Everyone who has any concern whatsoever about postpartum mood disorders must click on the following link: State of the State 2005 Highlights -Postpartum Wellness.
Governor Cody of New Jersey has announced a Postpartum Wellness Initiative. His plan includes the following:
New Jersey will be the first state in the nation to commit resources to uninsured new mothers for postpartum depression screenings and treatment.
Free mental health screenings and treatment to uninsured and underinsured new mothers.
Uninsured and underinsured new mothers would be referred to existing community behavioral health agencies for assessment and each would be eligible to receive mental health treatment.
Provide funding to DHSS for a medical education campaign for physicians, mid-level practitioners and nurses designed to recognize the signs and symptoms of PPD.
The educational campaign would enable the DHSS to work with nurses, mid-level practitioners and physician organizations to develop a program to enhance the education of medical providers regarding PPD.
What a hero! I am so excited I want to trumpet this from the mountaintops. I understand, of course, that it remains to be seen exactly how well designed and executed the program will actually be, but it’s a start. A wonderful start.
I totally agree! Every good action sometimes takes on a slow, rough beginning – but if one governor is brave enough to do so then perhaps many more governors and states will follow. This is definitely a step toward providing prevention for those who find themselves in compromised postpartums. To guarantee both medical and mental health benefits for all mothers is very encouraging. Keep on keeping on! "AAM"
NOW THAT POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IS GETTING SOME NATIONAL ATTENTION IT MIGHT BE A GOOD TIME TO UTILIZE THE INTERNET TO COLLECT AND ORGANIZE INFORMATION (IE., MEDICAL, PHARMACUTICAL,HEALTH HISTORY,PARIMINIOPAUSAL, POSTMINOPAUSAL) FROM WOMEN WHO HAVE AND OR ARE SUFFERING FROM THIS CONDITION TO SEE IF A PATTERN OF ANY KIND SURFACES. PERHAPS WITH THE ASISTANCE AND ATTENTION FROM THE STORY OF MARY JO CODEY (WIFE OF N.J. GOV) THIS COULD BE INITIATED.
SUZI ANDERSEN
SUZIVA@AOL.COM
Dear Suzi Anderson:
I believe this is a great idea and worthy of the work involved to bring it about.
After having read Mothering Without A Map by Kathryn Black, I know that there must be mothers who are now grandmothers still negatively affected by their own compromised postpartums as a result of inadequate care and/or treatment. Some grandmothers are still walking around in a fog of sorts as a result. It continues to affect their relationships with all family members. Let's not forget this population either! "AAM"