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Information for Family Members

Partners
Dealing with a family member with postpartum depression is stressful for everyone in the family. It's important to keep the following points in mind:
  • PPD is very common. It is a real illness.
  • A woman with PPD will get better with support and the right treatment.
  • PPD is nobody's fault: not the woman's fault, not the partner's fault, not the baby's fault.
  • Share as much of the housekeeping as possible. She will have very little energy.
  • It's ok to feel angry or upset sometimes.
  • Ask for help from family and friends. Don't expect yourself to fill all the roles in the family alone.

Children
Children may not understand the word "depression," but they will notice if their mother is crying or gets angry about little things. The following tips will help you talk to children about what's happening.
  • Be honest with them. Don't say everything's ok with Mom when it obviously isn't.
  • When explaining PPD, use short descriptive words children can easily understand, like "sad," "grouchy," "mad," or "worried."
  • Let them know that if Mom is sad or upset, it isn't their fault, and that she still loves them.
  • Reassure them that Mom is getting help and will feel better soon.
  • Make arrangements for therapy if necessary.

Infants
Studies have shown that babies react to their mothers' untreated depression. They may be more fussy and less responsive and interested in the world around them. These problems may last even as the baby gets older.

In these situations, it's very helpful for fathers, partners, or other family members to care for and play with the baby. Researchers found that babies will smile, laugh, and coo more when they are interacting with nondepressed family members. Not only does this give Mom a break, it's also good for the baby's future development.


Useful Information
The following materials contain helpful information and support for families of women with PPD.
    Brochure
    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.

    Web Sites
    Printed Materials
    • Breaking the Silence: Understanding Postpartum Depression. Weingart Design; Cleveland, OH (available from http://www.noodlesoup.com)
    • Breaking the Silence: Depression Around Childbirth. Weingart Design; Cleveland, OH (available from http://www.noodlesoup.com)
    • Help for Postpartum Depression: Why Don't I Feel Happy? Indiana Perinatal Network; Indianapolis, IN (available from http://www.indianaperinatal.org)
    • Kleiman K. The Postpartum Husband: Practical Solutions for Living with Postpartum Depression. Xlibris, 2001
    • Kleiman K, Raskin VD. This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression. Bantam, 1994.
    • "Postpartum Pact" and "For Those Who Love Me" (available from http://www.postpartumstress.com/pages/family_support.html)
    • Shields B. Down Came the Rain. New York: Hyperion, 2005.




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