Group looks to raise awareness for postpartum depression

PITTSFIELD – The Berkshire County Perinatal Support Coalition (BCPSC) has been working around the clock to spread the word about postpartum depression and offer support to those mothers who are suffering.

The group most recently sponsored a training for medical providers, mental health professionals and social service providers who work with mothers at risk for or experiencing perinatal emotional complications, like postpartum depression and anxiety.

The training, “Best Practices in Screening of Postpartum Depression,” (hosted at Berkshire Medical Center) addressed the concerns many providers have about effectively detecting mothers at risk for or experiencing perinatal emotional complications.

“Many women have a preconceived notion of what it means to have postpartum mood and anxiety disorders,” said Sherri-Lee Ryan Mann, a clinical social worker who screens mothers for depression and anxiety at the Mother Baby Unit at BMC.

“While some of what they already know is accurate, I often find opportunities to provide further education.  The fact is that postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are fairly common, they are treatable, and they are not a reflection on a mother’s ability to parent,” added Ryan Mann.

One of the main focuses for the group has been those below the poverty level. While 10-20 percent of all mothers experience postpartum depression, that number jumps to 40-60 percent for mothers living in poverty. Yet, until recently, screening was not recommended in the obstetrical or pediatric setting.

The BCPSC explained that, thanks to the recent passage of the 2010 MA PPD Legislation, as well as advocacy by medical researchers and associations nationally, screening for perinatal emotional complications is becoming more of the norm in obstetrical and pediatric practices.

These actions have been supported widely by the local medical community.

“It has been our goal to implement screening of mothers at our pediatric practice,” said Dr. John Dallenbach, a pediatrician in Pittsfield. “We believe that it is the responsibility of pediatricians to support families at every level.”

Postpartum depression can be devastating for mothers and their families.  Children are at risk for developmental and behavioral delays when their primary caregivers, often the mothers, are experiencing severe depression and/or anxiety.

The group explained postpartum depression can be easily detected when standardized screening protocols are in place. There are effective treatment options available that can make a big difference to the recovery of mothers.

One of the primary goals of the BCPSC is to ensure that providers have the training and support they need to screen mothers and the tools necessary to connect them with resources in the community.

“Screening of mothers has been the standard of care at BMC and we are so pleased that MA is taking leadership to ensure that all mothers are screened and connected to resources during this critical time,” said Mr. Mann.

BCPSC, with representative leadership from the Brien Center, BMC, Service Net, CSO and other organizations, has also worked to develop protocols and identified resources within the community so providers know how to help mothers when they need it the most.

“We are fortunate to have so many excellent resources in our community,” said Mr. Mann. “The coalition is ensuring that providers know how to connect with these resources and feel confident in the process as they screen mothers for PPD.”

Posted by Kameron Z. Spaulding on June 6, 2013. Filed under Community News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry