Curriculum Topic: Group Activity
Activity Type: Postpartum, Healthy Birth Practice 6
Purpose: Becoming familiar with the signs of postpartum mood disorders
Supplies: Craft sticks with descriptions of signs of "Baby Blues", "Postpartum Depression", "Postpartum Psychosis", "Anxiety", etc...
Signs with corresponding categories.
Instructions:
Let each class member take a craft stick with a description. They will place it on the appropriate "sign" on the floor. After all sticks have been laid out, instructor (or volunteer) reads the sticks under each category. Discuss whether that is the best placement for each stick, gently correcting any mis-placed sticks with the correct information.
Talking Points:
It is estimated that up to 20% of women may suffer symptoms of minor and major depression during pregnancy and the first 3 months after birth. Attention is now also being focused on other forms of perinatal mental illness such as anxiety disorders and especially, post-traumatic stress disorder. Most women and families who experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders say that no one warned them that this could happen. Both the pregnant woman and her support person(s) should know the possible signs that indicate that normal “baby blues” has escalated into a more serious postpartum mood disorder.
Educators should also keep a list of resources in the community for postpartum care and support in case students need a referral.
Reference: Adapted from the Lamaze Toolkit
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