Blog Day In Support of The MOTHERS Act

Today, as part of the BlogHers Act movement, mothers and others across the country encouraged to call their U.S. Senators and urge their support of The MOTHERS Act, important, needed legislation to provide services to women suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). The MOTHERS Act stands for "The Mom’s Opportunity To Access Help, Education, Research, and Support" for Postpartum Depression Act.

The MOTHERS Act (S. 3529) is a Senate Bill sponsored by U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) and will ensure that new moms and their families are educated about PPD, screened for symptoms, and provided with essential services. It will also increase research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression by a program of grants.

Postpartum depression is a serious and disabling condition that affects approximately 800,000 American women each year. However, only about 15 percent of these women receive any assessment or treatment for the condition. Postpartum depression can occur anytime during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth. A woman may have a number of symptoms such as sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness. The difference between postpartum depression and the "baby blues" is that postpartum depression often affects a woman’s well-being and prevents her from functioning well for a longer period of time. Postpartum psychosis is a rare and more severe form of perinatal mood disorders, and is covered under The MOTHERS Act as well.

Today, bloggers around the nation ask you to call, write or e-mail your US Senators and encourage them to support The MOTHERS Act.

In California, contact:

SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN

SENATOR BARBARA BOXER

For a directory of other state's Senate Offices, go here.

If you are a mom suffering from a postpartum mood disorder, know that you are not alone. For help, contact Postpartum Support International. PSI is the world's largest nonprofit organization offering support, referrals, education, training, and resources to health care providers, women, and families coping with perinatal mood disorders. Visit PSI’s website or call their warmline at 1-800-944-4773 for more information and assistance.

Thanks to Glennia from The Silent I for this post.

Even though 10.24.07 is almost over, please continue to support this Act and contact your senators. Depression and PPD are very real and need to be addressed and de-stigmatized. Please reach out to anyone you know who is having a hard time.