New Help for Postpartum Depression

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/10/postpartum.depression/index.html

At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a groundbreaking inpatient psychiatric unit has been implemented specifically for women suffering from perinatal mood disorders. The unit offers a core group of doctors who specialize in perinatal issues, psychiatrists attuned to medications that wouldn't harm a pregnancy or nursing newborn, unusual policy of allowing children, even babies, on the ward during extended visiting hours, and mom-only counseling focused on anxiety and bonding.

15% of new mothers experience postpartum depression each year. Most don't need intensive intervention, but there are severe cases - women who can't sleep, obsess over bad things that could happen to their baby, or think about hurting the baby, or themselves. A unit that focuses only on postpartum depression could help these women. Previously they would have to commit themselves to a regular psychiatric unit where they would not get help that is tailored to their specific needs.