Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc.
109 Udall Road
West Islip, NY 11795
www.postpartumNY.org
May 22, 2007

Perinatal Mood Disorders Awareness Month

May 22, 2007, West Islip, NY — This month is Perinatal Mood Disorders Awareness Month in Suffolk County. Last May Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy proclaimed the month of May 2006 and every year thereafter as Perinatal Mood Disorders Awareness Month.

The Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc. continues it efforts to increase awareness of perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression.

At least up to 10% of pregnant women will experience depression and up to 20% of mothers will experience postpartum depression and/or anxiety within the first year after having a baby or post adoption. 1 or 2 women in 1,000 births will experience the most severe form postpartum psychosis.

In Suffolk County up to 2,000 pregnant women and up to 4,000 mothers within 12 months of having a baby will experience a perinatal mood disorder. Up to 50,000 New York State women and over 800,000 women a year throughout the United States will experience this #1 medical complication related to childbearing.

"Perinatal Depression is the most common medical complication related to having a baby. We can't just tell by looking if a mom or dad is going through depression. If you or someone you know may be going through depression, it is important to seek help and treatment," explains Lori Green, RN, Postpartum Resource Center of New York Board Member and Co-Chair of the Suffolk Perinatal Coalition's Perinatal Mood Disorders Task Force.

"We all need to work together to continue to build a safety net for the community to prevent tragedies. Awareness, education, treatment and support are essential for pregnant and postpartum women. Related to recent events it is important to know that mothers who abandon their babies may have been experiencing a mental illness," states Sonia Murdock, Executive Director and Co-founder, Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc., and a past president of Postpartum Support International.

The Postpartum Resource Center of New York, Inc. established in 1998 is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization providing education, emotional support and healthcare and support group resources to New York State women and families at risk for or experiencing a perinatal mood disorder.

Helpline (631) 422-2255 www.postpartumNY.org

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