PRINTER'S NO. 1648
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
293
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY BARTOLOTTA, COLLETT, BOSCOLA, BROWNE, KANE,
KEARNEY, SANTARSIERO, FONTANA, HUGHES, SCAVELLO, CAPPELLETTI,
MARTIN, MENSCH, SCHWANK, COSTA, BAKER, COMITTA, J. WARD AND
STEFANO, MAY 16, 2022
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, MAY 16, 2022
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of May 2022 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, that
could range from moderate to severe; and
WHEREAS, Postpartum depression can eventually interfere with
a mother's ability to care for her baby and handle other daily
tasks; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of postpartum depression usually develop
within the first few weeks after giving birth or may begin up to
six months after giving birth; and
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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, The inability to sleep or sleeping too much,
overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy and reduced interest and
pleasure in activities are other symptoms associated with the
condition; 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, Research by the American Psychological Association
indicates that 15% of new mothers suffer from postpartum
depression, meaning that in Pennsylvania approximately 20,000
babies and their mothers are annually affected by this illness;
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, Nationwide, approximately only 50% of new mothers
are screened for depression and even fewer receive treatment
following a positive screen; and
WHEREAS, When left untreated, postpartum depression may last
for several 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
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her symptoms and allow her to enjoy her baby; and
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
a day in May as "World Maternal Mental Health Day"; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of May 2022 as
"Postpartum Depression Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
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