Pamphlet

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NOT JUST A MAMA THING

Family Centered Prevention & Supportfor Postpartum Mood Disorders

Eight out of ten new moms (experienced or new) will experience some difficulty with their mood after giving birth. Approximately two of those eight will go on to develop a Postpartum Mood Disorder.

At PACE we believe strong, compassionate family and community based support is key to preventing and shortening the experience of a Postpartum Mood Disorder.

The THREE primary areas to pay attention to when looking for signs & symptoms of a Postpartum Mood Disorder are:

NUTRITION:

  • Is mom eating?

  • How is she eating? A Lot, a little, just right?

  • Is mom eating healthy foods?*

      * (excessive sugar & caffeine can contribute to mood difficulties)

  • Has she rapidly gained/lost weight without explanation?

      * (make sure Mom gets a thyroid screen)


SLEEP:

  • Does Mom sleep when baby does?

  • When Mom goes to sleep does she fall asleep right away or is struggling to get to sleep or unable to stay asleep?

  • Does she awake refreshed or is she still fatigued?

MOOD:

  • Is Mom acting like herself?

  • Do things seem out of order?

  • Is it hard for Mom to make a decision?

  • Has Mom been crying for no apparent reason?

  • Does Mom seem anxious?

  • Is Mom bonding with baby?

How Family Can Help Prevent & Support the New Mother:

Prevention:

  • Set up a schedule to bring meals, help with housework, and run errands before baby arrives

  • Offer to pick up older children to give mom a break

  • Check in with mom – ask how SHE is doing

  • Babysit for an hour or two so mom can have some time to herself

Support of a Mother with a Postpartum Mood Disorder:

(All of the above PLUS the below suggestions)

  • Allow mom to express her feelings without judging. Sometimes all she needs is to sit in silence with someone.

  • Encourage mom to see her doctor and go with her if you can as those around her may notice behavior she of which she is not aware.

  • Try to help with childcare so she can attend therapy or support group.

Getting older children involved in Supporting Mom:

Toddlers:

  • Get Diapers, Burp Cloths, paci, nursing pillow, etc.

  • Make funny faces at baby while mom changes baby

  • Help dress baby (socks, pants, etc)

Elementary Children:

  • Change baby’s diaper

  • Give bottle and burp baby

  • Dress baby

  • Bring mom water to drink

Middle School & High School:

  • Babysit while mom takes a shower or bath

  • Prepare simple meals such as sandwiches

  • Bring Mom water

  • Run errands if they have a license

Don’t Forget about DAD!

Dads are a huge part of prevention and support of the postpartum mom. And don’t forget that Dads too can suffer from Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPND) and need to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of this increasingly occurring disorder.

Signs that Dad may be suffering from PPND may include change in appetite, loss of interest in hobbies and other activities, feeling down for more than two weeks, increased irritability and frustration, guilt or shame surrounding these feelings, inadequacy feelings related to fatherhood, and insomnia. If these symptoms do not go away after two weeks, Dad should be seen by a medical professional.

Things Dad can do to support himself:

  • Take time for hobbies and other interests

  • Bond with baby – if mom is breastfeeding, you can change diapers and help burp baby once feeding has finished.

  • Talk with other dads about fatherhood*

*try www.thefatherlife.com for a great community of hip new dads!

Things Dad can do to support Mom:

  • Change Diapers

  • Burp Baby

  • Swap night shifts so she can rest

  • Set up babysitting so you can both have a date!

  • Encourage her to go out with friends

Supportive Websites just for Dads:

Postpartum Dads: www.postpartumdads.org

Run by David Klinker, the Father’s Coordinator for Postpartum Support International. Features stories and advice from other Fathers who have experienced Postpartum Depression first-hand.

Postpartum Men: www.postpartummen.com

Run by Dr. William Courtenay, the Postpartum Coordinator for Men with Paternal Postnatal Depression. Features information as well as an interactive forum for men struggling with depression after the birth of a child.

©2007 PACE

This information not meant to diagnose or replace the professional advice of a medical practitioner. As with any condition or care, always check with your caregiver prior to implementing any treatment strategy.

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