Postpartum Depression Support Group

P.A.S.T. Postpartum Adjustment Support Team

"I will get past this"

Date: The first and third Tuesday of the month (first meeting April 17, 2007).

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8 p.m. (meetings begin promptly at 7 p.m.)

Location: EMS Academy (Gaddis School), 4201 W 93rd St. Oak Lawn, IL.
(93rd and Keeler, west entrance) Free parking is available.

Cost: None

Description: The support group offers resources that will allow new mothers to become more knowledgeable about Postpartum Depression, its causes and available treatment options. This service will also give mothers the opportunity to talk, listen and share their experiences with other women experiencing similar feelings.

Contact Information: Please call, 708.684.1333

Registration is not necessary to attend.

Infants are welcome. However, children can not be accomodated at this time.

Additional Resources

Postpartum Depression Illinois Alliance

Women's Health Online Information

Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression??

Having a baby can be the most exciting and exhilarating experience. It is also one of the most challenging times, both physically and emotionally, for you and your family as you cope with your new addition to the family. Emotional ups and downs are natural during this transition period.This period before and after childbirth can be difficult for some new mothers. If you are pregnant, or have had a baby within the past year, you can be affected. If you experience any of the following symptoms seek early detection and support so you can more quickly recover and return to a happy, healthy family life.

Baby Blues

The Baby Blues is the most well know of normal postpartum adjustment that affects 50 to 80% of new mothers. This is not considered a postpartum mood disorder, but a common occurrence that is hormonally induced. The onset can be from birth through the first few weeks.

Baby blues symptoms Include, but are not limited to:

If after two weeks post partum the symtoms continue or worsen, it may indicate a more serious condition.

Postpartum Depression

One in ten new mothers experiences various degrees of depression during the childbearing year. The onset can be anywhere from two weeks up to one year postpartum. These more serious disorders can impact up to twenty percent of new parents. The most common symptoms of depression may include, but are not limited to this list.

Postpartum Depression symptoms Include, but are not limited to:

Treatment

Remember you are not alone. Seek help from family and friends. Let your physician know how you are feeling. Help and treatment are available including education and support groups. Medication and individual or group therapy may sometimes be necessary.

Here is a list of physicians that treat Postpartum depression at Advocate Christ Medical Center.