When it happens, mothers in Illinois have quality options to address postpartum disorder
by Terri Dee Illinois News Connection
CHICAGO - A new baby should bring a time of happiness for a family but what is frequently dismissed as the "baby blues" is a mental health condition called postpartum depression.
Uncontrollable crying, an inability to complete daily tasks, insomnia, oversleeping and low energy are common symptoms mothers experience and can last for weeks. In severe cases, thoughts of harming themselves, other people or their newborn may occur.
Dr. Robin Drake OB/GYN at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, said a strong support system can help but in some cases, it is ineffective.
"Asking for people to maybe help care for the baby so they have more time for a little bit of self-care," Drake recommended. "Having more time for rest, even showering, just getting a good meal in afterwards, are things that can be really helpful for mood but for many people, that's just not enough."
Drake suggested reaching out to a health care provider or psychotherapist for an assessment to rule out the existence of any other major health conditions or undiagnosed mental health concerns such as bipolar disorder. In 2019, House Bill 3511 was enacted to require the Illinois Department of Public Health to partner with the state's American Academy of Pediatrics to urge physicians to conduct postpartum mental health screenings at well-baby visits.
Extreme cases of postpartum depression lasting for weeks or even months may need medication to alleviate the symptoms. In 2019, the first medicines were formed but one drawback was a required brief hospital stay to help the treatment take effect.
Dr. Donna O'Shea, OB/GYN and chief medical officer for population health at UnitedHealthcare, described one drug which has produced better results in less time.
"This year, Xerove is an option that is in pill form that's taken daily for two weeks and can make a difference in three days," O'Shea explained. "There are many available treatments and paths a woman can go, depending on the severity of her symptoms."
O'Shea added most employers, with guidance from their health care providers, have an employee assistance program, which permits a worker to speak privately with a trained health professional at no cost. Other options include virtual behavioral health coaching or joining a women's postpartum discussion group.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported in 2019, one in 10 women reported feelings of depression before, during and after her pregnancy.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-652-6262).
Keywords: Postpartum depression symptoms, Postpartum mental health treatment, Postpartum depression support resources
Illinois postpartum depression screenings, Xerove postpartum depression medication, National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Avoiding holiday acid reflux is a cinch; Dr. Greg Ward explains how
The advice from Greg Ward, MD, is sure to raise some eyebrows.
But he’s serious. It’s one way to prevent reflux, an ailment that’s painful and annoying in mild cases and can necessitate surgery in advanced instances. And it's something to be aware of during holiday eating.
Learning by leading: Building teen entrepreneurship and real-world business know-how
Already on Tiktok or Instagram? Teens can get real-world skills by blending business and their social media platforms into a unique venture this summer where they can learn valuable business experience as entrepreneurs.
Rybak wins state track title, next stop Notre Dame
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Father McGivney's Elena Rybak and St. Anthony's Isabella Keller embrace after running in the Class 1A 1600m Run on Saturday at the Illinois High School Association's Girls Track & Field State Finals.
by Terri Dee
