Psi July 09 Newsletter

Second Quarter, 2009 Volume XX, Issue 2

Postpartum Support International, Santa Barbara, CA

PSI’S 23rd International Conference in Los Angeles, CA Please join us in Los Angeles for Postpartum Support International’s 23rd annual conference. You can register by mail or fax. The conference brochure and registration form have been sent by email to all members, and will be sent again soon. Please send registration forms to PAC/LAC, 5530 Corbin Ave. Suite 323, Tarzana, CA 91356 or by fax at 818.708.2950. We hope to see you there for this informative and inspiring conference. August 4-7, 2009 Postpartum Support International & Perinatal Mental Health Task Force of LA County presents “Community Partnerships in Addressing Perinatal Mood Disorders: Clinical and Integrative Perspectives” Aug 4 and 5: Pre-conference Training, Certificate Course in Perinatal Mood &Anxiety Disorders Aug 6 and 7: Main Conference Presentations, Panels, and Breakouts Thursday Evening, Aug 6: Annual Banquet with Silent Auction and Entertainment. Tickets can be purchased separately.

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Illinois Declares May PPD Month

Anne Dunnewold Joins PAC NIH and Women's Health Research

Here is the link for online registration, information, and link to hotel: http://psi.eventbrite.com/ Conference Location: The California Endowment 1000 N. Alameda St - Los Angeles, CA 90012 Hotel Accommodations: The Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles will offer a special rate of $145/night to conference attendees. We hope you’ll join us!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Doctors, Nurses, and other Medical Providers, Social Workers, Mental Health Professionals, Community Service Providers, Childbirth Professionals, Public Health Professionals, Policy Advocates, Government Representatives, and Community Members concerned about increasing education and integrated access to informed resources and support for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. SPONSORS: Postpartum Support International (PSI) is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth. The Perinatal Mental Health Task Force of LA County is a network of public and private agencies and organizations, community leaders, consumers, and health care providers dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum women, their children, and their families through the effective prevention and treatment of perinatal mood disorders.

PSI’S SILENT AUCTION NEEDS YOU!!!!

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President's Message Heartstrings A PPD Hero

Coordinator and Members' News Awards and Honor

The Silent Auction, held at our annual conference banquet needs your help. As a nonprofit organization, the auction is an important fundraising event. We are asking for items valued at $100.00 minimum. So far, we have some exciting items up for auction including: a case of wine, a golf outing at a California club, and beautiful jewelry. Do you have a beach house, theatre subscription tickets or something else you’d like to

donate? It’s easy! Contact your local merchants, favorite restaurant or friends and ask if they’ll help support Postpartum Support International’s mission. Help make this the best auction ever! Please see donor form on the last page with all the information you need to submit your item. If you have any questions or want more information, contact Linda Klempner at 201 692-9496 (Remember, this is Eastern Daylight Time Zone!) or [email protected]. Thank-you in advance. Linda Klempner, Silent Auction Coordinator

ABOUT PSI

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Board of Directors Birdie Gunyon Meyer, RN, MA, CLC, President Deborah Sorensen Vice President Kimberly Wong, Esq Executive Vice President 2009 PSI Conference Co-Chair Mary Lou Kravetz, Treasurer Wendy Davis, PhD Coordinator Chair Linda Klempner, PhD Membership Chair Merrill Sparago, MD Professional Development & Research Chair 2009 PSI Conference Co-Chair Katherine Stone Public Relations / Outreach Chair Yvonne Moore, MD, MA, FACOG Member at Large

call PSI at 800-944-4PPD or visit www.postpartum.net.

ABOUT PSI

PSI is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth. PSI was founded in 1987 to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional difficulties that women can experience during and after pregnancy. The organization offers support, reliable information, best practice training and volunteer coordinators in all 50 US states as well as 26 countries around the world. Working together with volunteers, caring professionals, researchers, legislators and others, PSI is committed to eliminating stigma and ensuring that compassionate and quality care is available to all families. To learn more,

WE OFFER:

• A website, www.postpartum.net, full of information helpful to the mother and her friends and relatives. • A quarterly newsletter, PSI News, sharing information from a variety of sources worldwide. • An annual conference offering opportunities to network and listen to experts sharing research and model practices in the treatment of PPD. Members pay reduced fees. • Volunteers worldwide offering support and referral information. For more information, visit our website or contact [email protected]

Pec Indman, EdD, MFT Education / Training / Curriculum Development Chair Ruta Nonacs, MD, PhD Member at Large Amy Tobias Development Chair Brian Shanahan, Website Chair Mary Joan Brinson. MSW

President’s Advisory Council Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW, Chairman Jane Honikman, MS, Founder Manny Alvarez MD

ABOUT PSI NEWS PSI News is a quarterly publication of Postpartum Support International. This newsletter is sent to all members. Material submitted will be printed at the discretion of the editor. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Submission deadlines are Feb. 15, May 15, Aug. 15, and Nov. 15. Material may be submitted to [email protected] with PSI News

in the subject line. Alternatively, material may be sent by regular mail to PSI, P.O. Box 60931 Santa Barbara, CA 93160, USA. If sent by regular mail, please include a notation that you are submitting information for PSI News. For more information about PSI News, please contact: Claire VanBlaricum, (805) 967-7523 or [email protected]. Graphic design is by Cecilia Martini-Muth of S2L Graphics, Santa Barbara, California.

Diana Lynn Barnes, PsyD Cheryl Tatano Beck Shoshana Bennett, PhD Catherine Birndorf, MD Carol Blocker Philip Boyce, MD Mary Jo Codey Jeanne Watson Driscoll, PhD Ann L. Dunnewold, Ph.D. Jessica Farrar Vivette Glover Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, PhD Laurence Kruckman, PhD Sylvia Lasalandra, Mary Ellen Logan M. Cynthia Logsdon, DNS, ARNP Shari Lusskin, MD Alexis Menken, PhD Joan Mudd Sonia Murdoch, George Parnham, Esq. Anne D.S. Smith, CNM Margaret Spinelli, MD Valerie Plame Wilson Office Administrator Devani Priest

Save the Date! Mystery Readers’ Lunch Fundraiser

in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA

SAT. JAN 16, 2010

featuring

SUE GRAFTON author of

T is for Trespass

discussing her newest book

U is for Undertow

Postpartum Support International P.O. Box 60931 Santa Barbara, CA 93160 Phone: (805) 967-7636 Fax: (323) 204-0635 Warmline: 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.postpartum.net

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Dear PSI Members, Families, and Friends, Happy summer months to you all! I still like to pretend that it’s summer break from school. I know I still have to work and I’m still busy, but somehow it still feels like we’re at a slightly slower pace. I especially enjoy sun and warm weather. PSI and all of you have been so busy with activities, outreach, program building, winning awards, and helping women and their families. Please read all about these things in the current newsletter. We have so many members who have won awards ... congratulations to everyone of you!! I see so many of you featured in local, regional, and national headlines. It’s hard to keep up and I feel so proud. Rachel Roberts was crowned Mrs. Oklahoma International and will compete in July for the International title. She has made PPD her platform. Best to you in July! If you have won an award or have been featured in local, regional or national media, please send it to me and let me know. We want to continue to highlight the wonderful work that you all do. Please remember to send in your local and state news for the newsletter.

Psychiatrists, Survivors, friends and family. Thanks to Kimberly Wong and Merrill Sparago—co-chairs of this year’s conference—for all their effort and hard work to make this a successful conference. I look forward to seeing you all in L.A.!! We are still hoping for silent auction donations. We would like the items for the silent auction to be valued at $100.00 or more. It’s tax deductible. Please send those items soon. We will be having the debut of PSI’s first educational DVD. This DVD will be shown and sold at the conference. Watch for future information on this new DVD. Devani Priest, our office administrator, stays busy all the time. She keeps our organization running smoothly from many aspects and we appreciate her greatly. She was kept especially busy this spring with the airing of a PSA about Perinatal Mood Disorders and contact information for PSI. The PSA aired at the end of “General Hospital” episodes following a storyline on PPD. We knew about the first PSA airing, but we were surprised by the second one … or, I should say that Devani was surprised. She returned from lunch to find the voicemail totally full, both phones ringing, and many emails. Thanks to all for all the phenomenal work that you do to provide hope, help, and healing for women and their families! You all inspire me and make my blood flow.

PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It’s fun and inspiring to see what others are doing around the world. I see and hear about new programs springing up all around the world and it’s encouraging. We want to keep spreading our message of hope. Legislative news comes in every week. We see activity at the state and national levels. Thanks to all of you for your continued tenacity and hard work. We are still looking forward to the passing of the Melanie Blocker Stokes Mothers Act. PSI continues to present trainings in many places around the US. Check back frequently in the “Events” area of the web site for updates on trainings and locations. The upcoming trainings at this point are: LOS ANGELES ON AUGUST 4 & 5 (followed by the annual PSI International Conference on August 6 & 7), Arizona in the fall, Louisville, KY in November, and in the planning stages for Florida and Indiana. Remember, you can have a training in your city. Contact Pec Indman at [email protected] for more information on trainings. I look forward to seeing every one of you at this year’s PSI International Conference in Los Angeles, California August 4-7. The pre-conference (PSI’s 2-day Certificate of Completion) is August 4 & 5, followed by the 2 day conference on August 6 & 7. The conference has a great line-up of speakers and topics. Wade Bowen will be there to sing his song, “Turn on the Lights” at our banquet. He will also be speaking as part of a fathers and other partners panel during the conference. We have so many exciting topics from which to choose. Please sign up as soon as possible. The block of hotel rooms are only being held until July 17th. Don’t miss out on getting the discounted room. Please continue to spread the word about this upcoming conference to everyone you know--Therapists/Psychologists, OB’s , Nurses/APN’s/ Social Workers,

You are my sunshine, Birdie

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Placerville, California Conference a Success By Michele Zavoras, Administrative Asst to Campaign for Community Wellness & Lynn Tarrant Asst Director with Placer County Adult System of Care

Jane Honikman, Pec Indman, and Shoshana Bennett with the PSI Memory Quilt at the Placerville Conference

On May 14, 2009 Placer County hosted the 1st Northern California Postpartum Depression Conference titled “Perinatal

Depression: Research, Awareness, and Support”, held in Granite Bay. It was very well attended, with over 200 people from Central California to the Lake Tahoe area. The Placer County Board of Supervisors had supported this conference unanimously from its inception. At the conference, District 4 Supervisor Kirk Uhler welcomed participants and shared his wife’s experience with postpartum depression, underscoring the need for families and others to receive more information about the illness. Speakers included Shoshana Bennett, PhD; Jane Honikman, M.S.; and Pec Indman, Ed.D., M.F.T., who provided participants with a wealth of information on the subject. The sponsors for this conference included Placer County Adult System of Care, KidsFirst (formerly known as Child Abuse Prevention Council), First 5 Placer, Placer County Public Health Nursing, Sutter Family Support Project, Family and Friends, and Postpartum Support International. Committee members who worked extremely hard to put the conference together and organized it included Mary Jo Sweeney, R.N., M.S.; Lisa Roberts, Katrina Henry and Sue Seaters, all from Placer County Community Health and Clinics; Kay Fischer from Sutter Health; Michele Zavoras from Placer County Adult System of Care; Kelly McGinnis from Postpartum Support International; Dennis and Carolynn Luchay, Kim Martinez, and Terri Martinez, all advocates from Placer County Community. Conference participants discussed the next steps and interest to get more information in the communities about postpartum depression, GO PLACER!

Governor Quinn Proclaims May 2009 Postpartum Mood Disorders Awareness Month in Illinois Chicago, Illinois – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed May 2009 Postpartum Mood Disorders Awareness Month in order to raise awareness of the common illness experienced by moms and moms-to-be. “I am proud to declare May 2009 as Postpartum Mood Disorders Awareness Month in Illinois. By increasing public awareness of these disorders, we can identify women who will benefit from treatment, saving them from unnecessary distress and suffering,” said Governor Quinn. In Illinois, the Postpartum Depression Illinois Alliance (PPD IL) works to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of maternal mental health issues throughout the state. PPD IL offers a helpline (847-205-4455) and website

(www.PPDil.org) for women and their families so they can learn more about pregnancy & postpartum mood disorders and access local resources such as support groups and trained healthcare providers. “We want women to realize that they are not alone, they are not to blame and with help, you can be well again,” said Dr. Sarah Allen, Chair of PPD IL Alliance. The PPD IL Alliance has chosen May, as it is home to Mother’s Day, to educate women and their families and friends about the nature of this illness. Approximately 15% to 20% of pregnant women and 15% of new mothers experience major or minor depression in the first year after giving birth. Symptoms differ for everyone but may include:

• Many worries and panic attacks • Feelings of sadness, fear, anger and guilt • Possible thoughts of harming the baby or oneself • Lack of interest in the baby • Appetite & sleep disturbance • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions “In this day and age, I think it’s deplorable that so many women still have to suffer in shame and silence with a disorder that, when identified and treated early, does not have to be an impediment to a woman and her family’s ability to enjoy the birth of a child,” said U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) who recently re-introduced cont. on page 11

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A Note from the Author ... Dear fellow PSI members, My niece recently gave me a check in the amount of $500 for PSI. She’s a beautiful girl by the name of; Sydney Morgan Mason. She’s 13 years old & has recently celebrated her bat mitzvah. Sydney donated the money to PSI as part of her Mitzvah. I can’t tell you how touched I was by this genuine & heartfelt gesture. In December she wrote an essay about a “Hero” in her life. She wrote about me, her “Aunt Syl.” Not only did she receive an A for the essay, it now hangs on my wall framed. Everyday I look at it and think to myself if we touched the heart of a 13 year old...can you imagine the many hearts PSI is touching worldwide? I’m truly blessed to have Sydney in my life and she is MY HERO! Thank you Sydney Morgan Mason!!! To the right you will find a short paragraph Sydney wrote on why she donated the money and also a copy of her “Hero Essay” written for a school assignment. Warmly, Sylvia Lasalandra Frodella, Constituent Relations, Former First Lady of New Jersey, Mary Jo Codey, Legislative Director, PerinatalPro.comhttp://www.perinatalpro.com PSI President’s Advisory Council Member-www.postpartum.net Author, A Daughter’s Touch www.adaughterstouch.com 973-865-6010 Email:[email protected]

This May I turned 13. Along with turning 13 I also became a bat mitzvah. Because of the fact I was becoming a bat mitzvah I felt the need to participate in a good deed or a “mitzvah.” In addition to the few other things I

participated in for my mitzvah project, I felt it was necessary to donate some of my bat mitzvah money I received to PSI. One reason I thought I should donate this is because I knew that the money was going to a good cause and something that has not been receiving the attention that it needs. However because of my

Aunt Sylvia, Mary Jo Codey, and many other determined people, the cause has been more and more noticed and the public has become more aware. I am happy to know that because of something I did women will receive the care that they need. Thank you, Sydney Morgan Mason

Sydney Morgan Mason with Mary Jo Codey and Sylvia Lasalandra in May, 2009.

HERO ESSAY A hero can be defined in many ways. My definition of a hero is someone who is kind, dedicated, and sets a good example for people younger then them. My hero fits all of these categories and plus some more. My Aunt Sylvia is my hero because she is kind, successful, and a good example. Aunt Sylvia is one of the kindest people I have ever met and that is one reason she is my hero. She is friends with everyone which is a great quality that I feel makes her a better person. Aunt Sylvia is also very giving and is not greedy or selfish in anyway. For example, my aunt goes around the country giving speeches about Postpartum depression. Her speeches are to help the women suffering from this horrible disease which my aunt successfully fought. My aunt is one of the most successful and determined people I have ever met. She is very successful because she wrote a book about her experience of PPD. As sad as her book, A Daughter’s Touch is, it has some humor and shows a funny way of such a horrible, and happily ending story. Her successful book soon was turned into a short film and amazingly Aunt Sylvia won best director! Aunt

By Sydney Mason

Sylvia’s short film was played at the New York International Film & Video Festival and was enjoyed by many. My family and especially I are extremely proud of her! My favorite trait of my aunt and probably the one that makes her my hero is that she is a good role model. I say she is a good role model because she has always been very determined. Aunt Sylvia believes in herself which is something everyone should do. She also doesn’t take NO for an answer, she only thinks of the better. I got this positive trait from her and it helps me through life. As you can see from what I have written, my Aunt Sylvia fits all of the traits to be a hero. I know that I can always count on her to have my back and support me through anything. She is very trustworthy too. Although she is my aunt, we talk and get along as if she was my life long friend. I hope everyone is as fortunate as I am to have such an amazing person in the family. Because my Aunt Sylvia is kind, successful, and a good role model, I chose her to be my hero and I think she the best hero any girl could have.”

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Welcome to Ann L. Dunnewold We are delighted to welcome Ann L. Dunnewald as the newest member of PSI’s President’s Advisory Council. When you see her at Conference, let her know how glad you are that she has joined the PAC! Ann L. Dunnewold, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist specializing in women’s mental health issues related to reproductive function. In independent

practice in Dallas, Ann has provided training and consultation to health systems and professionals on postpartum mood disorders for more than fifteen years. She has been featured as an expert in numerous national television/radio broadcasts and print stories. Ann is also a consultant appearing in Postpartum Emotions: The Blues and Beyond, which airs in many hospital systems over the Lamaze/Newborn Channel. With Diane Sanford, Ph.D., Ann is coauthor of Postpartum Survival Guide, originally published in 1994 and updated in 2009 as Life Will Never Be the Same: Surviving the Ups and Downs of Pregnancy and Postpartum. She is author of Even June Cleaver Would Forget the Juice Box: Cut Yourself Some Slack (and Still Raise Great Kids) in the Age of Extreme Parenting, as well as two other titles on postpartum mental health. Ann served as president of Postpartum Support International from 1996-1998, and played an instrumental role in the original design and content of PSI’s course on postpartum mood disorders. A graduate of The Ohio State University, she was honored as the 2008 recipient of the Jane Honikman Award for her commitment to postpartum women and their families.

PSI Trainings Are Going Strong! The word is getting out! PSI is training all over the country. To find out where and when trainings are happening, check out the PSI website’s Event section. You can bring a training tPSI has been training all over! In the past few months PSI’s standardized two-day training has been presented in Northern California, Arizona, Washington DC (with the National Institute of Mental Health), Oklahoma, and Florida. The two-day training will be the preconference at our PSI conference in LA in

Conference coordinator Susan Ellis Murphy, MA, BSN, RNC, LPC (left) with featured speakers Cheryl Tatano Beck, DNSc, CNM, FAAN (center); and Jeanne Watson Driscoll, Ph.D., RN (right) at the “Breaking Down Walls – New Frontiers in Perinatal Mental Health Care” conference on June 3, 2009. More than 140 health professionals gathered to learn about advancements in the presentation, interventions, and treatment of perinatal mood disorders, with a special focus on their interplay among other behavioral health issues, such as perinatal addictions. The annual conference is sponsored by the Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.

PSI WILL DO A TRAINING ANYWHERE ! August. There will also be a two-day training in Tucson, Arizona on October 89, 2009 at Child and Family Resources. For more information about PSI’s standardized two-day trainings, and to arrange for a training in your area, please contact the PSI office at [email protected]. Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care AUGUST 4-5, 2009 Pre-conference at the annual PSI conference LOS ANGELES, CA

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This column is presented in the hope that the information presented will be helpful and inspiring to read. Get new ideas about how to network and build your organization. Learn from one another.

USA ARIZONA: Legislative activity: Although January was rich in AZ Senate and House Perinatal Mood Disorders bills and resolutions, the stalemate in sealing a 2010 state budget under our new Governor, Janice Brewer, precluded hearing any bills for much of this session. However, we did have our bill heard in the state Senate on Wed June 17. It is SB 1312. Perinatal Mood Disorders Study Committee. (Please contact Carole or the PSI Office for the language of this bill.) Proclamations: Arizona Governor Janice Brewer proclaimed May 2009 as Postpartum Emotional Wellness Month. Mayors Bob Walkup of Tucson and Bob Strain of Sierra Vista proclaimed the week of Mother’s Day as Postpartum Depression Awareness Week. In both cities, a production of Nadine Bernard’s, In the Shadow of My Son was hosted to commemorate these proclamations and the mothers in these communities. These events were supported by local hospitals, Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson (May 11), and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in Sierra Vista (May 14) along with the support of local donors. AZ Postpartum Wellness CoalitionNorthern AZ Region celebrated on May 30, 2009 with a reading of the proclamation by the Mayor of Cottonwood and OB Director of Verde Valley Medical Center followed by a 2mile ‘BEAT THE BLUES’ walk.

Education: Catholic Healthcare West hosted a PSI 2-day professional training at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, AZ on April 16-17, 2009. Faculty: Christi Hibbert, PsyD, Michelle Lacy, MA, Carole Sheehan, MA, RNC, and Kathy Smith, MD, In the Shadow of My Son was presented as a “lunch and learn” on the first day of the training, which was attended by 58 local professionals and PPD survivors. Scholarships were provided by Catholic Healthcare West, AZ Postpartum Wellness Coalition/PSI-AZ, and the Tucson Postpartum Wellness Coalition to provide education to volunteers working on the AZ Warmline, a public health intern, and a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in a state-funded behavioral health agency. Next PSI AZ training will be October 8-9, 2009 in Tucson with the support of Child and Family Resources. Conferences: May 21, 2009, AZ AWHONN, Mesa, AZ. In conjunction with this one day conference, In the Shadow of My Son rounded out the day in an evening performance followed by Grand Rounds on Perinatal Mood Disorders led by Phoenix-area perinatologist, Marlin Mills. Christi Hibbert, Psy D and Karleen Lee, RN, were part of an afternoon round table discussion on PMDs. Carole Sheehan MA, RNC Postpartum Depression Services Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital PSI-AZ Coordinator (520) 873-6858 [email protected] CONNECTICUT PSI Co-Coordinator for Connecticut, Teresa Twomey, has published her first book, Understanding Postpartum

AROUND THE WORLD

Coordinator and Members News From Around the World

Psychosis: A Temporary Madness. The first half of the book contains: two medical chapters written by Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D., past president of PSI; one chapter on Media and History, including history of PSI; and one chapter on Legal Views, including an exclusive interview with George Parnham and advice for attorneys who represent women with PPMDs. The second half of the book contains first-person stories of postpartum psychosis, written by the women themselves. Most are stories of recovery that illustrate the nature of this illness. Two are stories of tragedy: one is an infanticide and one is a suicide. The suicide is the story of Melanie Blocker Stokes based on an interview with Melanie’s mother, Carol. The book also contains resources for help and resources for further reading. The book has been endorsed by PSI president, Birdie Meyer; PSI founder, Jane Honikman; Carol Blocker, mother of Melanie Blocker Stokes; and George Parnham, attorney for Andrea Yates and PSI advocate. The book has created several opportunities to speak, not only about the book, but also about the work of PSI. This has included appearances on television shows, articles in newspapers, and speaking opportunities at libraries and churches. At the Conference for the Association for Research on Mothering. Twomey presented a talk titled “Ordinary Mothers Gone Mad: Tales of Postpartum Psychosis. (The conference was titled, in part, “Mothers Gone Mad”) In addition, the Connecticut coordinators and volunteers are working to contact hospitals, birthing centers and mental health facilities to determine what resources exist for postpartum moms in CT. Anyone wishing to add to this list of resources is asked to call 203439-2001. Teresa Twomey, PSI Connecticut Co-Coordinator [email protected]

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GEORGIA Update from Stockbridge, Georgia: Henry Medical Center in Stockbridge, Georgia continues with progress to promote and expand awareness regarding Postpartum Mental Disorders. With the goal of improving assessment skills of the hospital Mother/Baby nurses and increasing awareness for all staff members of the Unit, the process began in the summer of 2008, during the annual Competency Fair. In August of 2008, the Manager of the Women’s Health Unit met in Atlanta, Georgia with a group of other women from across the state to begin grass-roots efforts to promote awareness of Postpartum Mental Disorders. The meeting was spear-headed by Dr. Hedwige “DiDi” Saint Louis, an OB/GYN doctor in Atlanta. In May, Dr. Saint Louis, provided a Postpartum Mental Disorder presentation to the Henry Medical Center Medical Staff. Henry Medical Center is now partnering with First Steps of Henry County, a volunteer program that offers support, information, and community referrals for resources, and conducts phone calls to postpartum patients for a 3-month follow-up period. Our next planned approach will be aimed at our local pediatricians. Efforts will continue to expand awareness of this highly important topic.

printed in our hospital class catalog: “Have you heard the latest? It is OK to talk about the baby blues and postpartum depression. Come to this informational class on what postpartum depression (PPD) really is and how to help someone you know get through it. There will be a panel of women who will share their experiences with PPD and let us know what helped and what didn’t. All community members are invited to come and learn the who, what, when and why of PostPartum Depression.” I am the PMD support group facilitator for our area (west Michigan shoreline). Our group struggles as I usually only have 0-1 women show up. My hope is that through this presentation, more women will seek help and support. It is through Birdie Meyer’s 2-day presentation in Grand Rapids, MI (May 2008) that I have become passionate about helping women with PMD.

Patricia McAfee Nurse Manager, Women’s Health Henry Medical Center 1133 Eagle’s Landing Parkway Stockbridge, Ga. 30281 678-604-4968

MIDATLANTIC REGION REGION The National Institute of Mental Health and Postpartum Support Virginia recently hosted PSI’s 2-day certificate training program to great success. Over 100 people attended, several joined PSI, two new PSI coordinators have volunteered, and several new support groups are being formed as a result of the training. Many thanks to Birdie and Pec for such a great session! Postpartum Support Virginia is officially a 501(c)3 charity now, having received approval from the IRS in May. Now the real work begins -- fundraising! I’d be grateful for any fundraising tips --

MICHIGAN Holland Hospital’s Center for Good Health will be presenting the seminar “Postpartum Depression: What is it all about” on Monday August 3, 2009, 6-7 PM at Holland Hospital Conference Center, Holland, Michigan. This is a free presentation to educate the community on PMD. Here is the ad

Susan Brockington, RN, CCE Childbirth/Youth Health Educator Holland Hospital Center For Good Health 175 S. Waverly Rd Holland, MI 49423 Phone: 616.394.3413 Fax: 616-994-0282 [email protected]

contact Adrienne Griffen at [email protected]. The Richmond-Henrico Doctors’ Hospital is starting a Perinatal Depression Task Force in Richmond. Interested in learning more? Contact Sybil Robertson, 804-281-5549, [email protected]. Welcome to new PSI coordinators Perri Shaw Borish in Philadelphia PA and Kathi Nardella in Rockville MD. Adrienne Griffen PSI Regional Coordinator, Mid Atlantic Region MISSOURI Queen of Peace Center in St. Louis, MO was awarded a HRSA Community Doula Grant to serve women in treatment for substance use/addiction. One of the goals of the grant is a focus on perinatal mood disorders. All women are being screened at least once prenatally and for six weeks postpartum in an effort to identify, detect, and treat these disorders quickly. This group is particularly vulnerable to perinatal mood disorders due to pre-existing mental health problems. Doulas are trained in co-occurring disorders, screening and identification of perinatal mood disorders, and how to make appropriate referrals when a potential problem is noted. Currently, Queen of Peace is working on opportunities to promote education and information to the St. Louis community on perinatal mood disorders. If you would like more information on our project, please do not hesitate to contact me. The easiest way to reach me is my cell phone: 314-799-0157. Jamie Bodily, MS Community Doula Coordinator Queen of Peace Center St. Louis, MO 314-531-0511 X187 314-799-0157 [email protected] [email protected]

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PENNSYLVANIA WellSpan Health in South Central PA developed a PPD program in 2006 for their two hospitals and numerous medical practices. The program helps to identify at- risk mothers and then provides phone support, education and referrals as needed. The program offers screening at several times during the perinatal period. As part of this program a risk assessment tool was developed and published in the journal “Nursing 2008”. In addition, WellSpan offers a new mother support group as well as a lending library. The Advisory Board Company recognized the program by presenting the first annual “Frontline Leadership for Nurses” award to Wendy McDowell in 2007 for her work in developing the program. Wendy McDowell, RN, BSN Postpartum Depression Resource Nurse WellSpan Health (717)851-4305 (717)812-3362 (Fax) RHODE ISLAND I opened up a private practice in Hope Valley, Rhode Island with specialties in postpartum adjustment, mood and anxiety disorders, women’s issues, transitions, difficult life events. I work with adults, children, and families. I have the two day PSI training certification ( two times around now in addition to other PMAD training) as well as personal experience with postpartum mood disorder. I am also a volunteer with Families First Rhode Island as a ‘mentor mom” providing support to a mother in the first year after her baby is born. I enjoyed the PPMAD training this spring at NIH immenselythanks to Postpartum Support of Virginia and PSI. From: Elizabeth Carter

TEXAS San Antonio: I teach Beyond Baby Blues which is a curriculum that I put together 2 years ago. I am a childbirth educator for Methodist Healthcare System and a licensed psychotherapist on staff at the Marriage and Family Institute of S.A. Beyond Baby Blues, the class, is offered once a month and is growing in popularity. I have a PPD support Group that is free and is offered twice a month. In addition, I see moms as needed at the Marriage and Family Institute of S.A. Maria Zeitz, LPC,MS,LPC, San Antonio Texas Co-Coordinator INTERNATIONAL NEWS ARGENTINA Dear Psi Members, I send you our two Postgraduate Courses from Favaloro’s University. (Spanish version and English one) On both courses we teach about childbirth and emotional health. Sincerely yours, Dra. Elena Levin. President, Postpartum Argentina [email protected] (5411) 4781-3071 (Editor’s note: Due to PSI News space restrictions, the flyers for these two courses will be sent as separate pdf documents in another email.) AUSTRALIA My name is Melissa Hughes and I run a supported playgroup for families suffering with any form of perinatal mood disorder. I am a perinatal psychotherapist and I work with a male colleague facilitating 2 hours of group therapy for Mums and Dads while the children are taken care of in a specialised child care facility. In March this year on International Women’s Day, March 8th, I was awarded a short listed prize by the Centre for Leadership for Women, for my work with postnatal depression. The group continues to go from strength to

strength and we hope to be able to roll out more groups in the next two years. Melissa Hughes Perinatal Psychotherapist Baby and Beyond Parental Counselling Phone: (02) 9957 5858 Website: www.babyandbeyond.net.au ABN: 84616936119 ISRAEL The Israel Childbirth Education Centre is now planning the next academic year for training courses for childbirth educators, doulas, breastfeeding counselors and co-ordinators of motherand-baby groups. There have been two workshops on loss in pregnancy and childbirth by Dr. Astrid Wretmark, a Swedish priest and hospital chaplain. Her experiences of changing procedures in the maternity ward so that bereaved parents had quality time with their babies and the creation of a memorial garden were very moving - and she had many ideas to share with counselors who work with families during the childbearing year. Wendy Blumfield [email protected] www.leida.co.il/wendyblumfield UNITED KINGDOM From: “Elaine Hanzak” <[email protected]> Back in 2004 I had finished writing my story of puerperal psychosis and asked the then president of PSI if she would look at the manuscript as I wanted to know if it would be relevant in the USA and not just my native UK. Diana Lynn Barnes was most supportive and even wrote me a wonderful foreword for it. Since ‘Eyes without Sparkle – a journey through postnatal illness’ (Radcliffe, 2005) was published my life has changed beyond recognition! I was asked to give talks and lectures and eventually I gave up my teaching career to become a fulltime speaker and campaigner on postnatal illness. Last October I addressed the European Parliament

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about the need for more recognition and facilities to treat women affected by PNI. Through my talks and my website I am kept up to date with what is happening right now as many people contact me! I was thrilled to speak at the Marce society in Sydney last September and my roommate was Jane Honikman - so I have no excuse not to join PSI! I add to my blog (http://elainehanzak.blogspot.com/ ) regularly with any news and developments on the area of perinatal mental health. I learn a great deal on my travels about good practice and I see part of my role to cascade that knowledge. Kind regards, Elaine A Hanzak www.hanzak.com Tel: +44 (0) 1928 751 235 Mob: +44 (0) 07762 148 183 ttps://www.greatvine.com/elaine_hanzak See my blog at http://elainehanzak.blogspot.com/

Smiling Mask Team

NEWS FROM CANADA Carla O’Reilly, Elita Paterson and Tania Bird are three full-time working Mothers, Authors and Inspirational Speakers from Saskatchewan, CANADA. The three “sisters” began their journey of

visit

healing by sharing their stories along with their husbands, only to realize the powerful and positive impact they were having on other mothers and fathers and their supports. Their unique encounter was the catalyst that led them to the publication of, “The Smiling Mask: Truths about Postpartum Depression and Parenthood.” Their mission is to create awareness, understanding, and acceptance of postpartum difficulties. As well as, to bring peace and validation to mothers by engaging and empowering families and communities in the life changing and natural experience of parenthood. There have now been and will be many other opportunities to share their stories to audiences across Canada and the United States. Just a few of these opportunities that are also highlighted in their website www.thesmilingmask.com are: • Carla O’Reilly creating and facilitating a Postpartum Support Group in Moose Jaw, SK, CANADA every other Sunday. • Their first online article and interview, along with their husbands’ perspectives, was written by Janine Slayton, and has been showcased for all of May and June at http://www.thefabulouswoman.com/Smi ling_Mask.html. • Speaking on their first international stage for the “Mothers Gone Mad” Conference hosted by the Association for Research on Mothering and Mamapalooza in New York City this past May! They’ve also organized and promoted over 30 speaking engagements where they are now being asked to speak by medical and academic institutions and community groups! • Having a documentary created that will be made available for purchase for

Fall 2009. The DVD is intended for Public Health Nurses to show in their pre- and post-natal classes as well as for mothers and fathers who want to hear their truths and healing journeys in the comfort of their own homes. The DVD will also be showcased at film festivals around the world! This project would not be possible if it was not for Dianne Ouellette’s generosity and connection to their cause - http://www.difilms.com. • Steering and promoting even more awareness through a Call for Action during their “Unmasking Postpartum Depression: Real Pain - Real People Real Hope” Conference held on September 29th through to October 1st, 2009. Visit http://www.cntgrp.ca/unmaskingppd for more information and to register for an enlightening and demystifying event! • Their blog that also showcases stories about hope and healing and the supports that surround us. But there is one story in particular, that is the entire reason why The Smiling Mask team is advocating as much as they are – their interview with Terra Brockett, who shares her insight about her friend’s and her daughter’s death as a result of Terra’s friend, Jen, struggling through Postpartum Psychosis – http://thesmilingmask.blogspot.com/. The Smiling Mask Team – Carla, Elita and Tania – can easily be contacted by sending an email to [email protected], anytime, as it’s checked at least 20 times a day! Also, here’s a heartfelt “Thank you!” to PSI continuing to provide the stellar support and awareness they do each and every day.

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cont. from page 4

H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act of 2009. “I lend my voice and full support of the work of the PPD IL Alliance and other groups throughout our state and nation who are as committed as I am to working to ensure that all new mothers get the support they need to ensure that this special time of their lives is a safe, healthy and happy one.” Symptoms of depression and anxiety occur in up to 20% of expectant and new moms, making these the most common complication of pregnancy, affecting nearly 1 million women every year in the United States alone. Yet despite their prevalence, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are under-detected by health care professionals and many women go without treatment. Vanessa, a survivor of PPD describes her experience: “I was diagnosed with post partum depression 6 weeks after the birth of my son. I was sleep deprived, anxious, short tempered with my family, and plagued by horrible intrusive thoughts of my infant son falling over the balcony, or falling down the stairs. I also couldn’t look at knives and had to hide them away. I was so horrified by the vivid pictures of this in my head. As a result of these thoughts I could barely eat and was always nervous and anxious. “I knew this was not how it was supposed to be since I already had a 5 year old daughter and never suffered from these symptoms after her birth. I was afraid to be with my children alone so decided

to stay with my mom for a few weeks. With medication and talk therapy I began my way to recovery. My saving grace was an online support group. I was able to read the feelings of others suffering and post my own. I felt an instant bond and was so thankful. I made a promise to myself and God that if I got through this horrible illness, I would help others. I was able to come off my antidepressant medication after 9 months and I became a moderator for PPDsupportpage.com and a telephone helpline volunteer for the PPD IL Alliance. My son is now 4 years old and I feel that time in my life was a blur. I make sure I spread the word about PPD and how common it really is. I feel that this illness was dealt to me for a positive reason. I am able to touch others that suffer and tell them that it isn’t a life sentence. PPD can be treated and cured.” PPD IL Alliance is the Illinois subsidiary of Postpartum Support International, the world’s largest non-profit organization supporting women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. For more information about pregnancy & postpartum mood disorders & PPMD Awareness month Contact: Dr. Sarah Allen, Chair IL PPD Alliance 847 791-7722 [email protected].

Author Examines Rare Disorder From Personal Point Of View June 28, 2009 by John Rook, Cheshire Herald, Chesire, CT

Cheshire resident Teresa Twomey’s main focus for writing her book, Understanding Postpartum Psychosis, A Temporary Madness, was to help the throngs of women who have suffered or are at risk of suffering from the severe disorder. But, as she began to write, it occurred to her that the process was as healing and helpful for her as she hoped it would be for others. “I hadn’t expected that,” said Twomey. “I had really just set out to help and educate other people, but as I began to collect stories from these other women, it really began to help me.” Twomey’s book, published in 2008, deals with a mental disorder that remains largely unknown by the general public. Postpartum psychosis is commonly mistaken for postpartum depression, yet the symptoms and the potential effects are far more severe. To bring her audience face to face with the realities of the disorder, Twomey wrote a book that she describes as “the first of its kind,” examining postpartum

psychosis from a variety of angles, including medical definitions, legal perspectives, and a historical overview. But it is the personal stories, received from countless women who have suffered from the disorder, that make Twomey’s book so unique. “When I first set out to write the book, I didn’t think anyone would be willing to share their story,” Twomey explained. “It is such a personal issue. But, when I began to ask for the stories, they began to come in from all of these different women. It was incredible.” Twomey included 11 different stories of women’s struggles with postpartum psychosis, including nine stories of recovery, one story of suicide, and one story of infanticide. The stories, Twomey feels, bring a personal touch and provide a real face to the issues affecting so many women. “It is so important for people to know that this (disorder) doesn’t make you a freak,” said Twomey. Postpartum psychosis remains rare, affecting about one to cont. on page 12

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Moving Into the Future:

New Dimensions and Strategies for Women’s Health Research for the National Institutes of Health The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) (http://orwh.nih.gov) is updating the women’s health research agenda for the coming decade. Public input is being sought through four regional scientific workshops and public hearings during 2009. The first was held in March at Washington University, School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. The second was held in May at the University of California, San Francisco. The third will be from September 21-23 at Women and Infants Hospital/Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island and the fourth from October 14-16 at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.

health, stem cell research, women’s health and the environment, HIV/AIDS and women, information technology, and women in science and health. The purpose of this and the other regional meetings is to ensure that the National Institutes of Health continue to support cutting edge women’s health research that is based upon the most advanced techniques and methodologies.

Postpartum Support International Represented at NIH Public Hearing PSI Founder Jane Honikman submitted a written testimony and presented orally at the Public Hearing sponsored by the US government’s Department of Health and Human Services at the University of California in San Francisco on May 27th. The conference was designed to promote an interactive discussion involving leading scientists, women’s health advocates, public policy experts, healthcare providers and the general public. Working groups addressed a wide range of topics, including global

Brief History of the Office of Research on Women’s Health The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) was established in September 1990 in response to congressional and advocacy concerns about the systematic lack of inclusion of women (and minorities) in NIH-supported clinical research trials, and concerns about medical decisions being made without the benefit of knowledge derived from research that included these populations. To advance a robust research agenda to guide women’s health research at NIH, ORWH initiated two intensive strategic planning initiatives in 1991 and in 1998. The report that emerged from the first planning effort redefined the parameters of women’s health to encompass research to better understand sex and gender differences between women and men in development, health, and

Rook cont. from page 11 two women per 1,000 who give birth each year. Commonly, those suffering from the disorder will experience a series of serious symptoms including periods of extreme agitation, delusions, insomnia, and suicidal and homicidal thoughts. Most woman begin to feel unusual within the first two weeks after delivery, and 5 percent of those suffering resort to suicide while another 4 percent commit infanticide. It was in 1998, after Twomey had given birth to her first daughter, Arianna, that she began to experience the symptoms of

postpartum psychosis.”I didn’t know what was happening to me,” said Twomey. “I thought I was going crazy and, in one respect, I was.” At one point, Twomey had a hallucination that she had killed her daughter, and while she explained to family and medical personnel alike that she “needed help,” little was done to actually diagnosis the disorder. At one point, Twomey expressed her concerns to her doctor, explaining what she had been experiencing. Her doctor simply sent her for a physical examination, running no

disease. Women had been underrepresented in clinical research in the past.

Updating the Women’s Health Research Agenda in the United States The findings and recommendations emerging from the four 2009 regional meetings will be synthesized into a final document that will represent the strategic research priorities for women’s health research for the coming decade and will be unveiled in September 2010 in time for the 20th anniversary of ORWH at NIH. Additional information about ORWH’s strategic planning process is available at http://orwh.od.nih.gov ORWH Outreach Activities The ORWH Podcast Series “Pinn Point on Women’s Health”, features ORWH Director Dr. Vivian W. Pinn in conversation with NIH scientists on current women’s health topics. It includes one on postpartum depression. http://orwh.od.nih.gov ORWH developed an Outreach Notebook for the Inclusion, Recruitment and Retention of Women and Minority Subjects in Clinical Research which is available at: orwh.od.nih.gov/inclusion /incloutreach.html For more information, contact: Department of Health and Human Services Office of Research on Women’s Health National Institutes of Health 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 400 Bethesda, MD 20892=5484 Phone (301) 402-1770 Fax (301) 402-1798 further tests. “They didn’t ask me one other question, just performed the physical exam,” said Twomey. The thought of seeking additional help also seemed ominous to Twomey who, while suffering from paranoia—another effect of postpartum psychosis—feared that, if she explained in detail her feelings to a person or a group, and then committed an act against her child, she could be charged for a pre-meditated crime. cont. on page 14

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Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) which includes the partner as an active participant in eight acute psychotherapy sessions during pregnancy and one postpartum refresher session.

We are pleased and proud that so many of our members have recently been recognized for their work in helping promote the mission of PSI. Please join us in congratulating and celebrating these remarkable individuals. If you have received an honor, or know of another member who has, please let us know so we can share the good news! HEROINE AWARD presented to PSI Founder Jane Honikman on April 23, 2009 “for being a midwife of hope for women during pregnancy and after baby’s birth and birthing new connections between women and communities.” Community Medical Centers and University of California San Francisco, Fresno 2nd Annual Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Conference

Anna R. Brandon, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Women’s Mental Health Center Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences Department of Clinical Sciences NIH Clinical Research Scholar NIH CTSA Grant UL1RR024982UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 6363 Forest Park Rd., Ste 8.815 Dallas, TX 75390-9086 Ph: 214-648-0103 Fx: 214-648-4612 Mobile: 214-460-0420 11TH ANNUAL WELCOME BACK AWARDS honor PMD Expert Diana Lynn Barnes Eli Lilly and Company established the Welcome Back Awards in 1998 to fight the stigma associated with depression and to promote the understanding that depression is treatable. Each year, an independent panel of national mental health leaders recognizes five individuals for their outstanding achievements, and Lilly awards donations ranging between $10,000 and $15,000 to the not-for-profit organization of each winner’s choice.

More than 250 Battle Creek Health System associates were honored recently as part of the annual BCHS associate recognition celebration. Polly Syc-Vega, a charge nurse in the BCHS Family Birth Center, received the BCHS 2008-2009 ANNUAL OUTSTANDING RECOGNITION AWARD for her advocacy on behalf of patients dealing with postpartum depression while others were honored for their years of service. She’s a PSI Michigan Coordinator. PSI Armed Services Coordinator Kellie Haworth was awarded OUTSTANDING YOUNG PEDIATRICIAN OF 2009 for the Army given by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services Chapter East. I am pleased to report that I have received an NIMH MENTORED PATIENT-ORIENTED RESEARCH CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARD (1K23MH08500701A1) for the project “Partner-Assisted Therapy for the Treatment of Depression During Pregnancy,” beginning June 1, 2009 and continuing through May 31, 2012. PartnerAssisted Therapy (PAT) is a hybrid of two existing treatments for depression, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) and

2009 Eli Lilly Welcome Back Award winners Dr. Roy Menninger, Debra Wentz, Marian McCord, Dr. Diana Barnes and Bryce Mackie at the ceremony in June.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Diana Lynn Barnes, Psy.D., Tarzana, Calif. Awarded May 16 in San Francisco, California. Diana Lynn Barnes, Psy.D., is an internationally recognized expert on the assessment and treatment of perinatal mood disorders who has used her own three-year struggle with postpartum depression to help educate others through media interviews, speaking engagements and as an author. In addition to her private practice, she is a nationally known forensic expert in women’s reproductive mental health and works with defense counsels in cases of infanticide, pregnancy denial and neonaticide. She is a past president of Postpartum Support International and continues to work with the group

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to raise awareness of postpartum depression. In 2007, she wrote her first book “The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters.” Additionally, Dr. Barnes has been involved with the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Valencia, Calif. for the past two years to implement a comprehensive pregnancy and postpartum screening program. Cheryl Tatano Beck Receives the 2009 DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AWARD Washington, DC–The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) today presented its highest honor, the AWHONN Distinguished Professional Service Award to Cheryl Tatano Beck, BSN, MSN, CNM, DNSc, FAAN for her internationally renowned research and expertise in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and her unparalleled dedication to improving the health of women and infants. The award was presented at AWHONN’s annual convention in San Diego, California. Dr. Beck, a Distinguished Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, is a widely published expert on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, with a special focus on postpartum depression and post traumatic stress disorder as they relate to the birth experience. Additionally, Dr. Beck developed a widely used postpartum depression screening scale which has been translated into 14 different languages. Dr. Beck’s numerous accomplishments include the 2006 AJN Book of the Year Award for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Postpartum Support International Outstanding Contribution Award, and AWHONN’s Award for Excellence in Research. “Cheryl Beck’s research and leadership in the arena of perinatal mood disorders has made an enormous impact on the emotional health and well-being of women and newborns,” said AWHONN Executive Director, Karen Peddicord, RNC, PhD. “It is my pleasure to honor her with AWHONN’s 2009 Distinguished Professional Service Award.” Dr. Beck holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Connecticut State University; Certified Nurse-Midwife and Masters of Science degrees in Maternal-Newborn Nursing from Yale University; and her Doctor of Nursing Science from Boston University. Susan Dowd Stone receives GOLDEN BELL LEADERSHIP AWARD From the Mental Health Association in New Jersey . On June 10, 2009, Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW was honored by our nation’s oldest mental health association. The acknowledgement recognized her “excellence in promoting women’s reproductive mental health through advocacy, education and treatment”. In addition, Dowd Stone was featured in NASW’s national publication in May “Social Work in the Public Eye” for her national advocacy for maternal mental health. Earlier that month, she was invited by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez to speak at a press conference regarding this legislation along with PSI PAC members Mary Jo Codey and

Sylvia Lasalandra. Senator Menendez commented that “without the efforts of Susan Stone, the legislation would not have advanced as far as it has”. Dowd Stone was also interviewed along with PAC member Dr. Shoshana Bennett for Dr. William Thornton’s national radio program entitled “Natural Health”. The segment focused on the controversy surrounding The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act and can be heard by going to this link http://www.divshare.com/download/7494386-dee. Finally, NJN News did a segment on postpartum depression following New Jersey’s state wide PPD conference where PAC Members Cheryl Beck, Meg Spinelli, Mary Jo Codey and Susan Stone were featured presenters. Susan and Mary Jo Codey were interviewed by Emmy award winning journalist Sarah Lee Kessler for the powerful segment which you can see by visiting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w-itz_H89E. Susan continues to maintain the national petition in support of The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act on her website www.perinatalpro.com If you would like to add your name, please email susan at [email protected] sending your name, state and any affiliation (and none is more important than MOTHER!. The petition will be maintained until the legislation is passed. Susan Dowd Stone will also be honored at the Hudson Perinatal Consortium’s annual meeting and awards ceremony on November 12th, 2009. Susan will be receiving our COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD because of her help with conference planning, presenting and advocacy on the State and National level for Perinatal Mood Disorders. The event with take place at Liberty House Restaurant in historic Liberty State Park. To purchase tickets for the event or to participate in the ad journal, please call Mariann Moore @ 201-876-2676 or e-mail [email protected]. (We are a member of PSI). PSI MEMBER CROWNED MRS. OKLAHOMA INTERNATIONAL 2009 On Saturday night at the Seretean Center in Stillwater, Rachel Roberts of Tulsa was crowned Mrs. Oklahoma International 2009 by her husband, Clint. Roberts will compete for the title of Mrs. International on July 17 and 18, at the North Shore Performing Arts Center in Chicago, IL. Roberts, the owner of Double R Dance Company, wife and

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mother, will promote her platform of Post Partum Depression Awareness during her year as Mrs. Oklahoma and if she should win the International crown. She wants to share her story and journey with Post Partum Depression. “I was fortunate enough to recognize that I wasn’t feeling myself after having my daughter,” Roberts says. “I want to help other women recognize and overcome this illness.” She adds that she wants to spread the word that it’s okay and there is help out there. “No one is alone and there are supportive people who want to help.” As Mrs. Tulsa, Roberts has spoken to mothers of all ages, most recently at the Margaret Hudson Program for teenage mothers. She also appeared in the May 5 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine in an article about post partum depression and has worked diligently on helping to get the MOTHERS act passed into law. Roberts will speak at the Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Components of Care Conference on May 20 and 21 that will be simulcast throughout the state of Oklahoma. Roberts resides in Tulsa with her husband of 6 years, Clint, and their daughter Madeline Grace. In her free time, she enjoys performing, choreography, photography and spending time with her family. The Mrs. Oklahoma Pageant is the preliminary to the Mrs. International Pageant, which is held annually in Chicago, IL. The Mrs. International system was developed to promote today’s married women, their accomplishments, and commitment to family and marriage. Around the world women are finding this system to be the opportunity to work with their husband and family to become positive role models.

specializing in perinatal mental health and is the co-author of the book, Beyond the Blues, A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression. Meeka is a therapist and consultant May 20—21, 2009 who serves women and families with PERINATAL MOOD & mental health related issues during the childbearing years. She founded and now ANXIETY DISORDERS: serves as the Clinical Director for The COMPONENTS OF CARE, Postpartum Resource Center of Kansas—a non-profit organizations that provides An Essential Workshop for social support services to childbearing All Who Work with families. She provides training across the Childbearing Women State of Kansas and in other areas throughout the country. PSI’s Oklahoma coordinator Sheryl Cozad worked with Oklahoma Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies director Bonnie Bellah for nine months to plan the conference, which was sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Ann Salazar (Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy KIDS COUNT Coordinator), Bonnie Bellah (OK Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies director) with conference Health & Substance presenter Pec Indman. Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Healthcare A successful two-day conference Authority (which administers the state’s entitled PERINATAL MOOD & Medicaid program), the Innovation Center ANXIETY DISORDERS: which provided funding for the presenters, COMPONENTS OF CARE, An the Oklahoma Nurses Association which Essential Workshop for All Who Work provided CEU credits, the University of with Childbearing Women was held on Oklahoma College of Nursing, and the May 20—21, 2009. The conference was Oklahoma Infant Mental Health hosted by Association. Oklahoma Healthy Oklahoma Healthy Mothers/Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition is an Babies Coalition as their annual agency within the Oklahoma Institute for conference training at the University of Child Advocacy and a part of the national Oklahoma’s College of Nursing in Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Oklahoma City. Video conferencing was organization. provided to additional sites in Tulsa and More than one hundred therapists, Lawton, Oklahoma. The conference was nurses, social workers, and case managers also webcast. attended the two-day conference. One of PSI board member Pec Indman, EdD, the conference highlights was a lunch-time MFT, PA, and PSI’s Midwest regional presentation on the first day by PSI coordinator Meeka Centimano, LSCSW, member Rachel Roberts, who holds the were the conference presenters. Both have title of Mrs. Oklahoma International. served on PSI’s Education and Rachel’s title platform is awareness of PPD Training/Curriculum Committee: Pec, the and other PMD’s. She spoke about her current committee chair, has been teaching own struggle with and recovery from and creating curriculum and training postpartum depression as well as her materials for PSI since 1999. advocacy activities in bringing awareness A former Family Practice Physician’s to Oklahomans about this debilitating Assistant trained at Johns Hopkins illness. On July 18, Rachel will be University, Pec has a Masters degree in traveling to Chicago to compete for the health psychology and a Doctorate in international title and meet with Mothers Counseling. She is a psychotherapist

Oklahoma Conference

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Act advocates. To read more about Rachel’s mission, her web address is www. rachelrobertstulsa.com. Rachel may be contacted at rachel [email protected] “This conference represents the culmination of many years of consciousness-raising and networking,” says PSI’s Oklahoma coordinator Sheryl Cozad, whose close friend and former cocoordinator Cheryl Jazzar drove in for the conference from Georgia. “It was especially delightful that many of the people we have worked with since the mid-90’s were in

attendance to share this wonderful experience with us. We are pleased to welcome them and many new members into our state organization. This conference will do a great deal to help expand our referral network and assist several agencies in providing services to suffering families in our state who are in great need.” For more information about the conference or any of the sponsoring agencies, contact Sheryl Cozad at [email protected] or (405)360-0087.

Rook cont. from page 12 “It was backwards thinking because I would sacrifice myself for my children, like any mother, but, at the time, those are the things I was thinking about,” she said. Gradually, Twomey recovered from the psychosis, though she did then suffer from postpartum depression, and, within a short time she was once again pregnant, this time with twins. Twomey feared a relapse and began to research as much as possible about postpartum psychosis, learning about the history and possible prevention. Though Twomey was fine after the birth of her twins, her desire to learn about the psychosis with which she had suffered, and to help those suffering as well, only blossomed. She began working as a coordinator for Postpartum Support International (PSI) while living in Virginia, helping women suffering from mood disorders associated with birth, and, after Texas mother Andrea Yates murdered her children in 2001, she decided it was time more was done to educate the general public. “I thought, ‘Someone really needs to write a book about this,’” Twomey remembered. “I thought it was important.” The book is only one part of her mission to educate the public and help women who have suffered or

are suffering from the disorder. Twomey is one of only two PSI coordinators here in Connecticut, fielding calls from women nervous about everything from prevention to whether or not the symptoms could reoccur. Also, Twomey is hoping to promote more acceptance within the medical community, with the ultimate goal to have help groups at every hospital focused on assisting women to deal with any issues associated with delivery. And, of course, Twomey continues to write, with two new books in the works, including one that will center on how women can better care for themselves while pregnant — something that could help prevent the onset of postpartum psychosis. But, for now, Twomey will continue to offer her support, through her position as a coordinator and through her book, for those who suffer from the same disorder that affected her life. “The more informed the family and the person are, the better chance there is that they will receive help,” said Twomey. Anyone who has information regarding resources for postpartum psychosis, or who needs information, may contact Twomey at [email protected]. Reprinted with permission from The Cheshire Herald, Cheshire,

The Oregon State Legislature has passed a bill creating a statewide maternal mental health workgroup within Department of Human Services. For the purpose of this bill, “maternal mental health” was defined as the period encompassing pregnancy through one year after delivery. The workgroup will include representatives from early childhood and maternal care providers, mental health, obstetrics, and public health, PSI members, and will address vulnerable populations across the state. It will report back to the legislature after a year, making recommendations for programs, tools, and funding sources to initiate needed projects. Oregon State Representative Carolyn Tomei introduced the bill after asking several community members to study other states and write some effective legislation with little fiscal impact. The legislation was written by a committee with representatives from PSI, public health, perinatal healthcare, early childhood providers, and mental health clinicians. Testimony at the Capitol came from a diverse and passionate group of professionals and survivors, including PSI Coordinators Csilla Andor, AmyRose White, and Wendy Davis. In this year of limited funding, passage of this bill was made possible because the Oregon Department of Human Services decided to incorporate the workgroup into current programs at the Office of Family Health, thus removing any fiscal impact. This collaboration is exciting and invaluable, and comes after many years of outreach and dialogue between PSI members, public health, hospitals, social support and community organizations in Oregon. For more information, contact Wendy Davis at [email protected] or 503-246-0941

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If your donation is a physical item: (Please check one) ____I will bring it with me to Conference

___ I will mail the item

If your donation is a service or Gift Certificate: (Please check one) ____ I will bring a certificate with me to Conference ____ Please design & print a certificate for me ____ I will mail a certificate            

      



       

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