PRINTER'S NO. 3455
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
881
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY TOOHIL, SCHLOSSBERG, BARRAR, BENNINGHOFF,
BIZZARRO, BURNS, DALEY, DiGIROLAMO, DUSH, HENNESSEY,
KIRKLAND, LONGIETTI, MACKENZIE, J. McNEILL, MILLARD, MURT,
NEILSON, PASHINSKI, M. QUINN, RYAN, SIMS, SOLOMON AND SONNEY,
APRIL 30, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
APRIL 30, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of May 2018 as "Postpartum Depression
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Many new mothers experience baby blues syndrome,
which commonly includes mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and
difficulty sleeping; and
WHEREAS, Baby blues syndrome typically begins within the
first two to three days after delivery and may last for up to
two weeks; and
WHEREAS, Some new mothers experience a more severe, long-
lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression; and
WHEREAS, Postpartum depression can be moderate or severe; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, approximately 1 in 9 women experience postpartum
depression; and
WHEREAS, Postpartum depression can eventually interfere with
a mother's ability to care for her baby and handle other daily
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tasks; and
WHEREAS, Postpartum depression symptoms usually develop
within the first few weeks after giving birth or may begin up to
six months after birth; and
WHEREAS, Postpartum depression symptoms may include a
depressed mood or severe mood swings, excessive crying,
difficulty bonding with the baby, withdrawing from family and
friends and loss of appetite or eating much more than usual; and
WHEREAS, Other symptoms associated with postpartum depression
are the inability to sleep or sleeping too much, overwhelming
fatigue or loss of energy and reduced interest and pleasure in
activities; and
WHEREAS, Intense irritability and anger, fear of not being a
good mother, feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or
inadequacy, diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or
make decisions, severe anxiety and panic attacks, thoughts of
harming oneself or the baby and recurrent thoughts of death or
suicide also characterize the condition; and
WHEREAS, Only 15% of women with postpartum depression ever
receive professional treatment, indicating that approximately
850,000 women each year are not getting the help they need; and
WHEREAS, Many women do not seek professional treatment
because of the stigma associated with postpartum depression or
the embarrassment of admitting that they are experiencing
symptoms; and
WHEREAS, When left untreated, postpartum depression may last
for a few months or longer; and
WHEREAS, Postpartum depression is not a character flaw or a
sign of weakness, and prompt treatment can help a woman manage
her symptoms and allow her to enjoy her baby; and
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WHEREAS, There are many support groups available for mothers
and their families to share their experiences with others; and
WHEREAS, More research into postpartum depression is
necessary to understand the causes and symptoms of maternal
depression and anxiety, identify who may be at risk and develop
effective screenings and treatments; and
WHEREAS, Postpartum Support International annually recognizes
the month of May as "National Maternal Depression Awareness
Month"; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of May 2018 as "Postpartum Depression Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania.
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