| About Us
  MedEdPPD.org
is a Web site developed with the support
of the National Institute of Mental Health
(NIMH) to provide education about postpartum
depression (PPD). This part of the site, Mothers
and Others, contains information
for women with PPD and their friends and
families. » Learn
More
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There are many common misconceptions about postpartum depression. Can you tell PPD facts from fiction? Learn the truth here.
Myth: PPD is normal
-- all new mothers feel tired and depressed. |
Fact: New mothers
do often feel tired and down. They may
be experiencing "baby blues," which affects
up to 80% of women after giving birth.
Women with baby blues may feel tired, weepy,
and have no energy. However, the feelings
that go with PPD are stronger and more
intense. A mother with PPD may not want
to play with her baby. She may have trouble
paying attention to things and may not
be able to meet her baby's needs for warmth
and affection. She may feel guilty or worthless.
» View
all top 10 myths about postpartum depression
» Tell
a Friend
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HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
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 Hear it From Mary Jo Codey
Listen to a candid interview with the former First Lady of New Jersey as she shares her personal struggle with PPD -- from her lowest moment to the day she sought help to her successful treatment.
» Continue
to Hear It From Mary Jo Codey
Learn more about the professional and the personal sides of PPD. Watch our experts answer some of your most frequently asked questions about PPD. Hear from women just like you about how they coped.
» Continue
to 'Hear It From'...
 Our
patient brochure, which is available in PDF format in both English and Spanish,
has helpful information about the signs and symptoms of postpartum
depression, and what mothers can do if they need help. Feel free
to download or print them out, and share them with friends and family.
This brochure was developed with the support of NIMH and is available
as a free resource to download, print, and distribute for noncommercial
use. The brochure must be used as is; no changes may be made to the
copy or design.
Download: » English
Version | » Spanish
Version |
Legislation News
 The Mom’s Opportunity To Access Help, Education, Research and Support for Postpartum Depression (MOTHERS) Act and the Melanie Stokes Act are designed to ensure that new moms and their families are educated about postpartum depression, screened for symptoms, and provided with essential services. In addition, the implementation of these Acts will increase research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression. On January 4, 2007, Congressman Bobby Rush reintroduced the Melanie Stokes Act to the 110th Congress as H.R. 20. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey introduced the MOTHERS Act to Congress on May 11, 2007.
» Read More.
We Need Your Help Now!
We Must Speak Out in Full Support of
Postpartum Depression (PPD) Legislation NOW.
Click here to Connect and be Counted!
You may have heard the complaints on the internet lately; asking readers to block passage of legislation to help new mothers and their families cope with postpartum depression. The House and Senate both have legislation - H.R. 20 and S. 1375 - that some mistakenly believe is a conspiracy to push new mothers to take medication.
Tell that to the more than 800,000 women who will develop a diagnosable postpartum mood disorder this year! This does not include the 7.5% of women who will develop major depression during pregnancy.
How disappointing! Those who are speaking out against the Melanie Blocker-Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act obviously know little to nothing about this legislation. Some are even saying that Melanie Blocker-Stokes, who took her own life after suffering this illness, was simply just sad.
This could not be farther from the truth! Ask her mother, Carol Blocker, who has dedicated her life to the passage of this protective legislation named in honor of her daughter.
This legislation does NOT recommend drugs, require drugs, or endorse drugs. What it does is:
- Encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to expand the research into the causes of postpartum conditions and find treatments.
- Establish a national public awareness campaign to increase awareness and knowledge of PPD and psychosis.
- Make grants available for programs that develop and offer essential services to women with PPD.
Even if you have already done so, please take the time to let your representatives in Washington know that you support this vital legislation. Help counter the misinformation they are currently receiving!
Click here to Connect and Be Counted!
One Person Can Make a Difference.
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