“Down Came the Rain,” a best-selling memoir by actress Brooke Shields, as well as recent headlines have shed more light on an important women’s health issue-- postpartum depression (PPD). Although PPD has been observed as far back as during the time of Hypocrates, it is still an illness that often goes undetected and can have negative effects on the mother, baby, and entire family.

A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals from Huntington Hospital including nurses, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and a psychiatrist, is spearheading a research study to identify factors that contribute to the development of postpartum depression and to determine best practices for identifying women who may be at risk for PPD.

“Postpartum depression affects up to ten percent of women following the delivery of a baby,” according to Judith Moran, RN, DNSc, Assistant Director of Nursing. It can occur within the first year after giving birth. Susan Goldman, RNC, MS, CNS, Maternal Child Clinical Nurse Specialist, noted that PPD can range in severity from “baby blues” to severe depression that threatens the well-being of both mother and baby.

Symptoms may include difficulty sleeping, lack of energy, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, feelings of guilt, withdrawal from friends and family, and, in extreme cases, thoughts of suicide.

PPD can be successfully treated, often with a combination of antidepressants and therapy. However, healthcare providers need to be proactive about identifying women who may be experiencing PPD, according to the Huntington Hospital team.

“Since many women do not return to their obstetrician until six weeks after delivering a baby, it may be beneficial for pediatricians and nurse practitioners to screen new mothers for this condition,” Dr. Moran pointed out.

“We are optimistic that the information gained from this study will help us to facilitate the early detection and treatment of PPD, and improve the overall quality of the nursing care provided to postpartum women and their families,” added Dr. Moran.

The team hopes to enroll 400 women in the study. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and have given birth to a healthy baby at Huntington Hospital within the last year. The study involves a screening for PPD and a simple questionnaire. Referrals for treatment will be provided to participants. Please call (631) 351-2070 to learn more about this important research study.