AJR96,1,32 Whereas, postpartum depression is a disabling condition that affects 10 to 15
3percent of mothers within a year after childbirth; and

AJR96,1,54 Whereas, postpartum depression is the most common complication of
5childbearing; and

AJR96,1,86 Whereas, postpartum depression affects women regardless of their age,
7economic status, racial or ethnic background, or the number of children they may
8have borne; and

AJR96,1,109 Whereas, 28 percent of impoverished new mothers suffer from postpartum
10depression; and

AJR96,1,1211 Whereas, it is estimated that 800,000 new mothers are affected by postpartum
12depression each year; and

AJR96,1,1513 Whereas, mental health professionals believe that social, psychological, and
14biological factors all contribute to the onset of postpartum depression in new
15mothers; and

AJR96,2,5

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1Whereas, the risk of postpartum depression is greater if the woman has a
2history of depression in general or previous postpartum depression, severe
3premenstrual syndrome, thyroid imbalance, difficulty conceiving, a non-supportive
4partner, and stress related to family, marriage, occupation, housing, and other
5events during pregnancy or after childbirth; and

AJR96,2,126 Whereas, symptoms of postpartum depression can include: constant anxiety,
7restlessness, or irritability; sadness; excessive crying; mood swings; insomnia;
8confusion; inability to concentrate, remember, or make decisions; headaches, chest
9pains, racing heart, or hyperventilation; sudden change in appetite and weight; loss
10of interest or pleasure in activities; feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or worthlessness;
11emotional detachment and disinterest in the newborn; fear of harming the baby or
12oneself; and

AJR96,2,1413 Whereas, postpartum depression can have a negative impact on a new mother's
14ability to care for herself, her newborn, and other children living in the home; and

AJR96,2,1715 Whereas, children of mothers with postpartum depression are more likely to
16have cognitive delays, behavioral problems, or emotional and social dysfunction
17throughout their life; and

AJR96,2,1918 Whereas, the most severe cases of postpartum depression have resulted in new
19mothers committing suicide or harming their children; and

AJR96,2,2120 Whereas, postpartum depression is treatable and will resolve with professional
21counseling and medication; and

AJR96,2,2322 Whereas, the majority of soon-to-be mothers are not aware of the risk factors
23or symptoms associated with postpartum depression; and

AJR96,2,2524 Whereas, fewer than 15 percent of new mothers suffering from postpartum
25depression will receive treatment; and

AJR96,3,4

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1Whereas, organizations such as Postpartum Support International are devoted
2to raising awareness and educating the public about postpartum depression, and
3working with mental health advocates and state and federal government officials to
4increase funding for research and prevention measures; now, therefore, be it