Prevent Postpartum Depression

The US has a new integrated hotline to better serve our mental health needs. They also provide referrals for local resources. This is a big step forward.

A single three digit number to call anywhere in the US.

Today is a historical day for su***de prevention and mental health in the U.S.! The National Su***de Prevention Lifeline, now known as the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, can be more easily reached by calling or texting 988, or chatting on 988lifeline.org.

988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the U.S., you can easily access 24/7 emotional support. You do not have to be suicidal to reach out. Our trained crisis counselors can help you through whatever mental health challenges you are experiencing.

We're so grateful to SAMHSA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Communications Commission, and our other su***de prevention and mental health partners in the field for working together to get us here, and we look forward to growing and expanding our services and supports in the years to come.

Please like and follow my Motherhood Survival Manual page. My book and online masterclass are coming out this fall. Stay tuned!

Motherhood Survival Manual Dr. Jill Zechowy, MD, MS is a family doctor, perinatal psychotherapist, mom of 2 and PMAD Survivor.

Use of ma*****na is increasing in pregnancy.

Pregnant Women with Depression: Greater Use of Cannabis and Benzodiazepines, But Not Antidepressants While we have seen decreasing rates of alcohol and to***co use during pregnancy over the last few decades, the use of cannabis during pregnancy is on the rise. Qualitative studies indicate that pregnant women report using cannabis to manage a range of psychological symptoms, including insomnia, anxi...

The US is the only developed nation in the world to not offer maternity leave nationwide. Please sign and share this petition. We have a voice - let’s use it.

Can you spare a minute to help this campaign? Fight For Better Paid Leave for All:

Su***de Prevention Advocate Perspectives: Why the New 988 Crisis Number Matters – A Conversation with Kirsten Krueger of AFSP South Dakota Starting in July 2022, people across the nation experiencing a su***de or mental health crisis will be able to dial just three digits – 988 – to be routed to the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline, a 24/7 toll-free crisis line that provides immediate care and resources to millions of callers e...

Research in new treatments for PPD continues.

Can Oxytocin Be Used to Treat Postpartum Depressive Symptoms? Often referred to as the “hormone of love”, oxytocin is a pro-social hormone and plays an important role in childbirth, maternal behavior, social affiliation, and sexual pleasure. Oxytocin activity increases in response to stress, as well as to warm social or physical contact. As a mother cares ...

A recent study analyzing safety of receiving Covid Vaccination in pregnancy.

Association of BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy With Infant Outcomes This cohort study examines the association between maternal immunization with the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy and neonatal and early infant outcomes.

Please sign the petition to make Postpartum Psychosis an official diagnosis.

Jill: I am a physician who treats women with postpartum psychosis. It should be an official diagnosis because the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and serious risks including infanticide are distinct from psychosis. Failure to recognize this is a... American Psychiatric Association: Adding Diagnosis of Postpartum Psychosis to DSM

Premenstrual exacerbation

Essential Reads - What’s the Difference Between PME and PMDD? How Should We Treat PME? In community-based and clinical studies, it has been observed that about 60% of women with mood disorders experience worsening of their mood during the premenstrual phase of their cycle. While this is often referred to as premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD, it is more accurate -- and clinically...

Topping the charts as the 3rd most popular post of the year is this validating gem.

I asked this question in stories and these themes emerged in the thousands of responses I received. ⁣

Motherhood is romanticized in our culture, and when the reality of the role doesn't line up with what we expected it can create cognitive dissonance. ⁣

⁣The reality of motherhood isn't hard because you are failing or not good enough. It is hard because caring for dependent human beings day in and day out is the hardest thing we'll ever do. ⁣

You are not failing. ⁣

You are not doing it wrong. ⁣

You are not lacking in "maternal instincts" ⁣

Motherhood is frickin hard. ⁣

⁣Thank you for showing up and caring for your kiddos the way you do 🥰⁣

Looking for more validation? check out our new inspirational mom gear at happyasamother.co/shop or at the link in bio ❤️