Intususseption

Help plentiful for struggling new moms

 Carlsbad resident Holly Herring was a 12-hour-a-day single career woman when she became pregnant with her now 8-year-old son. A take-charge kind of person, she was sure she would seize her new role with the same energy she had brought to her career.

But after her son's birth, life took a surprisingly dark turn. Her mind was filled with frightening thoughts. Anxiety kept her endlessly awake. She was irritable and worried she could not bond properly with her son. And she was aware that something was very wrong.

Calls to her doctor brought referrals to a psychiatrist and to the Postpartum Health Alliance, an organization providing weekly support groups to women going through postpartum depression and related disorders. For the next 11 months, until symptoms from her illness subsided, PHA was Herring's lifeline.


"Going to a support group, I realized I wasn't alone," Herring said. "As I watched everyone getting better and moving on ---- that was like a light at the end of the tunnel."

The problem of postpartum depression came again to the forefront recently with a letter to national columnist Dear Abby from a young military mother from San Diego. She wrote, "I find no joy, no pleasure and no love being a mother ... I can't stand to wake up much longer ... I am scared of my feelings."

Jeanne Phillips, who writes as Dear Abby, responded, "You may be suffering from postpartum depression," and advised her to get help and a respite from mothering. In September, Abby followed up with a column about the vast numbers of people in San Diego and nationwide who had written to offer help.

Fortunately for that young mom and others like her, North County has plentiful resources to help families survive their first challenging year with a new baby ---- from psychological support to educational, practical or even financial support. 

posted by Intussusception Medical Care Amateur - @ Intususseption: Help plentiful for struggling new moms