For Family & Friends

The postpartum period is a huge adjustment for everyone. It is important to take good physical and mental care of yourselves. It is also important to understand what postpartum depression is, and how to help with healing. Your patience and support are invaluable. We think Marcus Aurelius had some good advice when he said, “The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.”

Here are some things you should know:

1. PPD is real; it’s serious and often unexpected. Left untreated, it can last for months, even years. A woman suffering from postpartum depression can’t just change her attitude. It is not her fault or your fault. Postpartum depression is a disorder.
2. Postpartum depression does not mean that a parent doesn’t love her/his baby or her/his family or that she/he is just being weak.
3. Both men and women experience postpartum depression. Certainly, when one suffers, the whole family feels the effects.
4. Someone suffering postpartum depression is emotionally vulnerable. It may be difficult to communicate clearly with each other but it will help if you validate her/his feelings, rather than judge what he/she feels or says.

There is an excellent little pamphlet called "Breaking the Silence" for purchase (even in bulk). It is published by Noodle Soup. 1-800-795-9295. You can also order online at www.noodlesoup.com

Other particularly good sources of information for families are:

• Postpartum Stress Center
• Postpartum Men
• Postpartum Dads
• Postpartum Stress Center’s Info for Family

The South Shore Postpartum Support Network was formed to bring together the practitioners, organizations, research, and best practices that South Shore families need for a healthy postpartum experience. The initial scope of this Task Force is from Quincy south on Route 3 to the Sagamore and Bourne Bridges and Route 24 to Route 495 south to Route 25 south to the Bourne Bridge.

All information contained on the South Shore Postpartum Support Network website is intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional treatment or for professional advice relative to a specific medical or mental health question or condition.

We urge you to always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with respect to your medical condition or mental health. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any provider. There is no replacement for personal medical or mental health treatment and advice from your personal healthcare provider.

This website was made possible by a grant from South Shore Community Partners in Prevention (CHNA 23)

Special thanks to the North Shore Post Partum Depression Task Force, the Cape and Islands Maternal Depression Task Force, and the Jordan Health Foundation for their support and assistance.

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