skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

At least four dead in St. Lucie County from tornadoes spawned by Milton; AZ voting advocates switch focus to voter education; EPA omits schools from new lead rule but federal funds could help; Where does Harris stand on factory farming?

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

President Biden denounces disinformation about federal disaster response. Experts address concerns about how hurricanes impact voting, and activists left and right question VP Harris' stance on meat.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Hurricane Helene has some rural North Carolina towns worried larger communities might get more attention, mixed feelings about ranked choice voting on the Oregon ballot next month, and New York farmers earn money feeding school kids.

Groups provide new treatment options for postpartum depression

play audio
Play

Wednesday, October 2, 2024   

More new babies are born in the fall than any other time of year, which also means some new mothers may be heading into winter with what is sometimes called the "baby blues."

There are new treatment options in Mississippi and elsewhere, including a drug for severe postpartum depression called Zurzuvae. Experts said postpartum depression is more than just the fatigue and life changes that come with being a new parent.

Dr. Donna O'Shea, OB/GYN and chief medical officer for population health at UnitedHealthcare, advised those who are struggling not to suffer in silence.

"Any women with a history of anxiety or mood disorders or women who have a family history of depression or postpartum depression, that certainly places them at a higher risk for not just postpartum blues, but for actual postpartum depression," O'Shea explained.

In 2023, more than one in five women in Mississippi reported experiencing postpartum depression after giving birth, according to America's Health Rankings, which is almost double the national average. The numbers are higher among Native American, Asian and Black women.

A program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center matches people with mental health care providers to help them cope with the stress of being a new mom. The Child Access to Mental Health and Psychiatry, or "CHAMP for Moms" program, is funded by the U.S. Health Resources Services Administration and UnitedHealthcare.

Calandrea Taylor, project director of CHAMP for Moms, said Mississippi has the third-lowest ratio of behavioral health professionals to primary care providers.

"We have two goals of the grant," Taylor outlined. "To educate and to also provide access to psychiatry and mental health through consultation."

O'Shea pointed out people from marginalized communities are affected more often by the "baby blues."

"Women are also at increased risk if they're from under-resourced communities," O'Shea emphasized. "There are some women who have little or no social support and if someone has a history or is currently using substances, they will face higher risks."

Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
In Florida, the deadline to register to vote was Monday, and a Florida driver's license or Department of Motor Vehicles ID card was necessary to complete the registration. (Vilkasss/Pixabay)

Social Issues

play sound

As Hurricane Milton makes landfall and Florida recovers from Hurricane Helene's devastation, voting rights groups have filed a legal challenge to …


Social Issues

play sound

A Detroit educator recently told a congressional committee he is "terrified" at what a second Trump term as president could bring for America's public…

Social Issues

play sound

Ho-Chunk Farms' annual Indian Corn Harvest is reviving and preserving this tradition for the northeast Nebraska tribe. Corn from a Winnebago family's …


There is no safe level of lead in a person's blood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Scientists note even low lead levels have been shown to affect IQ, the ability to pay attention and academic achievement. (Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

Clean water advocates in Maine are applauding the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule on lead pipe removals but warned drinking water in school…

Health and Wellness

play sound

When it comes to stroke care, experts say, "time is brain." Now, a program launching in South Dakota will coordinate and strengthen stroke care …

Buildings are 32% of New York's annual greenhouse gas emissions, making them the state's largest emitter. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

New York State authorized utilities to develop thermal energy network pilot programs to further its decarbonization goals. Thermal energy networks …

Environment

play sound

From power outages to burnt farmland, North Dakota is coming to grips with the impact of several large wildfires that are linked to at least two …

Environment

play sound

By Bennet Goldstein for Wisconsin Watch.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for Wisconsin Watch-Public News Service…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021