| 888-404-PPMD (7763) |
PSI of WA's support line is for mothers, families and professionals seeking support, information and resources. Volunteers return calls throughout the day. You can also visit PSI of WA at www.ppmdsupport.com. |
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| Reaching the Immigrant Community |
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As a mother who experienced postpartum depression, Monica Lopez watches for it when she visits families as program coordinator for Parent Trust for Washington Children in Yakima.
Many of the women she sees are immigrants who don't speak English and go to busy medical clinics.
"Sometimes physicians are too inundated with patients, and women don't know what to ask or how to advocate for themselves," Lopez said.
When a mother tells Lopez she feels nervous, doesn't know what to do with herself and just wants to scream, Lopez asks if she knows about postpartum mood disorders and tells her to consult with a doctor. "They say the doctor doesn't have time. I say, the doctor has to make time for you."
Lopez is the voice in Spanish-language radio spots for PSI of WA, helping make the community more aware of postpartum mood disorders and telling them where to go for help.
Her hope is that someday it will be like diabetes and other common illnesses, where people recognize it and say, "Let's get you to a physician, get you treated and get you on your way to recovery."
"Eventually, that will occur," Lopez said. "Right now, we're kind of scraping the surface." |
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| Crying Over Spilled Milk: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression |
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Women who have postpartum mood disorders often find strength and comfort in the stories of other mothers who have been through it. Stefanie Pistole-Mangum, who has been a phone volunteer on PSI of WA's warm line, wrote the following letter to help other women:
In July 2006, my first child, a beautiful healthy girl, was born.
I'd wanted to be a mother for a very long time. I'd planned everything to a tee. I was prepared for anything and everything. She arrived and I was instantly humbled. I learned that the best laid plans get tossed out the window when it comes to a new baby. I was absolutely heartbroken when I was unable to nurse. I was afraid that if my baby did not get breast milk, she'd be sickly & have developmental delays. I felt a tremendous amount of pressure to provide breast milk for my baby, at any cost. So I took herbs and a drug called Reglan (recommended by a lactation specialist to increase milk production) and I pumped every 2 ½ hours around the clock for nearly 5 weeks. I wanted to co-sleep... but my daughter never slept for more than 1 ½ hours. The change in me was gradual, like a slow drip in a faucet... you don't really notice it until the sink overflows and water is everywhere.
By the time my daughter was 5 weeks old, I'd fallen apart. I'd lost the ability to fall asleep. I had no interest in food. I was a nervous wreck. I felt uncertain about everything; becoming unable to make even simple decisions. Any time my baby cried, my heart pounded and I held my breath, I froze. I doubted my ability to care for her. I cried for no reason at all. The anxiety was unbelievable. I was afraid I would drop her. I was certain the horrifying visions I was having were inevitable, like: our home would catch on fire and I would be unable to get to her, or that our car would crash into water and we'd be unable to get out and drown. So many crazy, vivid, horrible thoughts... but to me they felt real. I knew I should be happy; instead, I just felt dread. I wanted my life to go back to the way it was before she had arrived. I was convinced life would never be normal again. I felt trapped, helpless, and completely unfit to be a mother. I wanted to get on an airplane and never come back. Then, the worst phase, I became numb, completely absent of emotion, like my soul had evaporated. "Please God", I begged, "Make me disappear". I was convinced that if I died, it would be better for everyone, especially my daughter... since I was such a horrible mother.
That was two years ago. Today, I LOVE being a mother more than anything else in the world. I am a wonderful mother. Yes, it is hard at times, BUT it also brings joy that I never knew existed. Looking back, I can say that even when I felt my worst, I was still a good Mother. I wanted the best for my baby but just did not know how to do it. It has been a long journey, one that has taught me so much. My heart is so full of love for the little girl that rocked my world, words can't do it justice. I am so grateful I got the help I needed and fought for my life... because I never imagined it could be this wonderful.
The things that helped me get better:
Sleep: 7-8 hours a day (at least 4 hours at a time) This is critical!
Medical help: I worked with a psychiatrist that specialized in PPMD. We had to work to find the right medication for me; this took time, and PATIENCE. I will also say that I was against taking drugs, but in my case it was necessary. Today I am drug free.
Nutrition: Eat well-balanced meals and foods rich in vitamins; maintain a steady blood sugar level. Eat food that feeds your brain; salmon, blueberries and fruit rich in B vitamins, whole grains, ground flax seed. I follow "The Good Mood Diet."
Exercise: I made it a huge priority to get my heart rate up for 30 to 40 minutes every other day. This was KEY for managing severe anxiety and insomnia.
Support: Ask for and accept help from anyone and everybody who can help in any small way. I asked a neighbor who was virtually a stranger to grocery shop for me. She did. It helped me.
Speak to people who understand PPMD: PSI of WA: 1-888-404-7763.
Faith: Prayer helped to provide comfort and peace when all else failed. God knows my heart and understands my pain. I knew He would not allow more than I could bear. My faith saved me, kept me going through my toughest struggles with anxiety.
Meet other new Moms: Although it is hard to make new friends, this is very important. Branch out; there are resources. A few that were helpful to me include:
MOMS Club International: www.momsclub.org
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS): www.mops.org
Parent Baby Classes: Swedish and Evergreen Hospital both offer them. Great resource!
I boldly tell any new mother I meet who is experiencing PPMD symptoms these things:
You are not to blame. This is not your fault. With help, you will feel better again. Have faith. Your life will be "normal" again. You ARE a good mom.
At one time, I thought my life would never be the same again. I was right: It is even better than I ever imagined.
Keep fighting, believe in and take care of yourself.
God Bless you!
Stefanie |
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News from the Board |
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At the beginning of the summer, the Board approved the hiring of Kelli Hancock as our administrative assistant. She's been busily getting herself up to speed with the organization, its finances and needs. This is an exciting development for us, and we are still sorting out the best way to use Kelli's talents.
Recently we had several PSI Board members and volunteers at a Speak Up When You're Down forum in Spokane. We are happy to continue that partnership.
We have several upcoming events, including the Le Leche League conference in Redmond and the Northwest Doula Conference in October where PSI of WA will have speakers or an information table.
We are also currently working on an update of our booklet, "Beyond the Birth: What No One Ever Talks About." We hope to have that completed by the end of the year.
The PSI of WA Board is all volunteer, and we could use your help! We are currently looking for volunteers to serve in these roles: Secretary, Marketing, Phone Co-Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kelli Hancock: 253-224-0509. We would love to have you join us!
Thank you,
Melinda Ferguson CD, PCD (DONA, PALS, NAPS)
Interim-Chair, PSI of WA |
| Postpartum Doula training |
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Would you like to make a difference in a new family's life?
Consider training as a Postpartum Doula at the Simkin School.
Course dates:
Nov. 21-22 & Dec. 12-13, 2008
What is a Postpartum Doula?
The postpartum period is often the most challenging and overlooked time in the transition to parenthood. Many new families lack the care they need following the birth of their baby. The postpartum doula (doo'-luh) helps meet this need by educating, nurturing, and empowering mothers and families towards confidence in their new roles. A doula may provide assistance ranging from breastfeeding support to mother/baby care to cooking and housework.
How do I become a Postpartum Doula?
Take a four-day Postpartum Doula Training. You may decide to work for a doula agency, use the training to enhance your current employment, or go into business for yourself. The training is approved by the Northwest Association for Postpartum Support and DONA International.
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To advertise in or subscribe to 
Postpartum Times, please
The newsletter reaches more than 500
subscribers, and ads cost $100 for four
online issues.
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| Become a Member |
 PSI of WA is a non-profit organization that provides personal support for women with postpartum mood disorders and their families. It strives to educate the public, families and health care practitioners about the nature and management of these disorders through conferences, networking and special publications. Benefits of membership include: Quarterly e- newsletters, opportunities to network with professionals in related fields, ability for qualified Professional Members to be listed in a directory that is sent to agencies statewide, used by volunteers on the phone support line and posted on PSI of WA's web site.
Membership is available at two levels: Professional ($100/year) and Supporting ($50/year) and runs September through August. For more information, see www.ppmdsupport.com or leave a message at 888-404-PPMD (7763). |
| Request for referrals and volunteers |
Request for referrals: PSI of WA is working to build its referral list of care providers outside the Seattle area. If you know someone who should be included, please let us know by contacting our membership coordinator, Shannon Armitage: armitageshannon@hotmail.com.
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PSI of WA always needs volunteers for the telephone support line and a host of other activities. To learn more, please call 888-404-PPMD (7763) or contact Kelli Hancock at 253-224-0509. | | |
