May 14, 2012
Speak up when you're down
May is National Maternal Depression Month
NEWS
Maternal depression, or, Post Partum Mood Disorder, is the number one complication of pregnancy.
Oxford County Public Health & Emergency Services wants to remind w
omen and their families of the signs of maternal depression and how they can get help. Oxford County Public Health offers free support for moms and families through their weekly Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) group. The group is held every Wednesday from 1:00-3:00pm at the Woodstock YMCA.
BACKGROUND
This is the second annual Postpartum Support International National Maternal Depression Awareness Month.
Giving birth is only the first step in the journey to motherhood. Caring for a newborn can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Some women experience obstacles while they learn about their newborn and adjustment into their motherhood role. Maternal depression can interfere with mother-infant bonding, negatively influence maternal health and create stress amongst other family relationships.
When a woman is able to become adequately informed, screened or treated for maternal depression, the chances for positive outcomes for her baby and the entire family is greatly improved.
Signs of maternal depression (or Post Partum Mood Disorder)
- Feeling overwhelmed or anxious
- Having a fear of being alone with your baby
- Feeling hopeless, sad or lonely
- Changes to sleeping and eating patterns
- Fear that you may harm yourself or your baby
Risk factors that can lead to maternal depression
- Depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy
- Family history of depression
- Stressful life events
- Lack of social support
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship difficulties
- Personality of mother (worrier, nervous)
- Pregnancy complications
Where to get help
Oxford County Public Health – Health Matters Line
519-539-9800, toll-free: 1-800-755-0394
www.oxfordcounty.ca/ppmd
Family physicians
Mental Health Services of Oxford County (Woodstock General Hospital)
519-421-4223
Canadian Mental Health Association (Oxford) 24-Hour Crisis Line
519-539-8342 or toll-free: 1-877-339-8342
Private practitioners