Dear Colleague,

The CDC has just released a data brief on data collected from a National Health Interview Survey to measure internet use for health information in the United States in 2009. This is the first nationally representative household survey to collect data on the use of health information technology: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db66.htm?source=govdelivery

This research has shown that 74% of all U.S. adults use the Internet, and 61% have looked for health or medical information on the Internet (1). Additionally, 49% have accessed a website that provides information about a specific medical condition or problem. Key findings include:

• Among adults aged 18 and over, women were more likely than men to have used the Internet for health information.
• Among adults aged 18–64, non-Hispanic white persons were almost twice as likely as Hispanic persons to have used the Internet for health information.
• Adults aged 18–64 with higher incomes were more likely to have used the Internet for health information than adults with lower incomes.
• Employed adults aged 18–64 were more likely than adults who were unemployed or not in the workforce to have used the Internet for health information.

Studies have shown that healthcare professionals rely on the internet as well and want programs that are current, credible, focused, keep their attention, are easy to use, and are available at convenient times. They also want information that they can use in their practice, such as downloadable teaching tools or treatment protocols. With these considerations in mind, MedEdPPD.org has been designed to provide professionals with the tools to successfully screen, diagnose, treat, refer, and engage women with PPD. In addition, the patient section of the site, "Mothers and Others", contains helpful materials for women with PPD and information for friends and family members in both English and Spanish.

Medical Updates Postpartum depression and correlated factors in women who received in vitro fertilization treatment. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2011. Lee SH, Liu LC, Kuo PC, Lee MS. Jul;56(4):347-52. Postpartum depression is a significant mental health problem that occurs more frequently in the first 4 weeks postpartum and also may occur later during the first postpartum year. Partner support and postpartum depressive symptoms. Gremigni P, Mariani L, Marracino V, Tranquilli AL, Turi A. One out of eight women suffers an episode of depression following delivery. We explored the role of expectations of partner support in postpartum depressive symptoms in new mothers attending a regional public hospital in Italy. Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may protect against depression 21 months after pregnancy, an effect modified by MTHFR C677T genotype. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Lewis SJ, Araya R, Leary S, Smith GD, Ness A. As low folate status has been implicated in depression, high folate intake, in the form of supplements, during pregnancy might offer protection against depression during pregnancy and postpartum. Depression and anxiety among postpartum and adoptive mothers. Arch Womens Ment Health. Mott SL, Schiller CE, Richards JG, O'Hara MW, Stuart S. Similar to biological mothers during the postpartum period, women who adopt children experience increased stress and life changes that may put them at risk for developing depression and anxiety. Early Breastfeeding Experiences and Postpartum Depression Obstetrics & Gynecology: August 2011 - Volume 118. Watkins, Stephanie MSPH, MSPT; Meltzer-Brody, Samantha MD, MPH; Zolnoun, Denniz MD, MPH; Stuebe, Alison MD, MSc The first weeks after childbirth are a critical period for mother and newborn. Women may present with lactation failure and postpartum depression. It is unclear how a woman's early breastfeeding experiences relate to postpartum depression. View More» In The News Breastfeeding problems tied to moms' depression Reuters.com (Reuters Health) - New moms who have particular difficulty breastfeeding may be at greater risk of postpartum depression, a new study suggests. Postpartum Depression philadelphia.cbslocal.com PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Postpartum depression is a serious form of depression that comes after giving birth. This is very different than the baby blues, which are a slightly depressed feeling that occur in four out of every five women who deliver. Bryce Dallas Howard On Her Battle With Postpartum Depression Access Hollywood Bryce Dallas Howard, who is currently pregnant with her second child, reveals her struggles with postpartum depression that occurred after she had her first baby. Plus, which celebrity's book about the issue helped her deal with her depression? View More»

Events Calendar 119th APA Annual Convention Sponsored by APA When: AUGUST 4 - AUGUST 7 Where: Washington, DC Website: Click Here Depression in Women: Impact of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Breastfeeding Sponsored by Hudson Perinatal Consortium When: AUGUST 10 Where: Newark, NJ Website: Click Here 1st Annual Summer Gala Sponsored by Postpartum Resource Center of New York When: AUGUST 25 Where: Bayview House/Captain Bill's Restaurant Bay Shore, NY Website: Click Here Med Ed Resources Marcé Society The principal aim of the society is to promote, facilitate and communicate about research into all aspects of the mental health of women, their infants, and their partners around the time of childbirth. Perinatal Pro Run by Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW, Perinatal Pro is an expert resource offering news, educational and support resources, and a weekly blog for women, families, and healthcare providers. New "For Dads" Section A resource section with informative links for Dads. Spread The Word Click here to tell a colleague. MedEdPPD.org Newsletter Archives Missed last month's newsletter? Click here for a list of our previous newsletters. Find Us On Facebook!