Postpartum depression is real. This step would help reach more suffering mothers

One of the ever-so-beautiful and terrifying phases a woman goes through in her life is pregnancy.

Although childbirth in the big sense of the word is a wonderful experience, it is not always the joyous, ideal moment we imagine in our heads. Complications can arise as early as the prenatal stage past birth to the postpartum phase.

Postpartum depression affects about one in nine women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After giving birth, women can experience symptoms of depression ranging from mild to severe that can interfere with the mother’s ability to care for herself or her child.

The Stanislaus County Health and Human Services website states that the most common causes are previous experiences with postpartum depression, having a sick baby, or not receiving enough support from family. A 2014 article, “Pregnancy Loss,” states that the prevalence for postpartum depression is 15 to 20% overall, reaching 27% of women between 25 and 29 years, and 75% in women over 45.

In 2018, two laws in California, Assembly Bills 2193 and 3032, were passed and require educating staff and healthcare providers on how to appropriately screen and provide services to those who develop postpartum depression. What is missing in the law is the inclusion of women who experience loss of pregnancy or death of a newborn, which can be a huge precursor for depression.

Assembly Bill 2417, titled “Maternal mental health: Bereaved mothers,” was proposed by Assemblyman Jim Patterson in February of this year. It aims to include women who experience loss related to pregnancy caused by stillbirth, miscarriage, or a fatal fetal diagnosis in the screening process for postpartum depression.

Women who experience loss of pregnancy are at high risk for developing depression that can linger for years, without early intervention and treatment. I advocate for all women who would benefit immensely from this law.

Losing a child is a traumatizing experience that calls for enormous amounts of support to ensure grieving is processed in a healthy manner. Regardless the type of loss, mothers face high amounts of anxiety, self-blame and guilt that can complicate the grieving process, which can lead to fear of future pregnancies.

Depression can interfere with relationships, work, family life and the community, and it is our responsibility to bring to light these issues and fight for the passing of important bills like AB 2417 that aim to protect and include at-risk populations.

I encourage you to contact your representative and express your desire to get AB 2417 passed. The power of our voices has a great deal of influence on our representatives. They need to consider current disparities and issues of concern to their constituents.

This could be you, your friend, your sister, your neighbor, your wife. Join me in advocating for us and them.