WiRED Launches Health Education Module on Postpartum Depression

BY ALLISON KOZICHAROW AND BERNICE BORN

Nearly 15% of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression. WiRED International just released a Postpartum Depression Module — part of WiRED’s 24-part Mother and Child Health Series.

 

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect some women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Those women experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to complete daily activities for themselves or their families. Postpartum depression is a serious illness that involves the brain and can be mild to severe. The good news is, most women with this condition get better with treatment.

 

There is no single cause for postpartum depression. Factors can include family history, hormonal triggers, brain chemistry and stress. WiRED’s module explains postpartum depression, its risk factors, causes, symptoms, “baby blues,” postpartum psychosis, treatment, when to seek mental health therapy and the consequences of lack of treatment.

 

Postpartum depression is serious and real. It not only affects the mother, but it can harm her bond with her baby as well as the child’s development. Women with this condition often feel guilty and alone and do not seek help. If you think you or a loved one might have postpartum depression, read WiRED’s module and take a look at the Postpartum Depression Checklist.

 

 


WiRED’s Mother and Child Health Series

 

WiRED’s Mother and Child Health Series provides a 24-part comprehensive training program to assist families, caregivers, community health workers and others. It covers subjects related to the following four topics: Before Pregnancy, Pregnant Now, Labor and Delivery, and Parenting. The Mother and Child Health series will be used by schools, clinics and hospitals and nongovernmental organizations that help families prepare for a healthy pregnancy, delivery and the years of childhood up to age five.