I was privileged to recently attend the Postpartum Support International (PSI) Conference in Santa Barbara, California.  It was an incredible experience, as more and more programs were highlighted from around the country and Canada too.  The level of dedication and commitment was awe-inspiring. Yet at the same time, the "horror stories" conference attendees shared were disturbing. Again and again, we heard from survivors who are now activists on the issue of postpartum mood disorder. These generous women are reaching out to others in similar circumstances and advocating for necessary changes. 

Too often, we heard stories of women who were treated inappropriately by professionals who "should have known better."   

One woman was in the depths of a postpartum depression when she visited her ob/gyn for her follow-up 6-week visit. She complained of feeling inadequate as a mother and said that perhaps she should give her newborn up for adoption. Ignoring the obvious signs of a clinical depression, the doctor responded, "Those arrangements can be made."   

There was an audible gasp from the audience. 

It is impossible for me to report on all that we heard that weekend. However, two key sessions deserve to be highlighted:

On the practical side, women wanted to know how to most effectively connect to their faith communities when it comes to using their physical space. For example, they may want to sponsor a workshop, or even offer ongoing support: Answer: The receptionist/secretary of the church or temple office will know rules or restrictions and give you an application. Also, networking with church members and leaders to find an advocate for your project and help them feel connected to your mission may be necessary.  

If you can make a compelling case that shows how postpartum depression is affecting their congregation membership, your case will be stronger. Use e-mail and websites to give information.  Get a congregation member to make the initial phone call to the clergyperson and perhaps meet with the pastor/rabbi first.   

Another eye-opening session was conducted by Dr Bruce Ettinger, an ob/gyn and an advocate for physician education.  He shared his unique perspective as a doctor who had been through a medical education system that he classified as "abusive."  He described medical students being humiliated on a daily basis during their training, deprived of sleep, and then abruptly thrown into a position in which the well-being of patients is in their hands. 

In addition, many do not have an interest or training in "head stuff." Psychological concerns are seen as peripheral, especially with the prevalence of specialized fields of study and practice.  Dr Ettinger also told of the resistance to dealing with domestic violence. Doctors feel as if it's opening a Pandora's box: there's no quick fix; no medicine, no surgery that will make the problem clear up; it may be a long standing issue that will not resolve itself easily.   

Is it any surprise then that the issues surrounding postpartum mood disorders elicit the same response?  As important as it is to educate doctors about PPD issues, perhaps we will have more success targeting others in the doctor's office (nurses, nurse-practitioners, childbirth educators, lactation consultants) who may be more receptive to screening women for PPD and who can be educated regarding appropriate responses and local resources. 

The weekend concluded with the creation of a PSI statement about the importance of social support in preventing and dealing with PPD.  This document can help educate the public as well as professionals and even rally advocacy efforts.  It can also serve to validate the support and acknowledgement of these issues that occurs at Mothers' Centers.   

www.postpartum.net 

www.motherscenter.org

Home | About Us | Viewpoints & Vision | Resources | Save the Date | Contact Us | Mailing List

LIWomen.com Sponsors
 

    
Copyright © 2000 ET Connections and may not be used without permission

Email Us: info@liwomen.com
 
Website design by YS Productions