Postpartum Stress and Distress is a…
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As many as 1 out of every 3 women will go through some form of postpartum depression sometime during the first year after giving birth: that translates to 400,000 Americas annually.
It affects ANY woman regardless of age, race, or financial situation and has nothing to do with whether the pregnancy was planned! At least 1 in 5 (some say 1 in 3) new mothers will experience Postpartum Distress (Depression, Anxiety, etc.), and 1 in 10 New Fathers/Partners, making PPD the top complication of childbirth, above gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and hypertension. Postpartum depression is not visible to the naked eye – no one can “tell by looking” at a new parent whether she or he is experiencing Perinatal/Postpartum Distress. When we rely on “signs” and self-reporting, we miss at least 50% of suffering mothers – real conversations between parents, providers, and trained volunteers are essential Thus, real conversations are essential. Universal Postpartum Distress Screening for ALL New Mothers helps identify of the “silent half” of suffering postpartum moms. Postpartum Distress Screening can be inexpensive, require little time and effort from providers, and result in far better first year outcomes for mother and baby. The Seventh Mom Project, Inc. can make PPD Screening easy for your practice.
Moms, if you need help opening up a conversation with your care provider or just want to have more information at your next appointment check out the New Mom Mental Health Check List by Postpartum Progress. Download the PDF and take it with you to your appointment. This may help make a difficult discussion a little bit easier. 
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