Everyone expects a woman to be happy after giving birth.
“It’s the social norm,” said Joanne Goldbort, director of maternal health services at Union Hospital in Terre Haute.
However, for some new moms, the reality is far from smiling over that so-called “bundle of joy.” About 13 percent of women experience postpartum depression, Goldbort said.
Different from the “baby blues,” a more common short-term period of sadness associated with hormonal changes and exhaustion, postpartum depression begins about two weeks after delivery. Signs and symptoms include fatigue, withdrawal, insomnia, severe mood swings and a new mom’s lack of concern for herself or her baby.
“Most women suffer in silence,” for at least a while before seeking help, said Goldbort, who while completing her doctorate researched the depression women experience after unexpected birth experiences.
Later this month, Union Hospital’s Maternal Health Clinic will host educational sessions on postpartum depression.
Sara Wheeler, dean of the Lakeview College of Nursing in Danville, Ill., is scheduled to present information on the subject during two sessions Aug. 31 at the Landsbaum Center for Health Education in Terre Haute.
Wheeler will be joined by Margaret M. Pike, an associate professor at the Indiana University School of Nursing.
An afternoon session will be offered for nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, chaplains and social workers who care for women postpartum. An evening session will be open to the public. A grant is covering the cost of the program.
Risk factors for postpartum depression include a history of depression after a past birth, a family history of depression, social stresses and a lack of social support, Goldbort said.
In the extreme, some women experience postpartum psychosis, which is marked by confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and fear of harming oneself or the baby.
The case of Andrea Yates, a Texas woman who was retried last month after drowning her children in 2001, has brought the issue of postpartum depression to the forefront. The defense has said Yates suffered from severe postpartum psychosis after the birth of her fifth child.
Goldbort said it’s important for women who are experiencing any form of postpartum depression to have support and to get intervention, for the health of the new mom, as well as her baby and other family members.
Karin Grunden can be reached at (812) 231-4257 or karin.grunden@tribstar.com.
If you go
What: The Many Faces of Postpartum Depression, an informational session sponsored by Union Hospital Maternal Health Clinic.
When: Aug. 31. A session from 7 to 9 p.m. will be open to the public. A session from 1 to 4:30 p.m. is for nurses, and other professionals who care for women postpartum.
Where: Landsbaum Center for Health Education auditorium at 1433 N. 6½ St. in Terre Haute
Cost: Free
For more information, or to register for either program, contact Mary Huffman at (812) 238-7301 or mhuffman@uhhg.org.
Local & Bistate
Postpartum depression affects 13 percent of mothers
- Local & Bistate
-
-
Magnolia gives in on rezoning
A potential $20-million investment in Terre Haute’s east side has been blocked by public opposition.
-
Expert sees ‘slow slog’ ahead for economy
While optimism flickers, the Wabash Valley and Indiana economy may see a “slow slog” this year amid a flat housing market, unemployment and political unrest.
-
Komen move won’t affect Indiana Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood of Indiana will not be affected by Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s decision to halt grant funding to Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide.
-
Council discusses ideas for memorial ways
The Terre Haute City Council Thursday night discussed possible new rules for designating “memorial ways” in the community.
-
Madonna prepares our halftime feast
Suddenly, she arrived, with her famous bleached blond hair, the almond-shaped eyes, the ruby-red lips.
-
An advocate for the truth
The truth of the matter is, lying has consequences.
Pulitzer Prize winning author and New York Times columnist James B. Stewart offered an honest look at the trend of dishonesty inside Tilson Auditorium Thursday. His new book, “Tangled Webs: How False Statements are Undermining America: From Martha Stewart to Bernie Madoff” was featured as part of Indiana State University’s speaker series.
-
Super Bowl officials arrest "web pirate"
NFL Super Bowl officials were hoping to score some major media attention with the arrest of a “web pirate” accused of illegally streaming sporting events over the Internet.
-
Indy Super Bowl has cold-crisis master plan
Eager to avoid the winter-weather disaster that hit last year’s Super Bowl, this year’s host city has developed a cold-crisis master plan.
-
Steve Weatherford’s gifts keep on coming to hometown
The first time Steve Weatherford rolled through the New York Giants locker room with a laundry cart, collecting castoff tennis shoes and cleats, he made sure to tell teammates he wasn’t selling their stuff on eBay.
-
Shooting, chase leads to 23-year sentence
A Brazil man received a 23-year prison sentence for a 2010 incident in which he shot at Terre Haute Police during a car chase on the city’s east side.
-
State police release stats on K-9 work
More than $3 million in cash along with thousands of pounds of illegal drugs were removed from criminal enterprises in 2011 through the Indiana State Police K-9 program.
-
Linton-based Guard unit prepares for deployment
An Indiana National Guard unit from the southern part of the state that was deployed twice to Iraq since 2003 is now preparing to be deployed to Afghanistan.
-
Magnolia drops retirement complex plans for Ohio Boulevard
The company that had been hoping to build a new senior living complex along Ohio Boulevard has canceled its plans.
-
One million dollars won’t change Greencastle man
According to Michael Comer of Greencastle, winning $1 million on a Hoosier Lottery scratch-off ticket won’t change anything about him. And, if his initial reaction is any indication, he is telling the truth.
-
Greene County General Hospital announces expansion, renovations
Construction is expected to start in early spring on a new $6.5 million expansion-renovation of the Greene County General Hospital.
-
Renovations finished, airport prepared for Super Bowl traffic
The Super Bowl may be a few days off, but the “touchdowns” have already started at Terre Haute International Airport — Hulman Field.
-
MARK BENNETT: Super Bowl luck? His is mostly bad
I’ve learned to take a Seinfeld approach to Super Bowls.
In a flash of clairvoyance, Jerry excitedly reminded buddy George Costanza that “if every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.” -
Ohio Blvd. rezoning draws opposition
Opponents of a planned senior-living complex on Ohio Boulevard near Deming Park showed up in force at Wednesday night’s Vigo County Area Plan Commission meeting.
-
Child molestation charges filed against Terre Haute man
Two counts of class-A felony child molestation have been filed against a Terre Haute man arrested last week on child pornography charges after police received a tip that he was offering a child for sex via instant messaging.
-
CASA kids among many receiving funds from trust
Because of the generosity of four long-ago leaders in Terre Haute, some at-risk children today can participate in extra-curricular activities that they couldn’t otherwise afford.
-
Speaker tries to educate others about Islam
A 36-year-old orthodox Muslim, Zohra Sarwari frequently confronts misconceptions and stereotypes — even prejudice — when she is in public.
-
Law firm offering rides home
The Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin law firm plans to sponsor free taxi rides home from bars and restaurants to those who who have too much to drink on Super Bowl Sunday.
-
City woman facing arson charge
A Terre Haute woman faces a charge of arson related to a Jan. 10 apartment building fire in the 600 block of South Center Street.
-
Indiana joins right-to-work ranks, governor signs bill
Indiana has become the first Rust Belt state to enact the contentious right-to-work labor law prohibiting labor contracts that require workers to pay union representation fees.
-
VIDEO: Steve Weatherford homecoming
The only three New York Giants players who touched the football on a field goal that propelled their team into Sunday’s Super Bowl against the New England Patriots visited Terre Haute North Vigo High School Tuesday — where a throng of Patriots cheered for the Giants.
-
South student serving as Super Bowl ambassador
For more than five hours on Monday, Molly Nasser tied ribbons on gift baskets intended for hospitalized children across the country, part of an unprecedented service project undertaken by a Super Bowl host city.
-
SLIDESHOW: Indy has built rep from ground up
Leaders of Indiana’s capital city spent decades gussying up their downtown by building big sports and convention venues and luring upscale hotels, popular restaurants and a four-story shopping mall to locate here.
-
Vigo County trial date changed
The trial date has changed for a defendant in the April 2011 death of a Terre Haute man.
-
Vigo Commissioners strive to cut expenses
In an effort to remove possible overtime and compensation time issues, the Vigo County Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved a “letter of engagement” for a Muncie-based firm to conduct a time analysis study and a self audit/analysis for compliance with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
-
Sports museum helped Indy land big game
During the competition for Super Bowl XLVI, it didn’t exactly hurt Indianapolis to be able to throw the National Art Museum of Sports name into the mix.
- More Local & Bistate Headlines
-
Komen Reverses Planned Parenthood Cuts
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Past Complaint About LA Teacher Comes to Light
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Hiring Burst Pushes Jobless Rate Down to 8.3%
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
NY Police Shoot Dead Unarmed Man
Foreclosures Down 34 Percent in 2011
Madonna Nervous About Super Bowl Halftime Show
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
Reaction Heated on Planned Parenthood-Komen Rift
Cat in Cockpit Causes Four-hour Flight Delay
Raw Video: Fighting Goes on in Homs, Syria
Egypt Shaken After Deadly Soccer Riot
Raw Video: Punxsutawney Phil Sees Shadow
SB XLVI: Adam Sandler
Bronx Zoo Selling Valentine's Day Roaches
Adam Levine: Shame on Randy Jackson
Tim Tebow Addresses His Fans and Faith
Gossip Girl's Steamy Spread
AG Holder defends actions in heated hearing
First Look: Kim Kardashian on 'Last Man Standing'
Panetta said to expect Israel attack on Iran in spring
Madonna channels Victor Cruz
Christina Hendricks Stuns in Sexy Dress
Raw Video: Snow Causes 20-Car Pileup in Italy
College Football Prospect Chooses Team Based on Chick-Fil-A
EXCLUSIVE: Katy Perry's Sims 3 Commercial BTS
Ads get social at Super Bowl
Man Adopts 42-Year-Old Girlfriend
Kim Kardashian Looking to Start Bible Study Group
