Did you know that about one in 10* new mothers feels depressed for more than a couple of weeks, and the depression may begin 24 hours to one year after delivery? Early recognition of the symptoms of postpartum depression is essential to recovery. Successful treatment can ease the pain and suffering of postpartum depression.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious medical condition that can develop in the first few months after childbirth. Without treatment, PPD can be prolonged and disabling. Postpartum depression is very common, affecting 1 in 8 women during the first months after childbirth.
Symptoms of postpartum depression include:
Postpartum Depression Resources
How to Get Help
If you think you are depressed, there are many places to get the help you need:
If you have questions about behavioral health benefits or services, call Unity Customer Service at 800-362-3310.
Additional Resources:
Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care
McConnell Hall
1010 Mound Street Madison, Wisconsin 53715
608-267-6060
http://perinatalweb.org
Maternal and Child Health Hotline
800-722-2295
http://mch-hotlines.org/web/mch/home.nsf
Postpartum Check-up
To monitor your recovery from pregnancy and birth, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Unity encourage you to schedule your check-up within 4-6 weeks after delivery. As an incentive, Unity offers a $15 gift card to either Target or Wal-Mart for receiving your postpartum check-up. Learn more about postpartum care and how you can receive your postpartum check-up gift card.
* American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp091.cfm | Retrieved 11/04/2009
