PRINTER'S NO. 719
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
108
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY BARTOLOTTA, COLLETT, SCHWANK, J. WARD, DINNIMAN,
MARTIN, FONTANA, FARNESE, TARTAGLIONE, BREWSTER, K. WARD,
BLAKE, FOLMER, PHILLIPS-HILL, SABATINA, BROWNE, BAKER,
KILLION, MUTH, MENSCH, AUMENT, HUGHES AND COSTA, MAY 6, 2019
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, MAY 6, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of May 2019 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 one in seven 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
tasks; and
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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
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, Only 15% of women with postpartum depression ever
receive professional treatment, indicating that many women each
year are not getting the help that 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 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
her symptoms and allow her to enjoy her baby; and
WHEREAS, There are many support groups available for mothers
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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 Senate recognize the month of May 2019 as
"Postpartum Depression Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
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