responsive audience and numerous press representatives asked many excellent questions which gave an opportunity to address misconceptions aboutS 324 and talk about the fantastic opportunity this legislation presents to end the preventable suffering of thousands of America's mothers. Senator Menendez clarified that the bill does NOT mandate screening, but will seek research into the most efficacious methods of identifying these illnesses for earlier treatment and prevention."

You can still support this important piece of legislation by signing the online petition– follow this linkand joinme and so many others: http://www.perinatalpro.com/ppdlegislation.html

Here's a story CBS in New York did on the event, featuring Sylvia Lasalandra.

And here's a post from Ivy Shih-Leung today on how it went — I'm so glad she was able to go! A tidbit:

"During the press conference, several references were made with respect to how Senator Coburn (R-OK) has been stubbornly opposed to the bill–even despite the fact that he is an OB/GYN–and it should be interesting given how Rachel Roberts, whowas just crowned Mrs. Oklahoma International, is a postpartum depression survivor and will continue herpostpartum depression awareness mission that she started duringher Mrs. Tulsa days. Please visit her website."

And Tom Davis wrote about it on Coping with Life.

May 12, 2009 9:55 am Filed Under: Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act

What To Expect When Your Expecting's Murkoff Endorses Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act

By Katherine Stone April 23, 2009

The list of amazing organizations and people who are speaking out in support of the Melanie Blocker Stokes Act this week is growing and growing. Thank you for standing up for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Here's a great new one: Heidi Murkoff, author of"What to Expect When You're Expecting" (you know the book!) is also endorsing this bill. Check out her beautiful blog post at the What to Expect website. It's called "Let Melanie's Battle Become Our Mission." Thanks Heidi!!!

April 23, 2009 8:14 pm Filed Under: Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act

Is PPD Stigmatized Even Within the Mental Health Community? Dr. John Grohol Speaks Up

By Katherine Stone April 21, 2009

What a way to support Blog Week for the Melanie Blocker Stokes Act — Dr. John Grohol at Psych Central weighs in, writing about how PPD is still stigmatized today and also about the legislation and why it is important. Fabulous. You MUST visit Psych Central yourself and read the entire post. They DESERVE our internet traffic today, ladies and gents.

Here is just one of my favoritehighlights:

"Perhaps the saddest thing of all, though, is that people — in this day and age of instant connectivity and all of the wonders the Internet has brought us — are still against basic, simple things like education and information about these concerns. “What? You want us to spend money educating future moms on postpartum depression!??! Ridiculous!” I just don’t get it."

That's just a tidbit to get your interest. There's more where that came from.

Can you hearing me cheering? Can you?! I bet you can! You'll be cheering too.

April 21, 2009 7:32 pm Filed Under: Postpartum Depression, Stigma

National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition Endorses MOTHERS Act

By Katherine Stone April 21, 2009

The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition is now endorsing the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act. The Coalition is calling for a comprehensive look at perinatal mental health to facilitate a thorough understanding of the many factors surrounding it.

Judy Meehan, Executive Director, says “Too many women are suffering, and too many families are negatively affected by the significant effects of postpartum depression. With assessment tools, education, support and treatment now available, partners in public health have an opportunity and a responsibility to help. Every woman deserves to have the information and access to care she needs to take care of her health and be the best mom she can be. “

April 21, 2009 8:53 am Filed Under: Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act

Senator Blocking MOTHERS Act Is Obstetrician (Seriously)

By Katherine Stone April 20, 2009

I just had the privilege of speaking with one of our nation's Senators today — Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, who we have to thank forintroducing the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act in the Senate. As he stated in an official message from his office today, lauding the bloggers who will mobilize readers, colleagues, family members and friendsthis week to support the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act:

“Postpartum depression is a condition that is not only more widespread than most realize but also more debilitating than most realize. We need to make sure these mothers are fully supported and informed, rather than scared and alone. Working together with a nationwide community of mothers, we are so close to enacting this important legislation into law. What we need is an intense dose of public pressure. This Blog Day helps reinforce the type of grassroots movement that will create the pressure that is needed, and I commend the participants."

"Intense dose of pressure" means calling the Capitol operator at 202-224-3121, asking for the Senators mentionedbelow in this post,and speaking up. It means getting yourself on Susan Stone'slist of individual and organizational supporters (email her at susanstonelcsw@aol.com). It means writing an editorialorletter to the editor describing whypassage of the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Actis so important.

Senator Menendezindicated thatmuch of the strong opposition to this bill continues to come from Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma who refuses to pass any of what he calls "disease-specific" legislation. Here's the part that absolutely kills me: Dr. Coburn specializes in family medicine andobstetrics. Dr. Coburn has personally delivered more than 4,000 babies, according to his bio.

Yes, you heard me right. The chief Senatorial opponent of this bill is an OB. Am I living in an alternate reality here? Did somebody spike my coffee? Have I officially arrived in Bizarro World? Hellooooo?! Bueller?! If you'd like to call Senator Coburn's office to register your confusion, here's the number: Dr. Coburn's office in Washington: 202-224-5754, Tulsa: 918-581-7651 andOklahoma City: 405-231-4941. They're going to be hearing an earful from me today.

(Perhaps Senator Coburn doesn't realize that Oklahomans get postpartum depression too. And that part about being against disease-specific legislation is BS, since he himself wrote legislation about the prevention of AIDS ininfants,which sounds pretty disease-specific to me.)

This isNOT a Democrat vs. Republican issue. In the interest of full disclosure (don't hate me, my dear liberal friends), I am a moderate conservative. I don't get how conservatives talk so passionately about the sanctity of family and the sanctity of life and then can't be moved to do something that will obviously support new families. Yes, that's you, Republican members of the Senate HELP committee: Sen. Micahel Enzi (WY), Sen. Judd Gregg (NH), Sen. Lamar Alexander (TN), Sen. Richard Burr (NC), Sen. Johnny Isakson (GA), Sen. John McCain (AZ), Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT), Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK), Sen. Tom Coburn (OK) and Sen. Pat Roberts (KS).

It is the HELP Committee (Health, Education, Labor & Pensions) thathas the power tomove this bill to a vote on the floor of the Senate. There is no Democratic opposition to this bill, there is only lack of Republican support. So here's what we need to help the Republicans, as wellas yourown state Senators who will eventually vote on this bill,understand:

* Postpartum depression and related illnesses like postpartum psychosis are party-blind. Just as many Republican families will suffer from these illnesses and Democrat or Libertarian families — nearly 1 million families each year in the US. We need your help.

* Senator Menendez has worked hard to reach across the aisle and ensure that the language of the bill was changed to accommodate the concerns of Republicans as well as outside parties like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. There is no mandatory screening, for instance. There should be no concerns remaining that would preventyou from getting behind the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act and helping mothers.

* Postpartum depression is a very real illness. Its negativeimpact on the physical and emotional health of mothers and newborns is well-documented. This is why such organizations as the March of Dimes,the American College of Obstetricians &Gynecologists, the Children's Defense Fund, the National Association of Social Workers, the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, American Psychiatric Association and the Suicide Prevention Action Network,among others, are fully behind it. This is also whysome of the families who have lost their daughters, wives and children/grandchildrendue to this illness are behind the Melanie Blockers Stokes MOTHERS Act 100%, including Carol Blocker, Joan Mudd, the Gibbs family, Helena Bradfordand the Tatia Oden French Memorial Foundation.

* Working to identify causes and improve treatments of these illnesses will only reduce the healthcare costs related to postpartum depression, particularly if we are able to begin preventing these illnesses from occurring or becoming more severe thanks to the funding that is part of this bill.

By the way, IaskedSen. Menendezwhat itis that makes him so passionate about supporting women with postpartum depression, considering he has not had first-hand experience with the illness himself.

"It came to myriveting attention by former first lady of New Jersey Mary Jo Codey. Her stories were very moving to me in terms of the challenges she faced. She made a very clear and compelling case and that's how I first got engaged. Since then, though, I've heard from so many other families, including hearing from men who've expressed the consequences of postpartum depression on their families."

I'm so glad we have his leadership to help us move this forward. He can't do it all by himself though. Now's the time for that intense dose of pressure.

April 20, 2009 12:30 pm Filed Under: Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act

Blog Week for the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act Kicks Off Today

By Katherine Stone April 20, 2009

Todaykicks offthe 2nd official Blog Day for the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERs Act. This year's event is being led by Lauren Hale over at Sharing the Journey, and she has actually turned it into Blog WEEK for the MOTHERs Act to ensure that everyone has the chance to participate.

If you don't have a blog you can join in on Facebook or Twitter about it. If you do have a blog and decide to participate, make sure to use the tag "Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act" and to leave a comment here so that Lauren knows you've joined in. MOST IMPORTANTLY, make sure you and your readers email Susan Stone at susanstonelcsw@aol.com to add your nameto the growing list of people supporting this much-needed legislation. Be sure to include your name and state in the email.

Here are some other bloggers already weighing in today: Perinatal Pro, Sharing the Journey — Lauren's interview with Mary Jo Codey, Ivy's PPD Blog, The Postpartum Stress Center, Motherscribe, Minnesota Madre, Just Gliding Along, Binsi Blog, WellPostpartum, Mommies with Cents, There She Grows, PPD in Paradise, Stumbling Barefootand Beyond Blue

When I led the first blog day for the MOTHERs Act in 2007, I didn't think we'd need a second one. Yet here we are. I'm frustrated that Congress continues to string mothers along, playing politics while women and their families suffer needlessly. This is not a game, dear Senators. We need you to act, just as the House of Representatives did thanks to the leadership of Carol Blocker and Rep. Bobby Rush. (If you'd like to read the text of the bill, click here.)

Here's a list ofsome ofthe supportive and courageous moms who support the MOTHERs Act from the 2007 Blog Day — click the links to read some of their amazing stories and find inspiration: Beyond Blue, The Well Mom, Flamingo House Happenings, Parentopia, Unexpected Blessing, The Silent I, The Chronicles of Munchkin Land, BlogHer, The Maha Blog, Pundit Mom, Fertility Stories, Kari's Couch, Stella Family Update, Ask Moxie, Long Noodle, You Shall Above All, Been There, Empty Wound Hopeful Heart, Go-Go Mommy, We All Fall Down, DC Metro Moms Blog, The Hatfields, Adoptionblogs.com: Birth-First Parent Blog, 5 Resolutions, Viva La Feminista, Chicago Moms Blog, The Gus Stop, Spin Me I Pulsate, Welcome to My Brain, Maternally Challenged, Earth Change, Postpartum Mental Illness Yahoo! Group, SoCal Mom, My Life With Mr. Rogers, All of My Days, Life Outside the Box, The Integrated Mother, The Mummy Chronicles, Shelly Says, Boogiemum, Mom of 3 Girls, Life After Baby, Healthy Concerns, Pop Consumer, Ruta Nonacs: A Deeper Shade of Blue, Surfette, Growing A Life, Central Sanity, ShortWoman, Women 4 Hope, The Dana Files, Center for Women's Mental Health Blog, martinimade, This Full House, Motherscribe, Don't Try This At Home, Not Calm (dot com), Boston Mamas, Work It, Mom!, PPD Survivor, The Fish Pond, Sofia's Diary, The Online PPD Support Group, Ask Dr. Manny (FOX), Amazing Instant, Surrender, Dorothy, Silicon Valley Moms Blog, Sarah and the Goon Squad!, Strollerderby, Is America Burning, Moms Speak Up, Babylune, Strollerderby: Armchair Activism, The Postpartum Stress Center, MamasInk, Marriage, Stillbirth & Infant Loss Blog Directory, Tough Like A Creampuff, Vevz, My Om Page, Mountain Momma, My Scrapbook Life, The Political Voices of Women, The Toddler Reality Show, The Huffington Post, Roc Rebel Granny, Renton Kidspot, MacEwan, O for Obsessive, Pretty Babies, Odd Time Signatures, Mom's Tinfoil Hat, A Girl's Gotta Spa, Claire Bear, Not That I Don't Love My Kids, Silicon Valley Moms Blog: Beth B, Silicon Valley Moms Blog: Mommaof1, Skeet's Stuff, ifferjen's blog, Tumble Dry, Coping With Life (follow up story), A Mile in My Berks, Nickie's Nook, Do the Yak, Mrs. Flinger, Club Mom: Mom's Daily Dose, Amerimama, Deep Muck Big Rake, Blondie At the Bar, Screamy Thing, VDog and Little Man, A Piece of My Mind, hip Mama, LaurieWrites, The Happy Geek, Wendy's Thoughts About Anything and Everything, The Daily Court, Missives from Suburbia, Trenches of Mommyhood, Daring Young Mom, Kovixen, I Hate Snaps, Minivan Bohemian, A Daughter's Touch, Managing Life Transitions, Coping With Life, So Sioux Me, Dawn's Recipes

April 20, 2009 9:29 am Filed Under: Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act

Midwives Endorse MOTHERS Act

By Katherine Stone April 15, 2009

The National Association of Certified Professional Midwives has announced its endorsement of the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act. "As midwives we know first-hand the crucial important of support for women during hte postpartum period, including the value of home-based health and support services," said Mary Lawlor, President of the NACPM. Thank you!

ALSO, the Postpartum Resource Center of Kansas has added its endorsement of the MOTHERS Act. Thank you so much!

And the Massachusetts General Hospital Women's Mental Health Center has written about it as well, encouraging those who are interested to send in their names!

April 15, 2009 8:42 am Filed Under: Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act