OSDH Helping Mothers Battling Post-Partum Depression

It might surprise you: The most common complication in pregnancy is a mother's experience of depression and anxiety after birth.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health wants to give mothers a fighting chance against these experiences.

"Everyone talks about they want to have a birth plan, which I think is a great idea when you are having a baby,” OSDH public health social work coordinator James Craig said. “But very few people think about what it looks like after.”

Birth commonly pushes mothers' mental health to the brink. Craig said he wants to arm moms with knowledge.

Research shows that 13% of American mothers report symptoms of depression. Forty-three percent of those​ women also suffer anxiety.

"We've developed a post-partum plan template," Craig said. "We want them to be informed, and we want them to be empowered, so they know what to look for. So, if something is off, they can talk about it."

Currently, the state posts resources for care providers and mothers such as a list of symptoms of postpartum mental disorders like crippling fear of harming the baby, no interest or concern for the baby, hyperventilation and more.

The state also provides access to perinatal mental health experts to help navigate early motherhood.

"We want people to know this is something they can talk about it so help can be there when they need it," Craig said.

One in four Oklahoma women suffer key symptoms of post-partum depression so you're not alone.

If you would like more information on where you can find help, click here.

For more background on post-partum depression, click here. You can also call 1-800-944-4773 or 1-971-203-7773 for Spanish.  

Additional information on maternal mental health can be found here.