Blogging for a Cause: The Mothers Act

Today I blog in support of a very worthy cause: The Mothers Act. Although I typically like to keep my blogging to topics that are light, humorous, or related to the latest activities of my two girls, there are times that call for more serious dialogue. And this is one of them. So, I am participating in "Blog Day for the MOTHERS Act!".

The intent of the bill known as The Mothers Act is:
"To ensure that new mothers and their families are educated about postpartum depression, screened for symptoms, and provided with essential services, and to increase research at the National Institutes of Health on postpartum depression."

While I've never suffered from postpartum depression (PPD), I can't imagine being one of the 10-20% of new moms who do suffer from it. Let's face it, motherhood is difficult enough especially in the first few months. In today's world where so much is known about the "baby blues", PPD, and postpartum psychosis, it's time to help lift the weight of depression by erasing the shame and stigma associated with these conditions. And what better way than to simply TALK to new moms and sincerely ASK them how they are feeling. After all, there are moms and children out there who can greatly benefit from this Act.

I know that times can change and do change when there are there are enough voices calling out for it. Please add your voice to the mix by doing any or all of the following:
1. Blog about The Mothers Act today, October 14, 2007.
2. Link your blog to BlogHer here.
3. Display a Blog Day Mothers Act button on your site.
4. Call or write your Senator to support the Mothers Act. This Full House has provided an easy script for you:
"I'm calling because I want the Senator to vote for the MOTHERS Act, Senate Bill 1375.
I vote and live in the Senator's state."
5. Ask your friends and fellow bloggers to participate too!

Thank you!!

I also write at Silicon Valley Moms Blog as "JB".

Comments

[Katherine Stone]

Thank you so much for writing about Blog Day for the MOTHERS Act. I hear the phone lines were pretty busy today, so if your readers haven't had a chance to call or to get through yet, I hope you'll encourage them to do so before the end of the week. Every single call is important to all the new moms out there.

[Go-Go Mommy]

Great point Katherine! Thanks for inspiring all of us to "raise the bar" and make sure all mothers and children receive the best care possible during such a life-changing time.

Well Go-Go Girls, you heard it - we have until the end of the week to make sure we dial up to show our support! Thanks!!

PS - I hope to meet you at BlogHer next year Katherine!

[MGH Center for Women's Mental Health]

Thanks for your support of the MOTHERS Act. Too often postpartum depression is a problem that goes unnoticed, and most women with PPD never receive any type of treatment. PPD is a treatable illness, and it is essential that we continue to educate ourselves and others about this important issue.

For more information on PPD, visit us at womensmentalhealth.org