My daughter asked me this question that I thought I'd pose to you:

Can you predict ahead of time who would have postpartum depression? Is this an inherited disease, or something no one knows the cause of?

Here are some questions I frequently hear from clients, their family members and friends. If you have a specific question that is not addressed here, email it to me and I'll do my best to get a response online ASAP. I will be adding questions and answers to this article every week.

In addition, you can visit my website www.perinatalpro.com where you will find additional information about pregnancy related mood disorders and
mental health.

How long after giving birth does postpartum depression typically appear?

This question has a range of responses. While many women

While our senate heroes, U. S. Senators Robert Menendez and Richard Durbin of IL, co-sponsors of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, and their supporters - including presidential candidate Barack Obama and many other bipartisan advocates, lost a battle in the U.S. Senate today, we have not lost the war against postpartum depression and services for our nation's mothers.

Watch Dr. Shosh's Video Gallery.

Today, American's mothers, infants and families have reason to be encouraged and to reach out to their state senators to again request their support of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act in its final push to passage.YOU HAVE BEEN HEARD and this morning, Majority Leader Reid introduced a package of bills called Advance America's Priorities Act which now includes The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act. Senators Robert Menendez (NJ) and Richard Durbin (IL) have been working very hard with Majority Leader Harry Reid and Chairman Edward Kennedy to pass this legislation.

A mental health provider was kind enough to leave the below comment on my blog. I found it so unsettling that I want to put it front and center as a post. I personally feel that this mental health provider is an absolute hero for standing up for her patient the way she did. If only every woman with depression or PPD had a patient advocate like her!!! Please read and let me know what you think. (I just wish I knew what insurance company this was.....)

Anonymous said:

This mom is in the throes of postpartum depression and could use a big hug from our community. Let's all visit her blog, read her story and leave her a comment to show support.

http://hopefeelsgood.blogspot.com/2008/0...

Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW, President of Postpartum Support International joined us on EmpowHer and to talk about a CBS News story that explained how men are experiencing PPD / Postpartum Depression.

Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW, President of Postpartum Support International joined EmpowHer to explain the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act that's working it's way through the United States Congress. After hearing this interview, please click on the link below and sign the petition.

Fathers with postpartum depression (PPD) have symptoms that are often different from the fluctuating moods and emotions that moms with PPD exhibit. As a rule, fathers have more tension and short-temperedness along with fear, anger, frustration, and helplessness. Dads with PPD are
concerned about their partners, their disrupted family life, and financial problems. They have increased expectations for themselves, decreased sleep, confusion over their new role, and increased responsibilities (especially if the mom has PPD).